Swapping your regular perfume for a naturally-derived fragrance can deliver more than just a beautiful scent. Formulated with pure essential oils, they can offer holistic wellbeing too, writes Shonagh Walker.
Drawing from the age-old traditions of aromatherapy, natural perfumes are attractive for a range of reasons. As well as offering a pretty scent, they actually have the ability to improve and nurture our entire wellbeing, uplifting, calming, grounding or energising, depending on the blend you choose to wear.
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“Natural perfumes work with the body to promote a better sense of wellbeing,” says Natalie Van Epen from fragrance house The Little Alchemist.
“They can be used to enhance or alter our moods. For example, pink lotus smells wonderful, but it also soothes, calms and de-stresses. White tea is useful for helping with mild anxiety, depression and nervous tension, as well as pre-menstrual tension.”
With the very essence of the botanicals used in their purest form, it is little wonder that these sumptuous fragrances help to enhance our state of mind.
“It’s the beauty of Mother Nature in that vial of fragrance,” adds Narelle Chenery, co-creator of Miessence skin care and fragrance.
“By using the pure, natural ingredients, our bodies benefit from a holistic experience of mind, body and spirit.”
Pampering application
Natural fragrances should be worn exactly as you would your regular fragrance, however to get the most out of them, Narelle suggests making application an indulgent ritual.
“Dab these oil-based fragrances between your breasts, in the crease of your elbow, at the nape of your neck, behind your ears … the experience in itself is relaxing, and on top of that you receive the physical benefits of aromatherapy and the essential oils.”
Take the time to repeat daily affirmations while applying your scent in this way. You may have an affirmation for confidence, for patience, for motivation or for self-esteem — whatever it is, taking a few minutes to repeat your affirmation while applying your fragrance will create a more meditative experience. Furthermore, as you smell the scent throughout the day, you will be reminded of your goals.
Chemistry lesson
Because of their botanical formula, these fragrances tend to wear better.
“The body finds it easier to interact with natural substances,” explains Salvatore Battaglia from fragrance specialists Perfect Potion. “They mimic our own pheromones, which play an important sensual role in our body.”
It’s this kinship too that adds another dimension to natural fragrances – their ability to be unique to the individual.
“They evolve with the wearer’s body chemistry,” explains Narelle. “As such, they will smell uniquely different on each wearer.”
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Top tips for fragrance
Keep your fragrances stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, preferably in the dark. Exposure to sunlight, or warm, humid conditions can cause the scent to degrade.
Apply fragrance to pulse points for maximum impact — behind the ears, the wrists, behind the knees. Your blood flow will warm the area and encourage the scent to radiate.
Fragrance wears and smells its best when applied to a warm body, ideally just after you’ve had a shower or bath, before getting dressed. Don’t apply it to your clothes. It needs to react with your skin to be the truest representation of the notes used in its blend.
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