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Let’s be honest…being a fragrance fanatic is a full-time job. Even when you think you’ve found your signature scent, there are still dozens more at your fingertips. Some may fit your aesthetic more in certain moments than others (such as a chill evening vs. partying nights) or become a part of your personal brand as your style evolves. Therefore, it’s natural to wonder how you’re supposed to choose a perfume bottle off the shelf, when it’s basically like asking to pick your favorite child? We have a solution: scent layering.   What is scent layering? Scent layering is precisely what it sounds like…a technique that consists of applying up to three fragrances on the body to invent a signature scent. These concoctions are entirely your own and can be mixed and matched at your convenience for any occasion! Can’t choose between earthy or aromatherapeutic vibes? Try perfumes with notes of cinnamon and vanilla, respectively, to get the best of both worlds. How about a floral medley that’s both sweet and sexy? A rosey fragrance adds a touch of innocence while jasmine has the allure aspect covered. There are endless combinations to take your scent layering game to the next level, and you’ll be showered with compliments as you experiment with your own custom fragrances.   The Layering Lowdown: Tips for Effortless Scents Start with a Sugar Scrub Base The first secret to scent layering? Every work of art starts with a blank canvas, and your fragrance concoction is no exception. Start with our exceptionally moisturizing sugar scrub. The scent of the sugar scrub base can be bold since this is the base of your layering plus your skin will thank you!   Next, Apply a Body Oil After your shower, apply your favorite scented body oil. Not only does the body oil keep you hydrated and glowing all day, but this layer of scent will mingle with the sugar scrub to develop your unique scent profile.   Finish with an Eau de Parfum Finish your scent creation by layering an eau de parfum on to finish up this perfect scent trio. This can be the lightest of the trio as it will be the first scent people will smell.   Know Your Notes Think of your scent layering journey like a song… a perfume medley in which each product possesses its own set of notes. You've got top notes (the opening number), middle notes (the heart of the fragrance), and base notes (those that stick around until the encore). We’d recommend applying heavier fragrances first so they won’t overwhelm the others, along with choosing scents from complementary collections to create a harmonious blend. For example, let’s take a look at two of our Urthy Scents favorites - Bungalow Nights Eau de Parfum and Amethyst Rain Eau de Parfume. They may be polar opposites…with the first representing warm summer evenings and the latter being all about dewy and dreamy autumn days. But that’s precisely why they’re the perfect scent layering duo. Add the sensual blend of pistachio, tuberose, jasmine, ylang ylang and more from Bungalow Nights to your wrist, before combining with the crisp citrus, marine water, and purple violets from Amethyst Rain. It’s an unlikely but ethereal duo that suits your personal brand through every season!  The Trio of Perfection When layering scents, three is the perfect number. Finding the holy trinity of fragrances will help you strike the perfect balance in your personal style.   Scent-sual Concoctions Looking for some inspiration on where to start? Here are three combination to start your scent layering exploration: Midnight Magic With notes of brown sugar, ylang ylang and sandalwood this spellbinding trio is sure to grab attention. Midnight Sky Body Sugar Scrub Lovely Lavender Body Oil Wild Indigo Eau de Parfum Sweetheart Delight With notes of pineapple, tangerine and jasmine this combination will give you happy vibes all day! Tropical Crush Body Sugar Scrub Pure Solé Body Oil Pink Palms Eau de Parfum Green Goddess With notes of eucalyptus, bamboo and ginger this earthy elixir will keep you grounded and centered while smelling fierce. Silver Sage Body Sugar Scrub Blushing Goddess Body Oil Eternal Zen Eau de Parfum NOTE: The links above will take you to learn more about each product and scent, but you can bundle your trio and save 10% by building your own Bundles here.   The Bottom Line Casual reminder: there are no rules in scent layering! While we may give our recommendations for sweet-smelling fragrances, it’s all about which scents appeal to you and encompass your authentic self. So, feel free to work your magic and invent all sorts of flawless and custom scents…Urthy Scents can’t wait to see what you create!    ~ Happy Layering! Jen

Here's a cute story for any parent that I just had to share... My youngest son [30 years old] called me last night to catch up and we were reminiscing about when they were young. He proceeded to remind me that I used to give them what I called "Groovy Baths"! We have 4 kids and they loved baths...especially groovy ones! It was really a form of bribery [a way for them to actually take a bath], but it also made bath time a super fun experience with them. So here's what a "Groovy Bath" is...pretty simple. We would run them a bath with lots of bubbles, turn off the lights and light a candle. They thought it was amazing! ✨ We would suds up their belly with soap and draw their name on their tummies. Lots of laughs and smiles and relaxation during bath time.  My son finished up our conversation by saying, "More people should do this, Mom. Give them a bundle so they can experience it for themselves!" He's sooo stinkin' cute. I decided I need to spend some time treating myself to a "Groovy Bath" in the next couple of days. So, for anyone else who's in need of a "Groovy Bath", here's a bundle for you. I'm feeling very generous since he's got me in such a good mood remembering those precious days! Click here to enjoy 50% off the Groovy Bath essentials ~ a candle and a bath bomb. I'll leave this discount up for two weeks! ~ Cheers to happy memories Jen  

Ingredients Power from Plants  At Urthy Scents, we value connection – connection with the people and world around us, connection with our senses, and even connection with the products we put on our bodies. In the daily hustle and bustle, we tend to rush through our self-care routines without giving a second thought to the products we choose. But it’s worth taking the time to pause and cultivate a deeper connection to what we’re putting on our skin day after day. After all, our skin is our bodies’ largest organ – so it’s important to treat it with care and respect.   A craving for knowledge and connection to the products we use is why we want to shine a light on the natural, high-quality ingredients we use in our body care formulas. We’re proud of what’s not on our ingredients list – all of our home and body products are free of phthalates, parabens, artificial colors, and other known hormone disruptors. But we’re just as excited to celebrate what is in our products – luxurious, naturally-derived plant ingredients that work in harmony with your body.  We invite you to connect to the real ingredients we use in our product lines, including oil soluble vitamin C – found in Urthy Scents’ KWENCH Body Oils. It’s just one of Earth’s incredible botanical gifts that your skin will love.  Searching for a way to make your skin look even more luminous? Look no further than oil soluble vitamin C; it’s packed with properties that promote the appearance of brighter, more even-looking skin, while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Oil Soluble Vitamin C – Your Skin’s Little Ray of Sunshine Vitamin C is prized in the skincare world because of its ability to brighten and clarify the skin, while boosting collagen production. That said, normal vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is known for being unstable. Additionally, it takes high levels to be beneficial to the skin, which can lead to skin irritation. For that reason, we use a different form of vitamin C known as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate – but we’ll just stick to calling it oil soluble vitamin C.    The oil soluble vitamin C we use in our KWENCH Body Oil is highly stable, giving it a longer shelf life. It can also penetrate deeper into the skin, thanks to its fattier content. That deeper penetration creates longer-lasting moisture for your skin.  What It Is The vitamin C that we use in our KWENCH Body oil is naturally derived from fruits and vegetables that are rich in the nutrient. Such sources can include citrus fruits, leafy greens, papaya, broccoli, and kiwi. Vitamin C is prized in the skincare world because it promotes the appearance of a brighter, more even-looking skin tone and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Since pure vitamin C in its ascorbic acid form is highly unstable, our formulaters process it into tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate – aka, oil soluble vitamin C – in order to make it more suitable for use in skincare products.  How It Works  According to some research, oil soluble vitamin C is better for the skin than ascorbic acid because its fatty acid component helps aid penetration. In fact, research has shown that oil soluble vitamin C absorbs three times deeper than regular ascorbic acid. Once the oil soluble vitamin C is absorbed into the skin, it works in conjunction with vitamin E (which is already in your skin naturally), so it can nourish your skin on a deeper level.  Oil soluble vitamin C’s deeper level of absorption means formulators can use less of the ingredient and still yield richly-hydrating results. This is important because high levels of vitamin C can sometimes cause irritation for those with more sensitive skin.  Beautiful Botanicals for Every Body We believe that your body care should be more than just something you apply in the morning before rushing out the door. It should be something you connect with – after all, your body deserves the very best. By learning more about what goes into our KWENCH products, we hope you feel more knowledgeable and empowered to treat your skin – and your whole self – with love.     With Urthy Scents’ collection of botanical ingredients, you can rest easy knowing your body is being nourished by the incredible power of plants. We love that these ingredients work in harmony with your body to let your natural beauty shine through.  Glow on, goddess...Jen

