The perception of time is a well-studied phenomenon—older people tend to perceive time as moving faster. As days get busier and brains are constantly multi-tasking, the hands on the clock seem to run on overdrive. Slowing down, lowered cortisol levels and mindfulness can often seem out of reach. An easy solution is closer than you would think; laying still on your dresser table, in your fragrance bottles, relaxing balms and scented candles.
Stress-relieving scents aren’t a foreign concept by any means—common anxiety-reducing scents include lavender and sandalwood. Lavender inhibits our flight-or-fight response, promoting a restful state by naturally reducing our heart rate when inhaled. Studies have shown sandalwood to alleviate stress by reducing blood pressure and easing mental tension, with its strong, layered aroma.
Taking time to ground yourself and relax after a long day, or waking up mindfully and well-rested has only been made simpler through the advent of soothing, stress-relieving fragrances. Besides building a home dedicated to the ambrosial, create your own personal haven of self-care and serenity through Vogue Singapore’s curation below.
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Postcard x Anya Active Sun’s Out Anywhere Fragrance
A stream of sunlight through your windows, and the stillness of an early morning. Postcard has teamed up with Anya Active to encapsulate this feeling within a bottle, creating a scent that is serene and grounding. Notes of sandalwood and musk create a rich warmth, calming your nervous system as the scent diffuses through your space. A few spritzes on your skin is plenty, as a reminder to move slower and practice mindfulness.
Postcard x Anya Active Sun’s Out Anywhere Fragrance, $45 for 50ml, available at Postcard
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Aesop Callipus Aromatique Candle
It is often the slightest detail that protects the sanctity of our routines, imbuing each step with nourishment and relaxation. Lighting this candle is that coveted detail, that transforms the mundanity of life into a peaceful sanctuary for the mind. Formulated with Frankincense, Guaiacwood and Shiso, the candle burns crisply with woody and earthy notes—much like walking through foliage after the rain.
Aesop Callipus Aromatique Candle, $157, available at Aesop
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Edeniste Jasmin Cruel
Edeniste’s fragrances aren’t only an olfactory delight. They are the first generation of active wellness fragrances, backed by neuroscience and physiologically tested and proven to improve one’s wellbeing. Middle notes include Indian jasmine absolute—spritzing this scent envelopes one in a light and heady floral haze. Redolent of a radiant and lush bouquet, slow down and boost your mood with this elixir.
Edeniste Jasmin Cruel, $283 for 100ml, available at Edeniste
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Byredo Blanche Textile Spray
After a demanding and taxing day, there is no greater pleasure than sinking into cold, crisp sheets. Through this textile spray, evoke that fresh comfort on surfaces across your home. With base notes of musk and sandalwood, alongside floral notes such as violet and peony, the fragrance is warm and inviting. Leave your anxieties at the door as you step into this cosy and clean scent.
Byredo Blanche Textile Spray, $90 for 100ml, available at Byredo
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Panpuri Andaman Sails Ambience Diffuser
The sense of calm induced by the ocean is undeniable. The rhythmic rocking of a boat, the sun’s rays glinting off of the crest of waves, and the sounds of water crashing gently against the shoreline. Dig your toes into the fine white sand and inhale deeply—that is the feeling that billows through your atmosphere with this diffuser. Green tea, bergamot, nutmeg and sandalwood come together in this scent to relax both the mind and the body.
Panpuri Andaman Sails Ambience Diffuser, $190 for 450ml, available at Panpuri
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Eartha Within Body Oil
A scented body oil massaged effortlessly into the skin is relaxing in of itself. A body oil scented with lavender is even more elevated. Lower your heart rate and ground yourself with this potion, finding a renewed sense of peace as you put on the fragrant oil. Rooted firmly in the soft and herbaceous notes of lavender and sage, embrace the botanical world and its magic.
Eartha Within Body Oil, $36, available at Eartha
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The Nue Co. Water Therapy
Revitalisation, but science-backed. The Nue Co. has perfected functional fragrances, offering a menagerie of scents for your mood. And when it comes to regulating your nervous system, this ought to be your fragrance of choice. Thalassotherapy has never been easier, with top notes including seaweed, while base notes include salt and sandalwood. The ocean breeze concentrated in a bottle, adorning this scent is akin to running your hands through salt, sun and sea.
The Nue Co. Water Therapy, $67 for 10ml, available at Niche Beauty
