Lying in a tub sudsy with your own filth, attempting to wash clean with water you just rinsed yourself off with, cramped into a cube you can’t stretch your legs out in.

Yech.

And yawn. 

I’d rather stand straight under hot, hot water, scrub myself pinky clean, rinse myself right, and wake up right to start - and end - my day.

E S Swedl gets it: “I really despise getting out of bed in the morning, and the only things that motivate me are the prospects of a nice shower and my first cup of coffee.”

“Save a shower-mounted coffee maker, this soap is the best way to get your jolt while lathering up. The peppermint scent is eye-opening, but the fact that you actually absorb caffeine through the skin should really wake you up.” 

Ooh la love.  Besides my addictions to vintage mink and five-inch heels, espresso is my drug and muse of choice, though occasionally I also dig -

Chocolate, maybe even in the form of Fruits & Passion shower cream. “A reason to wake up!”  says writer Jennie Payne. “Like showering in a foamy blanket of chocolate.”

Classic, whereas this Philosophy’s Shower for the Cure Pink Ribbon shower gel is more October. “Philosophy invites us to ‘Shower for the Cure’ with their Pink Ribbon Shower Gel. They say, ‘the search for a cure is a cause that we at philosophy hold near and dear…,’” explains Beauty Hatchery.“‘100% of the philosophy proceeds from the shower for the cure pink ribbon body wash are donated to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund.’”

Would you rather wake up dreaming? Baby Bear Shop founder Diana Stewart loves Molton Brown Sensual Hanaleni Moisture Bath & Shower, because it “Reminds me of my life in London. Though, I don’t know what’s in it.”

Guess what’s in Bath & Body Works Mango-Mandarin shower gel: sure, some fruits, and also “A fresh and invigorating way to start the day,” says Political Poet. “I never get tired of this scent. It makes me think of the summer, even in the middle of a frigid MIchigan winter!”

Sounds like a lovely breakfast. And while the only almonds I want to see in the morning are toasted, hanging out with a croissant and soy latte, this Bigelow Chemists almond shower gel could rock as well. “Smells yummy” like the croissant, but “it’s not greasy and yet moisturizes,” says Bob Roll.

Want a shower gel that plays harder and double duties? Check this Brave Soldier shower shave for face & body. Says Geoff Kabush,”Being a cyclist I do a lot of shaving with my legs and face and Shower Shave is the product I love for both. It leaves my skin silky smooth and moisturized.”

You’re less sporty and more crafty - a DIY body scrub is easy and will make your skin happy. Says Sara at Blog for Beauty: homemade mint and almond body wash is “a great exfoliater and refreshing treat that can wake you up early in the morning! All you do is:

Smash mint leaves and almonds with a large spoon and put it in a bowl, add just a few table spoons of water to create a paste-y like texture. Next, put it in the freezer or fridge for an half hour, then apply it on your body in the shower, then rinse off.”