Tag: Feel Good

Can a fragrance change how you feel…?

Can wearing a fragrance do more than merely smell nice, and actually change how you feel? We’ve a guide to contemporary fragrance houses who have gone beyond scents that smell great, to using particular materials in their perfumes that have been proven to help you FEEL great, too….

So how can a perfume change how you feel? Well, thanks to advances in neuroscience and olfactory research, we now know that our sense of smell and our mood are inextricably linked. This goes far further than previous ‘aromatherapy’ claims which were either not scientifically tested at all or were viewed with a sceptical raised eyebrow. Now, several fragrance brands are utilising the remarkable findings of the research to incorporate their findings into fine fragrances.

 

 

This strategy (sometimes unromantically referred to as falling into the ‘functional fragrance’ category) is something we’ll see many more houses adopting going forward – producing fragrances that help us feel better or otherwise enhance our mood, soothe our spirits, or bolster our mental health. But which are the ones we’re wearing now to feel better…?

 

 

 

 

Edeniste Oud Ghazal

At the heart of every Edeniste creation is a patented ‘De-Stress Accord fused with a powerful blend of Iso E Super, white musks, cedarwood Texas and amber. ‘Developed over 4 years with leading neuroscientists and Master Perfumer Aurélien Guichard, this molecular heart of carefully selected powerful ingredients has been scientifically proven to reduce cortisol and alpha amylase levels and create a sense of relaxation and stress relief.’ Oud Ghazal drips with deliciousness, melding this calming heart to smouldering woods, black cherries and a rich, warm leather that wraps itself around you as a protective cloak. Utterly divine decadence.

£240 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

Vyrao Mamajuju

‘Get down to earth,’ we are exhorted by this neuroscience-backed scent, created as ‘an elixir for deep-rootedness and emotional equilibrium.’ (And heaven knows, we could all do with more of that, right now.) As they explain… ‘Each of Vyrao’s fragrances fuse master perfumery with energy healing elements using organic, natural ingredients chosen for their specific emotional qualities, giving each scent its own distinct vibration.’ Grounding Australian sandalwood is layered with a sprinkling of cardamom, pink pepper, nutmeg, cumin and saffron, while an extraordinary and so-soothing base of wet red clay, frankincense and a jigger of warming rum absolute further steady the nerves – a magic potion, for restored balance. We’re re-spritzing frequently this season!

£165 for 50ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

ARgENTUM Become

What began as an apothecary ‘where science meets poetry’ now offers a collection of soulful, character-matched scents. Inviting you to choose via a ‘fragrance reading’, or simply allowing yourself to succumb to their so-beautiful compositions; ARgENTUM’s luxury fragrances follow their ‘pursuit of beauty through balance…’ Become is their hero scent, the fragrance that began it all, encompassing ‘A flight of citrus accompanied by the delicate essence of rosewood and geranium leaves, thriving on a vibrant heart of spices that extend to a composition of sandalwood and patchouli.’ Both uplifting and energising, this is a scent to feel better, braver, more beautiful while wearing every day.

Try a sample as part of our Scented Showcase Discovery Box: £22 / £18 for VIPs

 

 

 

Cosmoss Sacred Mist

COSMOSS Sacred Mist

So-cleverly tapping into the zeitgeist of the much-needed sensorial craving for calm, Kate Moss has been busy since lockdown, working with Alchemist Victoria Young, Kate made sure this was far more than merely a range of products that also happened to smell nice. Uplifting, transformative and sensorially engaging, this has already become a must-spritz daily ritual for many via the initial sunshine-y zing of zesty bergamot and delicate orange flower, a radiant heart of jasmine and tuberose, with a calming dry down of earthy oak moss and cedarwood. Spritually sensorial!

£68 for 30ml eau de parfum  in our shop

 

 

 

Paco Rabanne Phantom

Using IFF’s Science of Wellness computer programme for the design of Phantom, it was ‘conceived by a team of perfumers–Loc Dong, Juliette Karagueuzoglou, Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo – who were assisted by AI and powered by neuroscience.’ Identifying key emotional benefits for the chosen ingredients, the styrallyl acetate molecule – which smells green, slightly metallic, and can be found as a component of gardenia and tuberose, among other floral notes – was used at 10x the usual dosage, as suggested by AI to increase alertness, but woven with lavender to calm and create an harmonious balance. Ingenius!