Ingredients Powered by Plants  At Urthy Scents, we value connection – connection with the people and world around us, connection with our senses, and even connection with the products we put on our bodies. In the daily hustle and bustle, we tend to rush through our self-care routines without giving a second thought to the products we choose. But it’s worth taking the time to pause and cultivate a deeper connection to what we’re putting on our skin day after day. After all, our skin is our bodies’ largest organ – so it’s important to treat it with care and respect.   A craving for knowledge and connection to the products we use is why we want to shine a light on the natural, high-quality ingredients we use in our body care formulas. We’re proud of what’s not on our ingredients list – all of our home and body products are free of phthalates, parabens, artificial colors, and other known hormone disruptors. But we’re just as excited to celebrate what is in our products – luxurious, naturally-derived plant ingredients that work in harmony with your body.  We invite you to connect to the real ingredients we use in our product lines, including White Lupin Seed Extract – found in Urthy Scents’ KWENCH Body Oils. It’s just one of Earth’s incredible botanical gifts that your skin will love. If you’re a fan of anti-aging (who isn’t?), read on: white lupin seed extract  – aka nature’s collagen maker – is one ingredient you need to hear about.     Lupin Seed Extract: Nature’s Collagen Maker  If you’re familiar with the world of natural anti-aging, then chances are you’ve heard of collagen. It’s the protein in our bodies that is responsible for building our skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissue. It’s the most abundant protein in humans, making up about 30% of our bodies’ protein supply.  As we age, our bodies begin to make less collagen. In fact, after the age of twenty our bodies produce about 1% less collagen per year than the year before. That’s one of the reasons why our muscles and bones become weaker, and our skin becomes thinner and begins to lose its elasticity. Because of this, collagen supplements have become popular in recent years as a way to get ahead of the signs of aging that come from collagen loss, including sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.   Collagen supplements are incredibly popular and can be useful, but did you know there’s a natural, topical way to actually help prevent the breakdown of collagen in your body, while supporting your body’s natural collagen production? It’s called Lupin Seed Extract, and it’s one of the star ingredients in Urthy Scents’ KWENCH Body Oils.  What It Is The lupin seed extract used in Urthy Scent’s KWENCH Body Oil comes from the coatings of sweet white lupin seeds. The white lupin plant is a flowering “spiky” plant prized for its ability to nourish the soil it’s rooted in. Urthy Scents uses lupin seed extract sourced from France, but the plant is widely distributed in the Mediterranean area and also thrives in the prairie climates of western North America. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the sweet white lupin attracts onlookers and wildlife alike – it’s a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies.   How It Works White lupin seed extract (or Collageneer, to go by its trade name) works by encouraging the production of HSP47 in the skin. That’s a science-y way of saying it helps the synthesis of good-quality collagen. It also helps encourage the secretion of collagen. When your body produces and secretes more collagen, it has an anti-aging effect, increasing the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Firm, “bouncy” skin has a more youthful and glowy appearance.  White lupin seed extract also reduces sagging in the skin, creating a more contoured look. In fact after 43 days of use, white lupin seed extract showed a 92% increase in skin’s firmness and a 72% reduction in sagging. After 89 days, skin elasticity improved by 10%.  In addition to encouraging collagen production, white lupin seed extract has powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities. This can help treat inflammation-related skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and acne.  Who knew so much skin-loving power could be packed into this tiny seed?  Because of white lupin seed extract’s incredible anti-aging properties, it has become a popular ingredient in luxury skin care lines. It’s often included in eye creams and skin-firming formulas. We at Urthy Scents include white lupin seed extract in our KWENCH Body Oils so that your whole body can experience the benefits of this sweet little seed.  Beautiful Botanicals for Every Body We believe that your body care should be more than just something you apply in the morning before rushing out the door. It should be something you connect with – after all, your body deserves the very best. By learning more about what goes into our KWENCH products, we hope you feel more knowledgeable and empowered to treat your skin – and your whole self – with love.    With Urthy Scents’ collection of botanical ingredients, you can rest easy knowing your body is being nourished by the incredible power of plants. We love that these ingredients work in harmony with your body to let your natural beauty shine through.  Glow on, goddess.   Jen

As we were wrapping up National Body Care Month, I had self-care on my mind. To truly take care of ourselves, we must focus as much on internal spiritual and emotional care as much as external care. I could go on and on about starting the day with a great skincare routine, but that’s really only half of the equation. That’s why I wanted to share some information I found about the importance of laughter for our mental and physical health – and a few tips to incorporate more LOLs in your day for better self care and improved body care. The biological benefits of laughter We’ve all heard the old saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” Well, it might be a little more than a cliché! According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter can have significant short- and long-term benefits for our health. The act of laughing increases oxygen intake, stimulating the lungs and heart, while simultaneously boosting endorphin levels in your brain. Laughter also temporarily increases your heart rate, followed by decreasing it. This basically ignites and then cools down your stress response, triggering a relaxation response.  And those are just the immediate benefits of laughing. It has even more positive effects on the body over the long term. A negative mindset has been shown to have a negative impact on the body. Focusing on the negative increases stress hormones like cortisol, which can negatively impact your immune system. Conversely, laughing and maintaining a more positive mindset can actually boost your immune system and potentially help you avoid illness and infection. Laughter has also been correlated with ease of pain and may act as a natural painkiller. Plus, studies have found the actual act of laughing may help improve your mood. Even faking a laugh can yield benefits for your mental and physical health. Laughter exercises to improve wellness  There’s no denying it – laughter is incredibly beneficial to your health and wellness. But how can you add more of it to your life? Like most things, practice makes perfect. Here are a few of my favorite laughter exercises that help me improve my mood, mindset, and health every day:   Hold your breath for a few seconds. Let it out and burst out laughing.  Work up to a good, solid laugh. Start by relaxing your face. Then, smile gently. As you smile, start to chuckle, and let your chuckle progress into a giggle, and then into a full laugh. Count your laughs. Start with a single “Ha!” Then add a second, “Ha ha!” and a third, “Ha ha ha!” Keep adding laughs until you lose count or start to laugh naturally. Hug a friend and laugh together while you hold each other. Think about something funny that you saw or heard recently. Take a moment and actively laugh about it (not just a quick chuckle, but a real belly laugh).   Jen’s laughter challenge: Win an Urthy scent tower Now, let’s use what we’ve learned about laughter to improve the vibes in our lives! Join my laughter challenge and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a free Urthy Scents scent tower. Accepting the challenge is easy. Start by using one or more of the exercises above, or find another way to incorporate laughter into your day. Then: Follow @UrthyScents on Instagram. Take a selfie or record a video of your laughter challenge entry. Share your laughter challenge and tag @UrthyScents and #JensLaughterChallenge. That’s it! I’ll announce the winner of the challenge on social media at the end of the month. Until then, let’s live and laugh out loud every day!   - Jen

