Fragrance, often an afterthought in our daily self-care rituals, should be the first thing we reach for each morning (after that caffeine hit, of course). When used mindfully, it becomes so much more than an accessory, or a finishing touch — a spritz of your favourite scent can provide a gentle moment of reflection that sets the tone for the day.
It’s a simple luxury that can uplift, de-stress, inspire and even empower us with the confidence to face whatever the day might bring. Whether you’re looking to uplift your mood, relax, or simply radiate confidence, fragrance can help.
Here’s how to transform your perfume routine into a simple self-care ritual with Elie Saab’s exquisite fragrances as your guide.
Setting The Scene
Elevate the application of scent — and the day ahead — by setting the tone in your space. Find a naturally lit, calming space where you can take a few moments for yourself. Whether it’s your bathroom, bedroom or a favourite nook in your home, light a candle, play some soft music and take some deep breaths to centre yourself and bring your focus inwards.
Choose Your Scent
Choose a fragrance that resonates with your mood. Elie Saab Le Parfum blends bright and warm notes to both ground and uplift the senses.
Its orange blossom top note sets a joyful tone, energising and radiant. An elegant heart of jasmine sambac brings calm and helps to centre your thoughts and mood. There’s also patchouli which helps to ground and get you set for the day in front of you. At its base, honeyed rose and cedarwood offer a sense of comfort and stability, leaving a long-lasting dry down that will stay with you well into the day and beyond.
Le Parfum’s sister fragrance, Le Parfum Lumière opens with an energising, calming blend of orange blossom, Ylang Ylang and mandarin orange, which after a few hours, gives way to a white-floral heart of tuberose, jasmine sambac and gardenia, which imparts a sense of luxurious calm. The base notes of patchouli, musk, amber and woods bring warmth, comfort and positivity.
Your Application Ritual
Apply your fragrance mindfully. Hold the bottle a few inches from your skin and spray lightly on pulse points — wrists, behind your ears, your neck, collarbones and even the inside nook of your elbows. As your blood flows past these points and brings warmth, the fragrance will naturally diffuse throughout the day.
Take a moment to inhale deeply as you apply your scent. Notice how it makes you feel as you inhale its top notes. Repeat an affirmation that sets the tone for your day. It might be, “I am powerful”, “I am loved” or even “I am calm”. This will help reinforce your mindset for the day, as well as create a clever connection — each time you notice your scent throughout the day, you will be reminded of your daily intention. You may even wish to top up your fragrance slightly throughout the day and repeat your affirmations as you do.
Making It Last
Fragrance lasts best on freshly cleansed, well-moisturised skin. A warm shower and head-to-toe hydration help lock in the scent. You might even wish to spritz your clothing a little, but be careful not to overdo it. You want people to notice you before they notice your fragrance. By weaving your fragrance into your self-care rituals, you’re creating a ritual that you can carry with you all day. You’re not simply applying perfume, you are supporting your overall wellbeing, enhancing your mood and reminding yourself of your inherent power.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
