SOME people believe baths are a winter affair.

These people are wrong.

Baths are a year-round joy and the hunt for the perfect bath oil an endless quest.

That quest might almost be over, however.

Olverum, I admit, was a bath oil I had never come across before, which is odd as I'm a bath addict and this stuff has been around since 1931.

In all that time, the oil hasn't changed much. In an ever-changing, disposable world, there's something remarkable about a product that stays exactly as it is.

Comforting, reliable, consistent: all the things that make a perfect bath.

Smelling of pine and lavender, Olverum is 48% pure essential oils and blends Siberian Fir Needle, Exotic Verbena, Rosemary, Juniper, Lemon Peel, Lavender, Lavandin, Lime, Lime, Eucalyptus and Geranium.

The claim is that with "just a few drops in your bath" it will bring you "back to your complete and natural self."

I'm not sure I could describe my "complete and natural self" but it certainly is a blissful experience. The essential oils moisturise and leave skin soft but are also perfect for easing sore muscles.

Unlike other oils, the smell remains no matter the length of time you swish about in the bath.

This is a slightly off-label use but I mixed a few drops with a very plain body moisturiser for extra scent benefits and skin moisturising, which worked really well.

Olverum isn't cheap but I found half a capful just as effective as the recommended capful so it lasts for ages and is certainly worth the price for the quality.

Four stars

Olverum is £26 for 125mls, £40 for 200mls and is also available in a travel set, all from www.olverum.com