Part 2 of 2: Secrets to Finding Your Signature Scent In part one of this series, I took you through a quick, step-by-step exercise to begin identifying and defining your personal brand. In part two, I’ll discuss how to choose the right fragrance to fit your personal brand, along with a few recommended fragrances to get you started. Select the right fragrance family and scent notes First, let’s narrow down the search for your signature scent. While there are thousands of scents in the world, they can all be be categorized into seven fundamental scents: Floral Fruity Minty Nutty Pungent Sweet Woody Floral scents might be a single flower or a bouquet of floral scents. It might be lush and fruity, or light and evocative of a spring breeze. Fruity scents evoke images of orchards, spring days, and even forbidden fruits. Some fruity scents include green apple, fresh peach, juicy strawberry, and sugar plums. Woody fragrances are earthy and strong. They’re often associated with bolder scents and may include notes of cedar, oak, lavender, moss, sandalwood, and other scents. Sweet aromas embody a range of sugary and luxurious scents, and often include fruity notes, as well as hints of amber and vanilla. For more inspiration, explore our scent notes. As you might already know, the best fragrances include multiple scent notes – high notes, heart notes, and low notes that make up a full, complex fragrance that truly embodies you and your personal brand. At Urthy Scents, we blend scent notes to create balanced, natural scents that help our customers express themselves more fully. Exploring scent notes is a great place to start, though, as you begin to define the scents and notes that will announce your presence and evoke the atmosphere and emotions you want people to associate with you.  Find your signature scent in the Auras Collection But how do you choose the best scent notes for your personal brand? Ali and I created the Auras Collection specifically for women who want to express themselves through fragrance. So, if you’re stuck on which scent(s) you feel most connected to, this is a great place to start. In the Auras Collection, we’re celebrating femininity and female empowerment in all of its forms. Read through our collection descriptions to see which one(s) resonate the most with you. The Darling Duchess: Hopeful & Happy If your phone is constantly blowing up with texts (and admit it – you love it) then you might be a Darling Duchess. You have a big circle of friends, and people are drawn to your enthusiasm. You cherish your relationships and make everyone feel loved. This limited edition signature scent opens with sweet peony and pomegranate, followed by cozy suede – like the perfect hug from your bestie.     Bella Contessa: Loyal & Loving You’re polished and poised, but not afraid to get saucy – especially when it comes to protecting the people you love. Bella Contessa embodies feminine softness and strength with notes of lavender and cashmere, mingled with neroli and greens. It’s a limited edition signature scent that’s bold and classic, all at once.   White Tigress: Exotic & Energetic People say you’re mysterious, but you know yourself like the back of your hand. You have a deep understanding of who you are and what you stand for. You trust your instincts and move through life energetically and effortlessly. As a limited edition signature scent – featuring vibrant citrus, golden honey, and spicy ginger – White Tigress encapsulates your courageous female spirit and its zesty kick will keep people on their toes – just like you! Salty Maiden: Bodacious & Bright Sweet, exotic, and intoxicating, you’re like a tropical drink in human form. You light up every room, and your sparkly personality encourages others to let their own lights shine. Fruity notes of melon mixed with fresh salt and alluring water lotus make this limited edition signature scent almost as irresistible as you.      Be true to yourself – wear what makes you feel like YOU! For those of you that ready by blog :), I'd like to reward you for doing so! Would you like to try a product in one of our spring scents? If so, use the code: AURA50 when you check out for 50% off any product in this collection. Get them before they're gone! View the collection HERE. When you’re ready to choose the signature scent that matches your personal brand, be sure to check out our selection of fine fragrances, home provisions, and candles. And, for more inspiration on building your brand and choosing incredible fragrances, follow Urthy Scents on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook. And stay tuned here for more fun and educational articles to help you express yourself to the fullest!

As we start our month-long education and celebration of self-care, I was thinking about my skincare routine and when I think about aging and skincare, what do I think of first? I know, dumb question. Mostly my face and then sometimes, my extremities.  When most people want to fight the signs of aging, we think of smoothing out crows’ feet and expression lines, tightening up our jawlines, or erasing sunspots on our cheeks. But your skin doesn’t stop aging at your chin, and there are a few telltale areas that could be giving away your age. Your neck, hands, and feet show your years just as much as your smile lines or the tiny wrinkles between your eyebrows. Let’s talk about how to address these overlooked areas!  1. Take years off your face – by caring for your neck I was scrolling through TikTok the other night, and I stopped on a woman’s video of her nightly skincare routine. I love watching videos like this because I never know when or where I’ll get inspired or learn something new. In this case, I had to watch because this woman had absolutely glowing skin, and I was definitely curious. As I was watching, she caught me with one sentence: “And remember, ladies, your face ends at your nipples.” I love this!  I spend so much time worrying about my expression lines and crows’ feet. I have multi-step skincare routines to battle the signs of aging, and they work beautifully. But sometimes I’ve noticed that I stop at the chin, and it shows! Women who extend the same level of care down to their neck and chest will see much better results.  2. Don’t ignore the signs of aging on your hands Because of my heritage, I've had wrinkled hands pretty much all my life so mine is an uphill battle! Take a look at your own hands. Do you take care of them all year-round? Or do you wait to exfoliate and moisturize until winter when they’re already dry and chapped? Not only are dry hands painful, but they also age you. Cracked skin and dry, ragged cuticles are uncomfortable, and they’re not exactly a pleasure to gaze upon. And that’s not all. Your hands get as much sun exposure on a daily basis as your face, but do you apply any kind of protection to them? Hands that are constantly exposed to dry air and UV rays are going to look wrinkled and blotchy with sun spots.  I know what you’re thinking: You don’t want to slather greasy sunscreen all over your hands to protect them. Fortunately, you don’t have to go with traditional sunscreens – which are often laden with harmful chemicals that can damage coral reefs and have been associated with hormone disruption. Instead, opt for a natural mineral sunscreen. There are a lot of options available that will protect your skin while avoiding potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, phthalates, and parabens. 3. Get your feet ready for sandal season Your feet might not get quite as much sun exposure as your hands and neck, but they’re still vulnerable to harmful UV rays. Not only that, but because we don’t show off our feet every day, many of us neglect them in our skincare routine. In fact, for many of us, the only time our feet get any kind of love is when we treat ourselves to a pedicure. Don’t be that girl! Include your feet in your daily (and nightly) skincare routine. Give them a little extra exfoliating attention with a scented sugar scrub, and don’t forget to moisturize and soften them when you dry off.  Do this regularly and your tootsies will be in prime shape for sandal season. And, speaking of sandals, don’t forget to apply some SPF protection before you leave the house to keep your feet looking young and fresh. My best tips for all-over rejuvenation Now that we’ve talked about how neglecting your neck, hands, and feet can show your age, let’s get into how to keep your whole body looking and feeling young and gorgeous. Including this elevated level of body care into your routine doesn’t have to take hours or a lot of extra work. In fact, it can be really simple. So, let’s walk through a day in the life of your new body care routine: Exfoliate regularly (at least once a week) When you exfoliate, you’re breaking up the barrier of dead cells covering your new, healthy skin cells. This prepares your skin to better absorb moisture for a healthier, more youthful look. That’s why we add hydrating oils to our sugar scrubs. We developed a sugar scrub that not only cleans and exfoliates your skin, but it also helps hydrate and protect it too. Plus, with its hydrating properties, you can massage your favorite sugar scrub on your feet, around your fingernails and toenails to hydrate and rejuvenate your cuticles. Of course, a good sugar scrub isn’t the only thing you’ll need for exfoliation. Give your hands and feet a little extra TLC in the shower with a quality pumice stone every day. I’m also a fan of foot masks, as well. There are several to choose from online and in stores, but you can also make natural DIY foot masks yourself too. Keep your skin moisturized As soon as I step out of the shower, I apply our scented body oil everywhere. With freshly exfoliated skin, it can really absorb and do its job to hydrate my skin and protect it from drying out throughout the day. Whether you use a body oil or a moisturizing lotion, look for something with squalane and lupeol. Squalane mimics the structure of the natural oils in your skin, which allows it to absorb and replenish moisture, especially in dry skin. Lupeol is a natural seed extract that increases elasticity and firmness in your skin, keeping it smooth and soft throughout the day (and targeting areas where skin is losing its elasticity and beginning to sag or wrinkle).  Protect your skin against UV rays and free radicals Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and its main function is to protect you from harmful external elements, like bacteria and viruses, free radicals, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. By protecting your skin, you can help it do its job, while looking younger and more vibrant at the same time. And never leave the house without applying SPF to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Pack your diet with skin-friendly nutrients Never underestimate the power of a nutrient-rich diet. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day not only keeps you healthy, but it’ll help keep your skin hydrated, as well. Along with good hydration, keep sodium and sugar intake to a minimum, as salty and sugary foods can lead to bloat and puffiness. Add a few servings of your favorite fruits and veggies to increase your intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fats to promote firm, youthful skin. And, before bed, I take a magnesium supplement to promote relaxation and higher quality sleep. You know those quality Z’s are essential for good skin! Be picky about your skincare products Every skincare product on the shelf today makes promises about helping you look younger, reduce wrinkles, brighten skin, and eliminate sagginess. But so many of these claims simply aren’t true. Many of these products don’t include the most effective ingredients to help reverse the signs of aging, and – worse – they’re packed with potentially harmful chemicals that could do just the opposite. When you’re shopping for products to add to your body care routine, be sure to avoid harmful and toxic ingredients like acetone, camphor, ethanol, talc, ethyl acetate, phthalates, mineral oils, ammonium, and sodium laureth sulfate. Naturally hydrating and protective ingredients (like the ones we use in our products) include hemp seed oil, shea nut butter, kaolin clay, squalane, lupeol, and pomegranate sterol.  Conclusion: Start your full-body skincare journey today The good news is, with the right body care products, you can reverse the signs of aging in these telltale areas. Spend a little more time exfoliating with your favorite scented sugar scrub in the shower. Soften your skin and relax in the bath with one of our bath bombs. And, whether you’re getting ready to leave the house after a refreshing shower or you’re doing your nightly skincare routine, don’t forget to apply body oil for lasting hydration and soft, youthful skin. Till next time ~ Jen

