Our Beauty Editor Elfreda McGowan joins us today with some thoughts on using scents for self-care. With Valentine’s Day this week, why not treat yourself to one of her recommendations?
With February the month of love upon us, and many gifts of perfume being purchased for Valentine’s Day, it got me thinking about my own relationship with scent. Since the beginning of time, people have been drawn towards beautiful scents. I’ve asked around friends of mine, and scent definitely resonates deeply with most, and seems to conjure up memories of happy times, with mentions of fresh flowers, cut grass, new babies, cigars, leather, line-dried sheets to name but a few smells people seem to love.
I’ve had somewhat of a perfume addiction for as long as I can remember. I love the coloured bottles, how they look lined up on my dressing table, and the mood-enhancing qualities of each. I have several ‘go to’ perfumes, but always adore finding a new signature scent. I like having different scents for different times of the year depending on my mood or indeed the weather. I find that scent can take you back to a well-buried memory or another place in time, in the blink of an eye.
After going through cancer, many people feel perfume smells differently than before, or indeed they may worry about the chemicals contained in their favourite scent. I’ve done some research and found that there are actually some wonderful organic perfumes out there to try, so fear not, you can still douse yourself in some exceptional scents and feel held in a bubble of loveliness while still keeping your chemicals to a minimum.
Here’s a few to add to your wish list:
Waters & Wild
Waters & Wild are a wonderful organic company based in West Cork. They use raw and organic ingredients, a lot of which are locally sourced. Their perfumes are timeless and contemporary and each batch is unique. They offer all kinds of scents, from the spicy to the floral and everything in between. Grab yourself something from this award-winning range from €35. Check them out on www.watersandwild.com
The Burren Perfumery is another Irish-based organic beauty company, this time from the west of Ireland. They offer beautiful scents inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the Burren Hills. This family-owned business offers a fabulous range of scents and associated beauty products including, soft floral notes, fresh citrus, herbal, summer meadows and woody scents. They range in price around €39 for a 50ml Eau de Toilette. Find them on www.burrenperfumery.com
Another organic Irish perfume on the market is Jo Browne. Jo offers natural solid perfumes which are individually handmade using beeswax and essential oils, they are packaged in bamboo and they currently have three solid perfumes for women and two natural solid colognes for men. These solid perfumes are great to throw into your handbag for a lovely pick me up during the day. Jo is a qualified holistic therapist and reflexologist with a passion for essential oils. The solid perfumes are €24 and you can find out more and order online on www.jobrowne.com
The last perfume I’m going to mention is Liz Earle Botanical Essence No. 15. It contains 15 of the world’s most precious botanicals. It’s seductive and elegant and may be for you. It contains 90% natural ingredients, and is currently available on special offer on www.boots.ie. The 50ml Eau De Parfum is €55.67 instead of the regular price of €65.50.
I hope you all have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
