These $7 Shower Steamers Transformed My Home Into a Spa

I've found that self-care can look a little different to everyone. For some people, it revolves around cozying up with a cup of hot tea and a weighted blanket; for others it involves more practical efforts like reading a self-help book or talking to a therapist. For me, it can be as simple as indulging in a hot shower — preferably with extra steam and a good playlist in the background.

At the end of a long work day, few things help to calm my mind better than a regimented shower routine and lately, I've been looking for more ways to elevate the experience as a whole. POPSUGAR has long been one of my go-to destinations for self-care tips and inspiration (I might be a little biased), so when the brand debuted its soothing POPSUGAR Bath collection at Walmart, I added every item to my shopping cart with the hopes of transforming my bathroom practices for the better.

As a bonafide shower girlie (sorry, bath lovers), I've become obsessed with the POPSUGAR Bath Eucalyptus Shower Steamers ($7), in particular. With the help of a little steam, these tiny tablets are designed to disintegrate in the shower, all while releasing essential oils into the air that help to create a more relaxed (and frankly, more elevated) bathing experience. The eucalyptus steamer emits a minty aroma that's so refreshing and unique, you feel as if you've been transported to a luxurious spa — all while still enjoying the comfortable amenities of your own home. I can honestly say these affordable tablets have improved my shower setup, and ahead, I break down everything to know about them — including how to properly use them.

First and foremost, I appreciate that the steamer tablets are small in size, so they take up minimal space in my shower. I've become something of a shower snob in my adulthood, which means that even with a shower caddy, my bathroom space is often filled to the max with wellness products (leaving me with limited space for much else). Despite their compact design, these tablets pack a serious aromatic punch.

The steamers are made with invigorating ingredients like eucalyptus-scented essential oils, which are designed to help calm the senses and even clear sinuses. Within under a minute of placing the steamer in my shower, a refreshing eucalyptus scent immediately begins to fill my bathroom space, creating a relaxing ambiance that resembles the environment of a spa. I love that with these shower steamers, I can enjoy a luxurious and soothing experience at home, all without having to spend a ton of money on a proper spa treatment.

Best of all, these tablets are designed to be gentle on skin so I don't have to worry about any harsh ingredients filling the air during my shower (and potentially causing skin irritation in the process). The product's scent also lingers a little longer after my shower concludes, providing a calming post-washing experience that makes even doing my nighttime skin-care routine feel all the more luxurious.

These shower steamers are incredibly easy to use and, unlike bath bombs or bath beads, don't require any direct interaction with water in order to activate the product's ingredients. To start, I'll turn my shower faucet on and let the water run for a few moments as it gets hot; living in an apartment building, this usually takes a minute or two. Once I get the water temperature to my liking, I'll unwrap one of the tablets and place it in the corner of my shower, away from the direct water line coming out of my showerhead. Within 30 seconds, I can start to smell (and feel) the shower steamer working its aromatic magic. The steam from my shower helps to disintegrate the tablet, ultimately releasing its eucalyptus scent into the air.

Per direction from the brand, it's recommended that you don't place these tablets directly under the water, as they'll evaporate quicker and thus provide less time for you to fully enjoy their aromatic qualities. When I follow the product's directions — placing them in the corner of my shower and away from direct water flow — I'm able to get about two to three uses out of them, which is great, considering each package comes with six tablets.

As other reviewers on Walmart's site have noted, when they come in direct contact with the water, the tablets will disintegrate almost immediately. This is pretty standard with most shower steamers that I've tried, so it's worth noting if you're someone who wants to get the most use out of the product.

These shower steamers are available to shop exclusively at Walmart.

Rating:
★★★★

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on POPSUGAR Shopping, where she reviews trending products, monitors commerce trends, develops thoughtful affiliate strategies, and relies on her unique expertise to compile helpful shopping guides for consumers that span a number of verticals — including fashion, home, beauty, and wellness. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.