£69 for 50ml eau de toilette theperfumeshop.com

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Feel Good Fragrances – scents to help you feel stronger

Feel Good Fragrances are very much on our minds right now, what with the current state of the world and the stresses we’ve all experienced these last few years. It can feel easier to cope in the summer, sometimes, can’t it? Those lighter, brighter for longer days can really help make things seem better; but we know the incredible power our sense of smell has to help, too, even on the greyest, coldest days. That’s why The Perfume Society have curated an extra-special Feel Good Fragrances Discovery Box…

 

 

 

Priced at just £23 / £19 for VIP Club members, the Feel Good Fragrances Discovery Box has been put together to boost feelings of peace, inner-calm, strength, resilience and simply a sense of well-being (which goodness knows, we could all certainly do with right now). Here’s how…

 

Cochine Tuberose & Wild Fig

An evening walk in a garden in Saigon was the inspiration, and puts one in mind of moonlight reflected on water – a silvery, cool sigh of relaxation that segues to a white floral heart and vetiver base. Inviting us to take a moment and breath deeper, this multi-layered scent is light yet has a lasting depth.

 

 

edeniste Vétiver Imaginaire

Invigorating yet grounding, this incredible woody citrus scent is backed by neuroscience for its effectiveness. With natural nuances of citrus, flint, wood, smoke, and earth, it compels quietude, contemplation, and contains a unique ‘Destress’ accord proven by neuroscientists to enhance a feeling of safety and well-being.

 

 

 Electimuss Mercurial Cashmere

A fragrance to ride with us amidst changeable moods, maybe? ‘The most popular of the gods, Mercury was adored for his irresistible charm and wit and the inspiration for this sensuous and seductive scent.’ We say: wear this fluffy, irresistiable scent and feel better for every possible perfumed mood-swing!

 

 

Elementals Tong Ren

Based on wisdom of the I Ching, ‘Tong Ren speaks of how humanity has traversed a time of darkness’ and urges us via spiced citrus and exquisite Egyptian jasmine and apricot-like osmanthus ‘to come together in harmony and a spirit of equality to promote peace and create something new and beautiful.’ Yes please!

  

 

Maison Crivelli Ambre Chromatique 

A vertiable mood-board for an ultra modern take on amber, we’re instantly transported: ‘Rainbow jungle, a spicy trek, vanilla vines, cut multicoloured bark: a golden resin. Pointed flowers, a davana pigment, sunlike feathers, an akigala leaf. An amber colorama.’ Incense-infused, sheer yet characterful, it’s a must-sniff.

 

 

Parle Moi de Parfum Wake Up World 

Encouraging us to ‘feel more alert, alive and to acknowledge the wonders of the world around us,’ this invigorating scent fuses the brightness of bergamot and lime, a fusion of green apple and Turkish rose with enveloping warmth of a vanilla / tonka rich base. It’s a wake up call followed by a hug – the best kind.

 

 

 

 

Ruth Mastenbroek Gaia

Happy memories inspire every one of this brilliant British perfumer’s scents, and thinking about where each fragrance takes you, allowing yourself to escape, is such bliss. Inspired by the zen-like tranquility of the Norfolk Broads, soothing chamomile, grown in Norfolk, a sense of calm and contentment is assured.

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Baker Loudo

Mischievous, flirty and fun, this is a scent to wear for an instant confidence-boost, and encourages us to enjoy ourselves a while. A pun on ‘ouhd’, one of its key ingredients, and the Latin word for ‘play’ or ‘a game’, the delicious mix of cherry, white chocolate and orange blossom on a woody musky base is simply addictive!

 

To the Fairest London Élan Vital 

This restorative new scent is an earthy and utterly unique vetiver, paying homage to the thrill of connecting with the natural world around us. Élan Vital – ‘life force’ – is so grounding, so right for right now, the vetiver ultimately taking you by the hand and leading you to secluded, shady forest-y notes as it warms on your skin.

 

Tocca Colette 

Freedom to be yourself, explore your more sensual side and, ultimately, take the time to reconnect with yourself, dare to imagine: ‘A mysterious poet, Colette dares to ask and to be asked love’s most challenging questions. Her notes of sandalwood and incense are as spicy and seductive as they are alluring.’ Ooh-la-la!

  

 

 

Scentered Sleep Well Aromatherapy Balm

A sophisticated floral lavender, with added therapeutic benefits of soothing chamomile, palmarosa and ho wood, bois de rose and geranium. With a modern yet gentle patchouli, clove and ylang ylang heart, it’s time to switch-off, unwind and give yourself permission to relax – whenever and wherever you need it most.

