How One Coconut Fragrance Brought Summer Into My Bathroom

Well, the British weather certainly isn’t letting the side down. Halfway through June and it still can’t decide what season we’re in. One minute it’s glorious sunshine, the next it’s more like April showers than the start of summer.

Still, the days are longer, the football is in full swing and I’m already eyeing up my sun cream in anticipation of warmer weather.

One of the things I love most about summer is its fragrance. The scent of sun cream, candy floss, vanilla and coconut mingling with salty sea air instantly transports me back to childhood holidays, beach days and family trips to the seaside. Just one whiff and I’m hit with a wave of nostalgia.

So when I discovered the Coconut, Vanilla & Shea range from Baylis & Harding’s Goodness collection, I was delighted.

I may not be basking in coconut-scented sun cream on a Mediterranean beach just yet, but these products certainly deliver the same feel-good summer vibes. Better still, they’ve reminded me of a brand I’d almost forgotten about.

Like many people, I associated Baylis & Harding with the bath and body gift sets that appeared every Christmas. But somewhere along the way, the brand has undergone a serious glow-up. The Goodness range feels modern, sophisticated and surprisingly premium for an affordable high-street brand, with sleek packaging and fragrance combinations that wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique spa.

Summer in a Bottle

The range I tried included the Coconut, Vanilla & Shea Natural Hand Wash, Natural Body Wash and Natural Bath Soak.

What I enjoyed most was how the fragrance carried through each product. Coconut can sometimes become overly sweet, but this blend is softened beautifully by warm vanilla and nourishing shea. The result is a scent that feels comforting, sunny and unmistakably summery without overpowering the senses.

The Natural Hand Wash has quickly become a fixture by my bathroom sink. It turns one of life’s most mundane tasks into a small moment of indulgence, leaving behind a subtle fragrance that lingers just long enough to remind you of sunnier days ahead.

The Natural Body Wash was perhaps my favourite of the three. Rich enough to feel luxurious yet gentle enough for everyday use, it transforms an ordinary shower into something that feels a little more special. On grey mornings, it’s about as close as you can get to bottling a summer holiday.

Then there’s the Natural Bath Soak. Summer may not traditionally be bath season, but when the rain is tapping against the windows and the temperature drops unexpectedly, a warm bath infused with coconut and vanilla feels wonderfully comforting. The fragrance fills the room and creates the illusion that you’re somewhere far more exotic than home.

Luxury Without the Luxury Price Tag

What surprised me most wasn’t just the fragrance but the overall look and feel of the collection.

The black bottles with gold detailing feel sleek, contemporary and far more expensive than their price point would suggest. If you removed the branding, I’d happily believe they belonged to a premium beauty label or boutique hotel bathroom.

In a world where bath and body products can easily creep into luxury territory, it’s refreshing to find a collection that feels indulgent without demanding a luxury budget.

The formulations are vegan-friendly and made with naturally derived ingredients, adding to the feel-good factor without sacrificing affordability.

Holiday-Friendly Sizes

Another feature worth mentioning is that the range is also available in handy travel sizes.

Whether you’re planning a weekend by the coast, a city break or a summer escape abroad, they’re ideal for slipping into a wash bag without taking up precious luggage space. With airline liquid restrictions still a consideration for many travellers, having smaller versions available is a practical touch.

There’s also something comforting about unpacking your toiletries in a hotel room and being greeted by a familiar fragrance that instantly makes the space feel a little more like home.

Bringing Summer Home

While I still have my fingers crossed for a proper British summer, these products have become a welcome reminder of everything I love about the season.

They capture the scents that define summer for me — coconut, vanilla, sunshine, seaside memories and carefree holidays — all wrapped up in packaging that looks far more premium than the price tag suggests.

No, they won’t replace a week in the Mediterranean. But until the weather decides to cooperate, they’re a surprisingly effective way to bring a little sunshine into your daily routine.

And if summer really does have a fragrance, this is probably what it smells like.

Discover why Crave is a top lifestyle magazine UK readers follow for delicious recipes and travel ideas.