Part 1 of 2: Getting Inspired and Getting Started As we close out Women’s History Month, I’ve been thinking of all the iconic women in history (and today) who walk through the world with inimitable style, grace, and power. These women vary in their work, style, and lives, but they all have one thing in common: a defined personal brand. From Michelle Obama to Jane Goodall, Taylor Swift to Madonna, and Frida Kahlo to Katharine Hepburn, the women we admire most are easily recognizable for their poise and their unique personal brands. So, let’s talk about how to show the world who you are and define your personal brand. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, mompreneur, teacher, executive chef, C-suite executive, artist, community leader, or anything in between, having a defined personal brand can help you better navigate the world. But your brand isn’t just the clothes you wear or the words you use to describe yourself. It’s the essence you exude when you walk into a room. It’s what people remember about you, and it should employ all five senses...including scent! That’s why choosing a signature scent is so important to building your personal brand. Let’s walk through a few simple tips to get started. Getting started: Define your personal brand in a few steps In my life before Urthy, I was (and still am) a brand expert. I spent 20 years helping businesses develop their brands, and I learned that a lot of the work that corporations put into building their brands can apply to personal branding (with a few tweaks). Basically, when a business rebrands or defines its brand for the first time, the process often looks like this: Conduct market research. Select your brand's personality. Choose your brand name and/or slogan. Create a unique value proposition. Apply the new brand across all business communications. I like to use variations on these steps to help people build their own personal brand: Get inspired by the women you admire. Take some time to look through your Instagram feed and your favorite Pinterest boards. You can start with your friends, family, coworkers, personalities and any women that you admire, but don’t limit yourself to just one person. Find a few things from each that you love so you can create your own unique brand style...a formula that is all you. Choose the focus for your personal brand. Make a quick mental list of some of the things you love most about the women and images you chose for your inspiration. What do they have in common? Usually, you’ll find that your inspirations share similar characteristics, which generally fall into one of twelve basic archetypes. Archetypes aren’t a new concept. Psychologists have been working with them for decades, and the study of archetypes dates back as far as ancient Greece. Basically, the idea is that people are emotional beings, driven by desires. And, as such, our personalities fall into 12 archetypes, based on 12 basic human desires. Essentially every successful brand you can think of is based in a personality archetype, and you can use them to create yours. The 12 archetypes are: The Innocent: Brings a sense of safety, warmth, and trust The Sage: Wise and knowledgeable, a go-to for good advice The Explorer: Carefree and open, adventurous  The Outlaw: A revolutionary who’s not afraid to break the rules  The Magician: Makes dreams come true, a force for transformation  The Hero: Overcomes extraordinary odds to accomplish great things The Lover: Brings people together in love, passion, and care The Jester: Joyful, entertaining, funny, and always the life of the party The Everyman: Gives everyone a sense of belonging and equality The Caregiver: Cares for others and listens with an open heart The Ruler: Displays exemplary self-control, always knows what to do in difficult situations The Creator: Innovative and creative, bringing new life and works into the world  I find it best to pick 2 or 3 archetypes that resonate with you and your personality. That way you can create a mash-up. Name your personal brand. Consider the 12 archetypes, and as you do, brainstorm a few words, thoughts, and/or feelings that come to mind when you see pictures of your favorite outfits, glasses, accessories, clothes, wellness regimens, etc. Make a mash-up of your favorite archetype with the words and phrases that pop into your head. Use these ideas to name your personal brand. Your brand name doesn’t have to sound like a company name, and it should describe the look, feel, and style that you want to convey. You could keep it simple with something like “elegant caregiver” or get just a little more specific with something like “fashion-forward outlaw mom.” You could also go with a more descriptive option like “modern and minimal sage with a side of sass,” or you could really embrace the mash-up idea with something like “Explorer Tina Fey with a dash of Rihanna’s attitude.” There's no wrong answer. Just have fun with it! Create your own unique value proposition. In the sales world, a unique value proposition (UVP) is a statement that clearly expresses a company’s main selling points and what makes it stand out. Writing one for your personal brand is a great way to solidify your brand identity for yourself. What sets you apart? What do you bring to the table? How do you want the world to see you? This doesn’t have to take you very long, but putting your intention into creating your UVP will help you create your personal style direction. Apply your personal brand to your everyday life. This is the part where you choose your signature scent (more on that later), the apparel and accessories that best express your personality, the confident smile and poised gait that show the world who you are, and so much more. Okay, yes…this can be a lot of work, so I’m actually here if you need some inspiration and help. You can check out my personal branding Pinterest board to see some of the people, outfits, moods, and scents that inspire me on a daily basis. While you’re looking, feel free to add me to your personal brand Pinterest board or email me if you have questions about personal branding. For now, let’s talk about scent and how it can help you express yourself and your personal brand the moment you walk in a room. Your brand is more than just how you dress. It’s how you present yourself to the world, and that means it must embody all five senses. Multiple studies have shown the power of scent. As far back as 2007, researchers published an article in The Journal of Marketing Society on the importance of defining brands through scent. In their work, they found that up to 75% of our emotions are generated by smell! And, according to Scientific American, in 2013, researchers found that olfactory (smell) stimuli caused more brain activity than visual stimuli.    In other words, scent matters! And you should definitely use it as you build your personal brand. Choose a scent that evokes the emotions and images that you most want to be associated with. But how? Stay tuned for part two of this blog series! In it, I’ll go into detail (without getting too nerdy or technical) about different scent notes and how to choose the right one to fit your personal brand. Until then, check out Urthy’s selection of fine fragrances, home provisions, and candles today! And, for more inspiration on building your brand and choosing incredible fragrances, follow Urthy Scents on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook. And stay tuned here for more fun and educational articles to help you express yourself to the fullest! Till next time ~Jen

