D.During the lockdown, it becomes clear that we seek solace in small domestic amusements. A retailer reported that sales of candles, aromatherapy and other “wellness beauty” products increased by 300%. It’s no wonder; When you’re involuntarily tied to the house, a beautiful, mood-enhancing scent offers some comfort.
Electric diffusers that release gently scented steam at preset intervals are an economical and customizable way to smell the house without that nasty air freshener scent. I am in love Electric aroma diffuser for essential oils by Oliver Bonas (£ 45) that often sells out but keeps being replenished as it combines relative affordability with a design nice enough to be visible in a zoomed background. The fluted ceramic diffuser is sold in ice cream tones of peach pink and pistachio as well as muted elephant gray and takes up very little space. More importantly, it works: set the timer for a 30-minute burst or longer, and the room will be pleasantly scented in a matter of minutes.
Oliver Bonas’ version has different colored light settings to complete the ambient mood. but if the light is as important as the aroma, I recommend Muji’s aroma diffuser (£ 59.95). This is a more minimalist, cream-colored design that is perfect for bathrooms or sparse interiors. Its warm glow is an ideal night light.
The attraction of individual blends of oils is of course extremely subjective. I am in love Morning Works Wake-Up Drops from This Works (£ 18 for 10ml), Neom Organics’ feel-good blend essential oil blend (£ 20 for 10ml) and other vibrant, invigorating mixes, because the last thing I need is to feel drowsy. (Controversially, I hate the strong lavender that is commonly used in “relaxing” versions.) You can mix your own to taste: I like to mix a drop or two of grapefruit, rosemary, and orange Tissue edge () who I think make the best oils on the main street at very fair prices (mostly around a fiver).
If you just want to recreate an expensive candle, then Diptyques electric wall diffuser is a tone, if indulgent, purchase (£ 90, fills £ 33). Think of an exceptionally chic, pretty Glade plug-in, only available with real perfume and in the same scents as Diptyque’s most popular candles. Baies, an opulent, but not sticky, unexpectedly spring-like rose and blackcurrant, is one of my all-time favorite smells.
