Living life in the fast lane of showbiz can take its toll. Two personalities tell Ramona Depares why their bathroom rituals are an essential part of winding down at the end of a hectic day.

Joseph Chetcuti

Joseph Chetcuti and his feel-good essentials. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Arani Issa host

Which time of day offers you an escape from daily stresses?

My life is truly on the fast track – but then everything seems to come to a complete halt when I enter the realms of my bathroom. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s song It’s My Time starts echoing when it’s time to pamper myself.

What essentials aid your daily feel-good ritual?

I believe that we should take good care of our bodies. Around my basin you’ll find anything a man would need, and lately, in approaching my 40s, the space has become ever more crowded. I can’t do without my Biotherm Homme anti-fatigue eye cream and face cream, which I use religiously twice daily. Then there are my Wellman Sport tablets, really necessary as my daily gym sessions are quite strenuous. I can’t forget to mention my extra strong hair gel and my withening tootpaste. Actually, come to think of it, I carry them with me wherever I go – yes, they are that essential for my well-being! My Acqua di Gio, by Armani, is another item I would miss a plane for.

When planning your home, how much importance did you attach to the bathroom?

I believe it’s not a question of space, but style. I am a great fan of two adjacent showerheads in all of my bathrooms, but my prized possession is my fossil trunk, marble-inlaid, wash-hand basin. It is cute and unique and I’m really proud of it.

Ruth Frendo

Lovely smells, good books and some grooming products help Ruth Frendo relax.

Producer and presenter

Which time of day offers you an escape from daily stresses?

I always take a shower just before I go to bed, which is the perfect time for me to unwind after a long day at work. My favourite part of this routine includes putting on some mellow music, the likes of Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse, and getting lost in the melody and words. In winter, I enjoy switching on the bath heater and taking really hot showers. The problem with this is that it’s not the first time that I miscalculated the temperature of the water to the extent that I very nearly scalded myself!

Since my hair is quite greasy, I wash it on a daily basis while I’m taking a shower. However, I never dry my hair and actually go to sleep with wet hair. After the shower/bath, I put on some face moisturiser – and basically that’s my feel-good, daily ritual in a nutshell.

What essentials aid your daily feel-good ritual?

I don’t like using a lot of grooming products. I get more of a good vibe when I open the cabinet and breathe in the smell of scented candles and potpourri... Just bliss! But I have to say I also enjoy a good book and I do have my make-up basic staples. They definitely help achieve that feel-good factor!

When planning your home, how much importance did you attach to the bathroom?

I am currently in between moving houses, so I am feeling a bit like a gypsy. However, I intend to make up for this by splashing out on our new bathroom. My husband and I have already purchased a stand-alone bathtub, together with gorgeous tiles. We have also bought a beautiful old closet which, with a bit of restoration and much love, will act as the main feature of the bathroom.

This wooden closet has a beautiful design, but it is presently missing some parts that luckily can be easily found. For example, old mirrors will be attached to the holes found on the side of the cupboard, and so forth. I just cannot wait to start using it and to store all the towels, basic toiletries, aromatic candles and potpourri I now have stored away in boxes...