It’s National Fragrance Week, and I’m personally excited to celebrate all things olfactory. Not to sound too geeky but your sense of smell is incredible. According to a study performed by Rockefeller University in 1999, humans only remember 5% of things that they’ve seen, 2% of things they’ve heard, and just 1% of things they’ve touched. But we remember an astounding 35% of the things we’ve smelled.  That’s right, you’re 700% more likely to remember a distinct smell than a person’s face or the color of a dress. And, as surprising as this may be, consider the significant role that scents and fragrances play in creating atmosphere and ambience in any given space. From hospitals to classrooms, and from boardrooms to bedrooms, we associate different places, times, and people in our lives with specific smells. If your grandmother used lavender-scented skin cream, you likely associate that smell with love, affection, warmth, and safety. The smell of sea salt and tropical fruits could harken back to a romantic evening walking on the beach on your honeymoon. Your sense of smell is keener than you know, and the right fragrance can make all the difference in enhancing your mood at home, work, or anywhere else. The wonderful thing about the power of smell is that you can use it to set the mood and bring desired emotions into any environment. From body oils and perfumes to candles and room sprays, you have more control than you may know over how people feel when you enter a room, or when they visit your home or walk into your office. 1. Elevate your morning mood with a sugar scrub and body oil Like most of us, I like starting my day with a quick refreshing shower. I find it to be a great way to reset and wake to the day, but I noticed something recently. Almost every morning, I was just going through the motions. Instead of taking full advantage of this little bit of me-time, I would literally lather-rinse-repeat before scrambling through the rest of my hectic morning routine. I realized that I was missing an opportunity to boost my mood and enhance my skincare routine. For me, starting the day in a good mood is all about taking care of myself, and that means taking care of my skin. I’ve had extremely dry skin as far back as I can remember. I’ve been using body products to fight it since I was barely a tween, and my mom even gave me a tablespoon of cod liver oil every morning. This was before it came in convenient (and much more palatable!) gel caps – I can still taste it! Those early memories and years of frustration taught me a lot about how the condition of my skin can impact my mood. All of my trial-and-error and deep research taught me that I needed a good exfoliator as much as I needed an effective moisturizer. If you have dry skin like me, it’s important to exfoliate regularly to enable your moisturizer to absorb effectively into your skin. Unfortunately, so many soaps and exfoliating products contain inflammatory ingredients that can cause flare-ups for those of us with autoimmune disease and other sensitivities. That’s why Ali and I created our sugar scrubs and body oils to provide a product that’s clean, effective, and smells incredible – which brings us back to getting the most out of your morning shower! Now, I start my day with my favorite sugar scrub in the shower, and I take a moment to apply soothing, moisturizing body oil after I dry off. It’s a simple change to my usual lather-rinse-repeat shower routine, but it does wonders for my mood. When you start your day with a refreshing sugar scrub and revitalizing body oil application, you’ll feel good in more ways than one. You’ll love the way your body feels. The scent will enhance your mood and help you feel refreshed for the day. Plus, you’ll feel good about the natural, healthy products you’re using to improve your mood, your skin, and your day. 2. Enhance your mood throughout the day with eau de parfum, perfume oil, or body spray Once I’ve started the day on the right foot with a little scented self-care during (and after) my shower, I like to keep it going with a fragrance that will stay with me all day. There’s a lot of stigma around perfumes, and women often avoid them because they’re afraid of heavy, intrusive smells – especially if they work closely with others. Trust me, I know the feeling! A lot of artificial scents and fragrances can trigger flare-ups for me, and I know that a lot of our customers have the same experience.  That’s why I love a light, natural fragrance that feels like an extension of myself and my personal brand. Our multi-note scents have a balanced profile with natural essences that deliver a sophistication that I absolutely love. But, of course, when it comes to all-day fragrances, you have options. Should you go with an eau de parfum, a body spray, or a perfume oil? I use all three, depending on my mood and where I’m headed for the day (or evening). Here are my tips for the best product for the occasion or environment: Add a little luxury to your day with an Eau de Parfum Eau de parfums are considered one of the most luxurious fragrance types. While ours are light and not overpowering, they have a high concentration of fragrance oil and are made to last all day without transferring to anyone else or giving your coworkers (or you) a headache. Enjoy your signature scent all day with one of our body sprays When I know I’ll be out and about all day with no chance to reapply fragrance, I often choose one of our body sprays. I select the body spray that best fits my mood and aspirations for the day, and then I use it on a few key pulse points to enjoy a noticeable but light fresh scent that lasts for hours. Pro tip: You probably already know to focus on places like your inner wrists, neck, and behind the ears, but don’t forget other parts on other key pulse points, like the insides of your elbows and behind your knees. Boost your mood on the go with perfume oil If I have a long day ahead of me, I like to carry one of our perfume oils with me. These compact roll-on applicators fit easily in my purse, and they’re just the thing for a quick fragrance pick-me-up when the day starts to drag or when I want to ensure that I’m putting my best self (and scent) forward.  3. Energize any environment with the Urthy Scent Tower You might have noticed that I put a lot of time and thought into enhancing our customers’ lives and homes with fragrance. I’m especially excited about this mood-elevating tool that’s perfect for almost any space. The Urthy Scent Tower provides a simple, sleek way to add your favorite scent to your environment.  Using air rather than water, the Urthy Scent Tower quietly distributes our lingering natural-smelling scents to bring the scent journey to you. With different strength options, it allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of aromas to match the space and your mood. Plus, it’s compact, stylish, and portable, and you can change scents easily by switching between different refill bottles. It’s pretty amazing and simple to use! Explore all the ways to enhance your life with your favorite scents The right scent – on your body or wafting through the air – can do amazing things for your mood and the moods of others. Our personal and home fragrances can turn any space into your happy place, and elevate the atmosphere in your home or office to reflect your personal brand. These are just a few of my favorite ways to set the mood in the environments where I live, work, and play. Follow Urthy Scents on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook for more of my favorite ideas and tips, as well as new products and offerings. And don’t forget to check back here for articles to help you enhance your life, health, and wellness. ~Jen

