Discover the best British fragrances for inspiration, energy, productivity, relaxation and sleep
How to use scent to create a mood and transform a room.
Mood-Altering Fragrances
Spending as much time at home as we’ve had to recently has made us all much more aware of our interiors and how welcoming they are – or not, as the case may be. Not only has this meant a surge in decorating and renovation around the UK, but there’s also been a big jump in the sales of home fragrances, an area that grew 29 per cent in October 2020 according to the research group Kantar.
And there’s a good reason for this: our olfactory senses are a powerful route into harnessing our mood and transforming it for the better, whether that’s for more energy, sleep or productivity.
The potent active ingredients in the fragrant finds below have been sourced from all around the world. It is, however, the best perfumers, aromatherapists and chandlers from Britain who have harnessed the properties of these herbs, fruits and flowers, encasing them in sweet-smelling candles, oils and diffusers. If you find it a desperate mission trying to sleep, sometimes feel sapped of energy or end up as stiff as a plank after a hardcore workout, these beautiful scents have you covered for your mind, body and soul, with aromas that your senses will fall in love in with.
Just let yourself breathe.
Calming – Choisya
The scent of choisya essential oil is said to have a calming effect on users, making it ideal for people suffering from anxiety. Rachel Vosper’s elegant glass diffuser, carrying her bespoke choisya scent, will fill your home with relaxing notes.
Rachel Vosper Reed Diffuser, £75. rachelvosper.com
Energy – Lemon
High in vitamin C and vitamin B6, lemons can be used to great effect to energise body and mind. Each time you get a zesty whiff of lemon it activates your body’s serotonin production. And what better city than London to have inspired this scent from Johnson & White? In the brand’s own words, ‘As London awakens your senses, so do we.’
Johnson & White London Two Wick Candle, £53.00. johnsonandwhitearomas.com
Muscle Recovery – Black Pepper
While the black pepper essential oil in this shower oil is a circulatory stimulant, easing muscular aches and pains, the Chinese ginger essential oil warms muscles and joints and the rosemary detoxifies your body. Don’t forget to take deep, slow breaths as your shower transforms into an aromatic oasis.
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Shower Oil, £26.00. aromatherapyassociates.com
Sleep – Lavender
It’s well known that lavender has a sweetly soporific effect, and Yardley London has more than 240 years’ experience in bottling this truly British scent. Apply this to your pressure points before bed and you’ll fall gently into replenishing slow-wave sleep.
Yardley London English Lavender Cologne Stick, £4.49. yardleylondon.co.uk
Relaxation – St John’s Wort
Containing St John’s wort, which is known for its anti-depressant and relaxing qualities, this body oil from Bamford will gently call your name at the end of a long day. A highly sustainable brand, you can also relax in the knowledge that in buying from Bamford you are being planet-friendly, too.
Bamford B Silent Organic Body Oil, £42.00, bamford.com
Positivity – Jasmine
The clue is really in the name. ESPA’s Positivity Candle is made from natural soy wax, hand-poured and infused with jasmine, gardenia and rose geranium. It promises to have you skipping around the house.
ESPA Positivity Candle, £35.00, espaskincare.com
Productivity – Bergamot
Nostara’s signature fragrance will give your house a lively feel for up to six months per diffuser. A citrus kick from the bergamot is balanced beautifully by the infusion of black tea leaves, and, as we all know, a Brit is not at their optimum until they have had a strong brew.
Nostara Bergamot & Black Tea Reed Diffuser, £39.00. nostara.com
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