 

 

Weleda Skin Food Body Butter

This FULL SIZE cult item is adored by beauty editors – it imbues your skin with a unique combination of botanical extracts while gently scenting with sweet orange, lavender and scrumptious, resinous benzoin. Fast-absorbing, the butter leaves skin petal-soft and ready to scent with whichever you require from the above.

 

Read more about the fragrances by clicking of each of the pictures in the Shop page – but we hope, whatever your need, you’ll find some blissful moments with this incredible collection of Feel Good Fragrances. Know a friend or loved one who’s been through a lot lately? Why not treat, them, too…?

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Help her Feel Good this Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, March 31 – and it can be emotional for many reasons. Those of us lucky enough to have a mum who’s still around can take a moment to treat her for a change, and those of us who don’t can feel rather overwhelmed by the occasion. But many of us might have a ‘mother figure’ – a strong woman we look to for advice and comfort in times of stress – so why not take the opportunity to send her some scented, feel-good vibes?

Why not buy mum / your mother-figure the Feel-Good Box (along with a nice bottle bottle of wine/tub of hot chocolate and bunch of flowers for full-on spoiling) – it’s our first collaboration with the Beauty Bible and packed with beautifully fragranced body and face-care treats to soothe away stress, leaving her calmer, glowing and stunningly scented.

Then, suggest she indulges in the following routine for a guaranteed feel-good / smell great treat of a day…

1. Cleanse with the iconic Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish / 30ml – the plant-based cream removes all traces of makeup, including stubborn waterproof mascara) while chamomile, rosemary, hops and eucalyptus soothe the skin (and the senses)…

2. Slather your face with the also award-winning Neal’s Yard Rose Beauty Balm / 15g –a multi-tasking product that can be left on as an ultra-nourishing face mask, dabbed on dry cutilcles/ends of hair, and used as a lip balm.

3. Run yourself a bath and add any of these generously sized options (BOTH are included!) depending if you feel…

Stressed out? Use just half a capful of the relaxing Olverum Bath Oil / 15ml – an aromatic blend of essential oils which combine to ease stress and relax tension in both mind and body. The scented steam will fill the room and the oil’s easily absorbed by the skin (no greasy residue in the bath!)

Need pampering? Try the decadently gorgeous Molton Brown Rosa Absolute Bathing Oil / 45ml – notes of rose absolute, violet leaf, blackcurrant, raspberry, geranium, sandalwood and patchouli, infused with skin-silkifying oils of argan and Italian rose, this bathing elixir will veil your skin in a deep, velvety fragrance that clings to the body for a beautiful trail, as you emerge from the scented waters.

4. After patting yourself dry with a fluffy towel, smooth the Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Skin Balm / 50ml all over your body. A Gold Beauty Bible Award-winner in 2019, It’s aromatherapy and skincare in one – with extracts of coriander, lemon, nutmeg, antioxidants and a fusion of relaxing Mediterranean essential oils and vitamin B5, deeply moisturising and leaving skin silky to touch.

5. After removing the Rose Beauty Balm/mask with the muslin cloth (acting as a deeply moisturising double-cleanse); warm a few drops of the Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil / 4ml in your hands, slowly massage into your face and allowing replenishing, renewing and restoring botanicals to work their magic. Including sinks-in-fast Kalahari oil, vitamin E-powered mongongo oil, firming Kigelia Africana and omega-rich, ‘buzz ingredient’ baobab oil, together with a blend of hibiscus and pomegranate to help fight free radicals.

6. Change into pyjamas, relax on the sofa with a glass of wine / hot choccy and allow the velvety smooth, rich Madagascan vanilla-ness of Green & Black’s White Chocolate / 100g to melt in your mouth. This indulgent treat features lashings of cocoa butter alongside organic whole milk, giving this white chocolate its wonderfully creamy texture.

7. While catching up with Netflix, massage the shea butter and almond oil-infused Heathcote & Ivory Gardener’s Handcream in for a mini-mani: The Original Gardeners Shea Butter Hand Cream is inspired by the vegetable patch, juicy with tomatoes and redcurrants, basil and mint. Hedgerow Hand Cream, meanwhile, delivers a luscious yet subtle berry scent, infused with tart rhubarb, blackberry and elderflower. Whichever you receive, we love them both!

