Our just-published new issue of The Scented Letter magazine focuses on the ‘Rites of Spring’, and the ways we use fragrance beyond merely smelling lovely, to become part of a daily ritual of wellbeing.
Here we’re sharing our edit of the home fragrances that can help us wind down, chill out and truly relax – at any time, but these feel especially right for right now…
Ostens Illuminations Rose Candle £65
Ostens reminds us that, ‘In the valleys of Anatolia, Turkey, the harvesting of Rosa Damascena the ‘Queen of Flowers’ begins at dawn.’ And here, that cool morning air, filled with utterly spellbinding scent of these vibrant, jammy, voluptuous roses is captured in your home. The roses are so precious they’re ‘kept in the shade until reaching the copper distillation stills. Once transformed, the rose oil contains a concentrate of all the fragrance components of thousands of fresh flowers.’ Utterly exquisite, you’ll be totally hypnotised by the way this scent billows throughout your space.
This is one to reach for when you need to press pause on the day. it’s truly a soothing, scented lullaby for your senses, featuring hushed lavender, and a cooling herbaceous breeze of juniper and thyme. A summer swirl of calming herbs and flowers, It’s siesta time: close your eyes and ‘imagine yourself drowsing on a hot afternoon, gently swinging in a hammock in the shade of a tree, with the crickets chirruping, and the sun-baked fragrances of the countryside lulling you to sleep.’ Dreamy!
Stories No. 2 Trio £95 for 3
Reflecting the top, heart and base notes of STORIES Nº.02 original fragrance, this extra special limited edition trio of candles ingeniously splits the facets on the original scent into three distinct scents for your home. You can choose to light one at a time or all at once (why not?!) for a memory-filled barefoot stroll through dewy grass, a soft, nostalgic drift of pipe smoke, and the the silvery ripples of a stream.Sustainably made, this scented candle collection manages to be ‘inspired by’ yet not identical to the scent you already love. Three times the gorgeousness to enjoy!
For blissed-out moments of perfumed pondering you can do no better than to light this, sit back, relax, and let your thoughts wander where they wherever they will. Fragrant meanderings are proffered via the immediately head-clearing verbena, calming clary sage and a spring breeze carrying drifts of bee-buzzed lavender and the sense of lightness that comes as a blessing at this time of year. Especially joyous for the soul in this yellow vessel with so-clever blue lid / stand combo; we feel this one will be re-lit throughout the summer, too.
Cochine Tuberose Absolute & Sandalwood £45
Do you dream of lighter, warmer evenings when you might even – gasp – still have a window or the patio doors open to the garden? Allow yourself to be lulled by the balmy, hushed headiness of the ‘alluring and intriguing tuberose notes combined with rich leather and sandalwood in this intoxicating, utterly addictive fragrance.’ It’s one that will calm yet seduce you, and no wonder, being exclusive created by master perfumer, Maurice Roucel. ‘This is the scent of exotic and unforgettable nights…’ says Cochine. And oh, we agree! Blissful.
Written by Suzy Nightingale
