See Magic In Life Everyday
#smile #smilecreations #smilescreate #asmileaday
With Guest Editor, Sami Blackford of Freyaluna Skincare
What’s the scent of your smile?
There are many ways in which skincare and pampering acts of self-care can help you smile. From massage, to a nice long bath, to cleaning your face… these simple acts all show your body that you care and, in time, can lead to a loving relationship between you and your body.
One of the quickest ways I have found to alter your mood and improve your wellbeing though skincare is with scent and fragrance. This is something I can totally geek-out on, so let’s dive in!
Side note: Before we go any further, let me say that I am talking about natural fragrance gained from essential oils and plant essences. I am not talking about scents from synthetic chemicals which can actually have a negative effect on our physical, mental and emotional health.
Scents for relaxation
The most obvious example of a relaxing scent is lavender. Lavender relaxes the central nervous system and is frequently used for insomnia, anxiety, depression, and stress relief.
Don’t like lavender? No problem! Instead, try fragrances such as chamomile, sandalwood, frankincense, or clary sage. And if you create a blend of all of these then you’re really onto something! This would be a beautifully soothing and calming blend to help you relax at the end of the day (or whenever you require that) and drift off to sleep.
In fact, I’ve created just such a blend for you! If these scents are calling to you, try our Chamomile & Lavender Soothing Skin Mist
Scents for comfort and self-love
Rose is great for this. Best-known as a symbol of love all over the world, rose is a thoroughly female fragrance and has a pronounced effect on women.
So what’s so good about rose? Rose helps us to relax, but in a different way to the scents we already talked about, above. Rather than being sedative, rose is relaxing in a comforting way – providing a sense of calm while also encouraging positive feelings about ourselves. I describe rose as a warm hug for the soul.
If your soul is in need of a hug, try our Rose & Jojoba Nourishing Body Oil
Scents to uplift your mood
Have you ever peeled an orange and instantly felt a little brighter? That’s the fragrance working its magic! Citrus scents like orange, bergamot, lemon, and some floral scents such as neroli, have an uplifting, antidepressant effect on our emotions.
In fact, the scent of neroli is said to give a feeling of euphoria… which I’m sure we can all do with every once in a while!
If you want to add some sunshine to your daily rituals, try our Marigold & Bergamot Herbal Soap
Scents to refresh your mind
Feeling a bit tired or sluggish? Need a bit of a ‘pick-me-up’? Then refreshing and awakening scents such as peppermint, lime and rosemary will help to invigorate your mind and enliven your emotions.
The scent of rosemary is especially useful to clear your head in times of concentration.
When you feel you need some reviving, try our Geranium & Lime Revitalising Body Oil
How to use fragrance for wellbeing
We’ve looked at some really lovely scents here, but you might wondering how to benefit from their effects in your daily life. Here are a few ideas:
- add them to a warm bath, lie back and soak for at least ten minutes
- apply them as a body oil or moisturiser – using massage techniques will enhance the relaxing effects even further
- use them as room fragrance in an oil burner or steamer
- dab them on your pulse points as perfume
- spritz across your skin, your pillow, or your clothes
- even using skincare products containing these scents can be beneficial – the scent when applying a drop or two of our Intensive Hydration Serum always makes me feel good
Which fragrance will help you to find your smile when you least feel like it? What’s the scent of your smile?
About our Guest Editor, Sami Blackford
Alchemist, apothecary, writer, and mentor, Sami Blackford is the founder of (and force of passion behind) Freyaluna Skincare.
After battling with acne for many years and unsuccessfully trying every product on the market, Sami made the decision to start researching skincare in her mid 20s. Immersing herself in the world of natural and holistic skincare and wellness, Sami became certified in Aromatherapy and Herbal Medicine and uses her knowledge to create botanical skincare products that can transform our skin.
Fifteen years on, and Sami is well-respected as an expert in the natural and botanical skincare field. She loves sharing her knowledge and experience through her articles and always welcomes question from customers and readers.