Top 3 Green Notes in Perfume (A Must for Your Collection) Green notes in perfumes are fresh air in the fragrance world. They give your fragrance collection a natural and refreshing touch, recalling the scents of nature, freshness, and life. Whether it's the earthy aroma of oakmoss, the crisp scent of green leaves, or the warm and woody aroma of sandalwood, these green notes can transport you to a peaceful and natural environment. Green notes have become incredibly popular over the last few years in perfumery. As scent experts, here are the trending scents you must add to your collection this year.  1.   Oakmoss: A Rich and Earthy Scent An oakmoss scent is a popular green note in perfumes known for its rich and earthy scent. It's produced from an oak tree's lichen and is frequently used as a base note in fragrances to add depth and richness to the overall aroma. We adore this scent and have included it in our Whispering Trees Eau De Parfum. The oakmoss is expertly combined with sage, amber, citrus, grapefruit, lavender, and tonka in the perfume, producing an increased earthy nature aroma. 2.   Green Leaves: A Fresh and Crisp Scent Green leaves has to be one of the best green fragrances/notes discovered on our planet. A green leaves aroma is a fresh and crisp scent that is frequently used to infuse a fragrance with a feeling of nature and freshness. As a result, it's frequently used as a top note in fragrances, adding a burst of energy to the whole scent. Green leaves are the way to go if you're looking for green notes. We're aware of this and have included it in our Velvet Orchid Eau de Parfum. The perfume consists of green leaves combined with orchid, ozone, freesia, citrus, sea salt, eucalyptus, and clove leaf notes to create a natural but nautical scent. 3.   Sandalwood: A Warm and Woody Scent The final note we'd like to highlight is sandalwood. A sandalwood aroma is a warm, woody scent frequently used to enhance the richness of a fragrance. It's made from sandalwood tree wood, a sustainable crop that doesn't require pesticides or fertilizers to grow. Sandalwood is an excellent choice if you want a warm, dreamy aroma that's also woody. This is included in our Iced Midnight Eau de Parfum, which smells divine. The perfume has a mixture of sandalwood, leather, oakmoss, brown sugar, lavender, and vanilla, giving it a deep and rich aroma. Ready to smell nature?  As you can see, green notes in perfumes are a natural and refreshing choice for people wishing to add to their scent collection. If you want to include green notes in your fragrance collection, we recommend looking at perfumes that include the scents described above. Maybe these aren't what you're looking for. That's all right. There are plenty more green notes to find. In our Eau De Parfum collection, you'll find a plethora of aromas ranging from earthy to tropical to spicy.

How Does Scent Affect Mood?   A good fragrance, scented candle, or bath bomb isn't just about how it smells but how it makes you feel, the memories it conjures up, and, most importantly, the emotions it evokes. And, trust us, this isn't advertising; it's science.  Many studies suggest that the olfactory stimulation of scents produces changes in physiological parameters, including muscle tension, pulse rate, brain activity, and blood pressure. Strangely enough, these changes also correspond with your mood. Clearly, a smell can influence our mood. To gain a more comprehensive insight into "how does scent affect mood," see the below:  The psychology of smell  Learning the psychology of smell is incredibly important as this sense accounts for 75% of the emotions we generate daily. It can enhance love, intent, and mood when implemented in real-life situations.  The primary reason for this is the strong relationship between smell and memory. As we smell through our limbic system, olfactory neurons connect scents to memories. Therefore, making the perfect link between a fragrance and a memory can directly impact mood.  For example, let's say your first date with your other half was in a blossoming orchard. In this environment, they'll be a natural odor of a fruity blend with a light floral twist. Subconsciously your mind will attach this significant memory to this scent.  As you grow older, you might forget about this. However, when the same odor is introduced to your limbic system, it triggers a memory response allowing you to recall the event. As a result, you can influence the feeling of love by revisiting the memory of your first date.  Scents that transform your mood  Smells are all around us. However, they don't all offer the same outcome. Though some can be attached to memories, some scents influence our mood, even when it doesn't recall anything. These are:  Lemon - Promotes concentration and has clarity properties  Lavender - Helps control emotional stress through calming properties  Jasmine - Commonly used as an anti-depressant because of its uplifting capabilities  Rosemary - Enhances memory retention and helps fight against mental fatigue  Cinnamon - Improves concentration and the ability to focus for long periods  These are a small selection of scents that have been proven to impact our moods positively. Improving experiences with scent  Smelling is a genuinely spectacular bodily function. Because of its psychological impact, it can change our moods. But that isn't all. It can also improve an experience.  As gathered above, scents attached themselves to memories. Therefore, if you link a smell to an experience, it prolongs the enjoyment. And, because of its scientific backing, people have utilized this sense to enhance experiences.  This particular practice is called signature scenting and is usually used in retail. Normally, the brand uses a one-of-a-kind signature with a good customer experience. By matching these together, the smell will always be associated with their shopping experience.  Summary  After reading the above, you should better understand the important question, "How does scent affect mood." With the power of the limbic system, scent can influence or get attached to a memory that changes the mood. To experience this today, find a scent in our store and reek the benefits of the psychology of smell. 

Proust Effect: Transport to A Location or Memory with Scent Through smell, we can get transported to a distant time or place because there's a conscious or unconscious memory connected to that note. This means we can light scented candles, wear body products, or spray fragrances tailored to specific locations, offering optimal comfort and escapism.  The Proust Effect (aka scent transportation) has been studied significantly. It's even been proven that there's greater brain activity associated with a smell of a rose than the visual appearance of one, concluding the influence smell has on our minds.  Optimized and powerful scents that stimulate our brains are gorgeous. With the ability to evoke distinct memories or travel across the globe in seconds, it's something everyone should become knowledgeable on. To learn more, read the below:  Why is scent so powerful?  The Proust effect can transport you anywhere, anytime. Whether it's the smell of freshly baked cookies when you were a child or the salty beach air from your favorite holiday, scent can help recall these memories and locations.  But how is this even possible?  As you can imagine, it's a complicated one. However, two researchers named Richard Axel and Linda Buck simplified it, winning a Nobel Prize.    It goes like this. When you come into contact with odors drifting through the air, olfactory receptor cells' neurons communicate to a part of our brain called the olfactory bulb. As the olfactory receptors process the scent, 1,000s of genes subset the odors into something almost like categories of emotions.  Because of how memory works (via the amygdala and the hippocampus), these memories or times are connected with a smell. When you revisit the scent, these emotions can come alive, transporting you back to that memory.  Travel to the most wonderful places worldwide  Now that you understand more about scents' power, let us introduce our company, Urthy Scents. We're scent lovers and experts that help people transport to a feeling, location, or time, through the smell of scents.  Most scent-based memories are associated with locations. Therefore, we wanted to provide our customers with the ability to recall good and bad memories related to these life events. To achieve this, we've focused heavily on creating scented products in some of the most smell-friendly places in the world, including:  Canyon Gap - Inspired by deserts in the U.S, including notes of lemon, orange, cactus blossom, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, and musk to invoke feelings of warmth  Citrus Grove - Citrus-based scents that are zesty and fresh, including clementine, lemons, grapefruit, lemongrass, verbena, and bergamot, to help revisit the spring/summer months Tropical Isle - With top notes of peach, passionfruit, pineapple, and a base of soft musk, allowing you to reembrace summer holidays in a tropical climate  The above is only a tiny selection of the scent-based destinations we offer. For a more comprehensive look into our passionate scents, see here. Summary  Now you've become knowledgeable on the Proust Effect, and why scent is so powerful, you can unlock the ability of time travel. Maybe not physically, but certainly mentally. To start your scent transportation journey today, contact us. 