8. Breathe deeply and apply This Works Stress Check Roll-On / 5ml to pulse points (we also love using it on the temple to relieve a headache). This concentrated 100% natural superblend of pure essential oils is the perfect antidote to stress overload. An invigorating, mind-cleansing, calming blend, it features refreshing eucalyptus, to combat mental fatigue, frankincense (to help you relax mentally and physically), alongside lavender oil, the most effective oil in helping hypertension, nervous tension and insomnia…

 

9. In the morning, have a fabulously scented shower with Percy & Reed Heavenly Hydrating Body Wash / 100ml – breathing in refreshing top notes of citrus and apple, heart notes of lily of the valley and rose, and comforting base notes of cedar wood, amber and musk. This nourishing formula is blended with botanical extracts to help calm and soothe the skin.

10. Take a shot of energy with Hello Day Vitality Boost / 4g – a new name in supplements, created with the help of Swiss and French health experts and doctors in micro-nutrition and phytotherapy, Vitality Boost sets out to help you feel more energetic, with stimulating and tonic properties to boost mental and physical wellbeing. Ingredients include cinnamon bark extract, to help your body feel stronger, and vitamin C to reduce tiredness and help your metabolism energy yield return to normal.

11. Before heading off to work/daily chores, glide some Scentered Focus Therapy Balm / 1.5g onto pulse points, it’s powered by memory-boosting rosemary, crisp peppermint (known to help with mental alertness), and clary sage – with its wonderfully clarifying scent – which combine to help relieve mental fatigue and promote concentration. Just what you need to carry with you through the day, for top-ups of a scented tonic!

We think you’ll agree, there’s a whole lot to explore and fall in love with in this box, and it’s the perfect gift for anyone you love who’s been feeling a bit overwhelmed or could just do with a bit of a pick-me-up… and perhaps that person is YOU? Go ahead, indulge yourself while you’re at it…

Feel Good Discovery Box £19 / £15 for VIP Club members

Written by Suzy Nightingale

How to Feel Good with Fragrance

Increasingly, people are turning to aromatherapy and using smell to soothe stress, add a sense of comfort or revive their spirits. There’s a whole feel-good festival with this in mind, and we’re thrilled to be taking part in Live Well London from 1-3 March 2019 – which you can read all about here – where we’ll be bringing our How to Improve Your Sense of Smell Workshop and exploring how scent truly can have a deeply emotional effect, every day.

In fact, we’re pre-conditioned to have smell preferences, and our response is based partly on our individual genetic make-up (our DNA), and partly on our life experiences. So: that crushed tomato leaf note that reminds you of a beloved grandmother and her greenhouse – or the jasmine that was growing round a door when you were poorly on holiday, and which you can now hardly stomach.

Many people use fragrance as a boost for their spirits, perhaps without realising they’re doing so, and there is even a name for the science behind this: ‘aromachology’.

It’s been scientifically proven that different aromas can impact on mood and emotions – not just personally, but affecting those around you. Bergamot is a feel-good ingredient, peppermint makes you perkier and more alert, and grapefruit – believe it or not – apparently makes others believe you’re younger than you are!

This is one reason so many people now have a ‘wardrobe’ of fragrances, rather than just one signature scent: a perfume to make them feel romantic, after a hard day staring at a computer screen; to give them a relaxed, weekend feel on Saturdays and Sundays – or simply something that they spritz on for work, in the morning, which makes them feel focused and professional, in the same way as a smart suit or a crisp white shirt.

We’re huge believers in using scent every day as a way to – literally – take a breather, and for the first time, Beauty Bible and The Perfume Society have teamed up to collate the Feel Good Discovery Box, filled with fragrant award-winning goodies you can use and enjoy on a daily basis.

If you love the smell of a product, you’re far more likely to use it regualrly and see the benefits of adding it into your beauty routine, but it’s also time to consider allowing yourself the luxury of a few minutes each day: inhaling the aromas and treating yourself to a mini-spa experience by focusing on the smell alone.

It’s genuinely life-changing.

If your spirits could do with a boost, read more about wellness scents to try, or why not indulge yourself (or treat a friend who’s been going through a hard time) to a whole box of fragrant, feel-good delights….?

Feel Good Discovery Box £19 (£15 for VIP Club members)

So how do you use fragrance to make you feel better, stronger, calmer or self-assured? Are there perfumes you find yourself reaching for in certain situations, and how do they make you feel? Live Well London would love to hear from you about whatever makes you feel better – and we sure many of our readers will already be using scent to boost their spirits on a daily basis – so do get involved in the discussion by using #yourlivewell in social media…

Written by Suzy Nightingale