Phthalates In Scented Candles: Why Should You Avoid Them? Scented candles, we love them. It enables us to smell freshness, recall memories, meditate, and so much more.  However, have you ever wondered why a candle smells so good? Some (not all) still use phthalates, which are commonly found in fragrances.  Though this provides an incredibly rich smell, some serious side effects come with inhaling this. To learn more about phthalates in scented candles, read the following:  What are phthalates?  Phthalates are synthetic compounds that are utilized in the plastics sector. The primary exposure routes to this substance are inhalation, ingestion, and transplacental transition. The compound is an endocrine disruptor (ED), a substance that interferes with the body's hormonal balance. As a result, they can change how the reproductive system's hormone-dependent components form and work. Low doses of EDs are present in the environment, exposing both humans and animals to them. The different ways these substances interact with one another can produce hazardous health consequences that are additive, antagonistic, or synergistic. Like hormones, phthalates have physiological effects at lower doses than higher concentrations (aka non-monotonic toxicity)  Why are phthalates bad?  Considering our exposure to phthalates from some scented candles, the health risks are significant for both men and women.  Frontier found that phthalate disturbs the regulation of RA-relevant genes. Because of this, it's possible to develop an autoimmune disease like RA if exposed to phthalates.  Additionally, phthalates are well known for their potential to disturb the hormonal system. Extensive laboratory research has shown that exposure to phthalates lowers testosterone levels and causes various male reproductive issues. Therefore, it affects undescended testes, hypospadias (abnormal urethral apertures), and abnormalities in sperm-producing organs.  As a result of these issues, we strongly advise limiting or completely removing your exposure to phthalates.  How can you avoid phthalates in scented candles? Some scented candle brands include phthalates to increase the scent throw and strength. However, you need to avoid this. The health complications that are presented aren't worth it. Therefore, limit or eliminate your exposure to phthalate candles.  Luckily, avoiding this doesn't require any expertise or complex advice. Instead, you just need to find a scented candle brand that understands the severe consequences of phthalates.  Here at Urthy Scents, we want to provide our customers with a unique, safe, and pleasant scented candle experience. Besides using premium materials like coconut wax, we also ensure all our scented candles are phthalates-free.  By carefully manufacturing our scented candles, we can offer an excellent scent throw, without any additional ingredients, like phthalates. Therefore, candle lovers can enjoy the richness of burns with no health issues.  Summary  In this post, we went deeper into why phthalates are bad. For the candle industry, it's a worrying thought as some cheaper brands still use them in their products.  Before you next light a candle up, double-check whether it has phthalates. If it does, remove it from your collection and forget about it. A great replacement would be one of our scented candles, which are all phthalate-free.  

Why Is Coconut Wax Better Than Soy If you love burning scented candles, you're aware that the wax significantly impacts your enjoyment. After all, the wax is what makes a candle burn and controls aspects like smell throw, burn time, and the amount of energy or toxins produced. So, choosing the right wax for your candle may really make a difference. Coconut and soy wax are two possibilities that people have trouble deciding between because they're both made of plants. We know which we'll choose. However, we need to explain it to you. So, why is coconut wax better than soy? Coconut Wax vs. Soy Wax The best way to showcase the coconut wax benefits is by comparing it to soy. To learn why you should consider investing in coconut wax rather than soy, see below:  1.    Scent throw  Any scented candle's scent throw refers to how far it can spread its fragrance.  Because coconut wax and essential oils mix seamlessly, it delightfully emits an aroma. Because of this, coconut wax blends nicely with essential and fragrant oils.  An excellent hot and cold scent throw is another benefit of coconut wax. You can smell the lovely perfume of lavender even after only opening the jar of a thick coconut wax candle. Soy wax has a lower melting point than coconut wax, which facilitates the easy release of essential oils, making it less fragrant than coconut wax. Therefore, we highly advise using coconut wax instead of soy when comparing their scent throw. 2.    Clean burn  When you light an aromatherapy candle, you want to feel better, unwind your muscles, and take in the lovely scent.  Absolutely nobody wants to breathe in soot. Sadly, many scented candles emit soot and other dangerous toxins into the air when lit. Therefore, the perfect burning material would not emit hazardous pollutants. Regarding clean burning and safety, coconut wax candles outperform all other waxes. You don't have to be concerned about toxins or carcinogens in your house because they produce zero soot particles when lit. 3.    Burn time  When you purchase your favorite scented candle, you anticipate it will burn for a considerable amount of time and leave your house with a lovely aroma. While soy wax candles burn slowly, their flaky appearance might cause them to appear unattractive. When you have invested a significant amount of money on an expensive scented candle, this can be highly irritating. On the other hand, candles made of coconut wax have some of the longest burn periods and guarantee an even burn. Your favorite scent will last a long time in your house, and you will receive value for your money if the burn duration is slow and even. Summary  With the coconut wax benefits outweighing what's offered by soy, it's clear to understand why we have them in our arsenal. When compared, they outperform many wax candles. Therefore, to ensure you're investing your money in good-quality candles, consider checking out our large variety of coconut wax options. 

Olfactive Families & The Fragrance Wheel: A Lesson on Scents A classified system is used in the perfume industry to place different scents into olfactive families. These families have evolved since their creation in 1983. However, it has led to the discovery of something we now call the fragrance wheel.  Above, the wheel shows various segments. The most significant are seven core olfactive families: aromatic, woody, leather, oriental, fougére, chypre, citrus, and floral.  Each of these is arranged by their relationship with one another. For instance, woody and oriental have dry characteristics, generally used to create a leathery fragrance.  The fragrance wheel is a simplified way of remembering and explaining the olfactive families with scent. However, it doesn't go into detail about each segment. To discover this, become knowledgeable on the following.  The fragrance families  When designing fragrances, perfume experts will utilize the above wheel to develop a scent. Doing this requires in-depth knowledge about the olfactive (fragrance) families. With this information, they can appropriately mix scents and reach the desired outcome.  To understand each of these fragrance families better, here's a brief explanation of them:      Fragrance Family Name Description Characterized By Aromatic Citrus and spicy notes are frequently blended with aromatic fresh green accords like thyme, rosemary, tarragon, or mint to create richer charters. ·         Herb & plant notes ·         Combined with spice and citrus accords Woody Woody perfumes are infused with fruity notes, flowers, herbs, and spices and are based on warm, luxurious, or dry woods such as sandalwood and cedar. ·         Crisp, dry woody heart notes ·         Aromatic or citrus head notes ·         Dominant resin or wood bases Leather Developed initially to disguise the odor of tanned leather, the current leather family contains leathery scents of smoke, wood, tobacco, and honey. ·         Powdery, woody notes ·         Smokey notes Oriental Oriental perfumes' rich exotic essences include exotic herbs and spices like vanilla and citrus, as well as aldehydes. Aromas of resins, woods, and amber are warm and seductive, with powdery or dry undertones. ·         Rich and exotic spices ·         Dry, powdery resin notes Fougére Fougère, named after the French word for fern, is a green and fragrant herbal aroma with lavender, oakmoss, citrus, and woods frequently used in men's fragrances. ·         Sweet or sharp lavender head notes ·         Lichen and coumarin heart ·         Woody and moss base Chypre Chypre is a general term for a group of scents with a mossy, foresty foundation that was first influenced by the scents of the island of Cyprus and features harsh patchouli, oak-moss base notes, and citrus. ·         Bergamot head ·         Ladanum hear and oakmoss Citrus When citrus oils like zests of lemon, bergamot orange, mandarin, or grapefruit are added to the top notes of a scent, they provide clean, fresh and bright tones. ·         Citrus note from fruit zest and flower blossom Floral Florals, the smell family with the most members, are at the center of the composition and can be augmented by aldehydic, fruity, green, powdery, or spicy characteristics.   ·         Many different floral notes   Conclusion After reading the above, you should have a deeper understanding of the olfactive families and the fragrance wheel. Undoubtedly, these are what shape the perfume industry. Without these dedicated categories, mixing and altering scents to the desired result would be remarkably difficult.

How Is Aromatherapy Done? Aromatherapy (oil therapy) is a holistic healing treatment using natural plant extract to promote well-being and health. The oils used are aromatic essential oils that medicinally help improve our spirit, mind, and body.  The healing practice has been used for thousands of years, particularly in ancient cultures like Egypt, India, and China. Despite this being considered an older medical and religious treatment, many still use it. To learn more about how aromatherapy is done, see below:  How does aromatherapy treatment work Aromatherapy treatment works by utilizing the sense of smell and skin absorption of the following products:  Inhalers Diffusers Clay masks Bathing salts Facial steamers Aromatic spritzers Hot and cold compresses Body oils, creams, or lotions for massage or topical application Typically, the treatment will include one alone or a combination, depending on personal preference and type of aromatherapy.  When you're undergoing aromatherapy, you'll be offered various essential oils. Depending on where you go, there will be hundreds. However, what are the best options?  What essential oils work best?  With aromatherapy, there are many different chemical makeups and fragrances to select. Depending on your condition, the person doing the treatment might recommend an essential oil. If not, we highly recommend choosing one of the popular options below:  Lavender oil - The aroma of lavender is calming to many individuals. It's frequently employed to ease tension and anxiety and to encourage restful sleep. Lemon oil - Many individuals believe that the zesty aroma of lemon oil improves their mood.  Peppermint oil: There's some evidence that using peppermint essential oil in an enteric-coated might help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). When administered topically, it might alleviate tension headaches as well. Tea tree oil: This essential oil, also known as melaleuca, was utilized for wound healing by the Aboriginal people of Australia.  Ideally, if you're undergoing the treatment with minimal guidance, then choosing one of the above is more than worth the consideration. With these popular options, you can obtain essential benefits that help your mental and physical well-being.  Aromatherapy benefits  Aromatherapy benefits range depending on the type of essential oil used during the treatment. However, you will be surprised about what's possible to obtain. Here's a brief breakdown of the several advantages of the treatment:  Manages pain Boost immunity Improve digestion Soothe sore joints Improve sleep quality Ease discomforts of labor Fight bacteria, viruses, or fungus Improve hospice and palliative care Reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety Alleviate side effects of chemotherapy Compared to the available benefits, this is a small section. But you should be able to understand the possibilities of trying out aromatherapy.  Summary  The above briefly breakdowns how aromatherapy is done. It uses essential oil's smell and absorption capabilities during the treatment to offer various benefits focusing on the body, mind, and spirit.  Despite its older history dating back thousands of years, it still has a purpose. Nowadays, it's recognized in the field of medicine and science because of its natural healing capabilities. 

Candle Meditation (Complete Guide) Meditation is the key to mindfulness. The only problem - it's challenging to drop into a meditational state. One way to make this easier is through candle meditation (also named trataka sadhana or candle gazing), as it allows your eyes to focus on natural light.  The meditation practice has been around for years, with many people still doing it daily. To discover more about this, read below:  What is candle meditation? Candle meditation is commonly referred to as the traditional name "trataka sadhana," which roughly translates to "gazing ritual." It's a hatha yoga practice focusing on a flame that helps build meditation skills and the third eye called chakra. The goal of this practice is to increase focus and awareness. It's thought that when meditators can focus on a single object, all facets of their existence will improve due to their new, clearer perspective and heightened awareness. Benefits of candle meditation The benefits obtainable from this mindfulness technique are excellent. According to those that actively advocate this, mention they receive the following benefits:  Better spatial attention and memory Improved concentration and cognitive performance Enhanced mental state, better sleep, and improved eye health Requirements for candle meditation To practice this meditation technique to seek mindfulness has minimal requirements:  A cozy, quiet spot to sit  An appropriate, sturdy platform for your candle A source of light or fire, most often meditation candles As a bare minimum, this is everything needed. However, you can make the experience more intensive by including the following around the meditation environment:  Water  Stones  Flowers  Journal or book for inspiration  Natural elements, like leaves or branches  Pictures of teachers, loved ones, and communities  Including these can enhance the experience and make it more meaningful.  How to perform candle meditation Once you have all the equipment ready, it's time to start embracing the power of candle meditation. Before beginning, memorize the below to avoid any disruptions during the process.  Find the best time of day for you. Locate a place that is completely silent and dark. Straighten up and hold the meditation candle at eye level. Inhale a few times deeply, then focus on your purpose. Start by setting a timer for one minute. Keep your eyes on the candle flame as it moves. As they arise, pay attention to your thoughts, then gently and uncritically let them go. Avoid engaging with them. Strive to blink as little as you can. Create the impression that your eyes are merging into one, activating the chakra of the third eye. Finish by expressing appreciation and promising to come back. Summary  Now that you've read the above, you should completely understand candle meditation. Undoubtedly, it's a simplified and excellent way to dive into a meditational state. By following the above instructions, you can start as soon as today.  To begin your candle meditation journey right, check out our store. We have abundant meditation candles that can help with this style of meditation while providing recognizable and fresh aromas into the air. 

Aroma Psychology: Explained from A-Z  A sense of smell, or olfactory sense, is humankind's oldest sense. One of our earliest functions as tiny, simple organisms was to discover harmful or helpful molecules in our environment by smelling. Smell, olfactory, and aroma psychology mean the same thing. It's how smell impacts our bodily functions, especially health, memory, and attraction. To learn more about the uniqueness of smell, see below:  What allows aroma psychology to work?  Before understanding the psychology of smell, it's essential to know how it works.  Humans have an accessory and main olfactory system. This is particularly a pathway from the nostril to the brain. As an odor go through the nose or mouth, the molecules from the smell dissolve and connect to the mucus lining in the nasal cavity. When they contact, olfactory neurons distinguish the odor and transmit the information to the brain.  Surprisingly, the information that's sent to the brain isn't as complex as you might think. In the psychology of smell, our brains only identify ten categories of scents:  Woody/resinous  Fragrant/floral  Minty/peppermint Fruity (non-citrus)  Popcorn  Sweet  Lemon (citrus)  Chemical  Pungent Decayed  Therefore, anything you've ever smelt before either fall into this category or has a combination of these smells.  The scent-brain connection  Smells and fragrances have a considerable impact on our mood. This is because the olfactory system is directly connected to parts of the brain responsible for blood pressure, memory, breathing, stress levels, heart rate, and hormone balance.  Of our five senses, smell is the only one connected to this brain area. Many refer to this area of the brain as the "emotional center" because it controls bodily functions related to fear, happiness, sadness, anger, etc.  As a result, scent can influence how we feel. From the scent-brain connection, a smell can influence our olfactory system to make our brain's emotional center react positively or negatively.  Can we influence aroma psychology positively?  Because of the power of aromas and smells, many have studied how to manipulate this human function. It turns out that you can use smell or aromatherapy to your advantage, allowing you to control the brain's emotional center.  Primarily people undergoing this treatment use essential oils that smell like good memories. This helps recall these memories, providing a positive mood. For example, the essential oil of a rose could help you recall a memory of a loved one.  When a scent is paired perfectly with a memory or experience, it helps regenerate that "feeling" you felt during that time. Because of this, it can have a positive impact on your body mentally and physically.  Summary  Aroma psychology is undoubtedly a unique human gift. The power of the smell sense is significant, allowing us to control our bodies to react a certain way. If we smell a scent with a positive memory associated with it, our minds can find clarity.  Reaching this level of mindfulness isn't only great for our mental health; it changes our bodily physically by lowering heart rate, etc. To obtain these benefits, search for a scent in our store today.