Love Fragrance? Here’s the 6 Best Smelling Body Oils
Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years as a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plants like herbs and flowers to extract the scent and utilize it to affect our health and well-being.
The same part of the brain processes our sense of smell as emotions and memory, so smelling something can evoke strong memories and feelings. This may be why some people love certain smells compared to others -- because they have different memories and feelings associated with those smells.
Do It Yourself
When shopping for fragrances, you must be wary that you aren’t investing in a made fragrant product by the use of chemicals and artificial ingredients. Because of this, our list of best smelling body oils will be DIY oils. Meaning: you pick the base body oil, then add your favorite essential oil to make your perfect tincture that is all-natural andand free of dangerous fillers.
Choosing Your Base
Jojoba Oil: pronounced “huh-ho-buh,” jojoba oil is great for your skin, lightweight - making it perfect for spreading, and is said to have healing properties -- this is in part to its essential fatty acids, vitamin E and its emollient properties: meaning jojoba softens the skin by trapping in moisture. It is non-allergenic, making it great for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
Why we love it:
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t stain
Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil is a popular choice among massage therapists; it absorbs into the skin fairly quickly -- but not so quickly that you have to keep reapplying it. It is slightly oil but not overly so, allowing it to glide over skin seamlessly. It is high in oleic acid and omega-9 fatty acids; this oil penetrates deeper into the skin than others. In addition, it has antioxidant properties thanks to its high levels of vitamin E.
Why we love it:
- It doesn’t dry out quickly
- Not overly oily
Coconut Oil: Opt for a coconut oil labeled “organic, virgin, cold-pressed, or raw” is the best kind for your skin. Coconut oil contains Vitamin E - a great antioxidant. But, coconut oil is relatively thick and can tend to clog pores.
Why we love it:
- Contains Vitamin E
- Cost-efficient
- Long shelf life
Sunflower Oil: Light, non-greasy oil extracted from sunflower seeds is rich in an essential fatty acid called linoleic acid, which contributes to the health of your skin. This fatty acid gets stripped away by harsh soaps and cleansers, so it is a great addition to your intimate routine. But, it does tend to expire quickly, so purchase in small quantities and store in a dark, cool area.
Why we Love it
- Good for your skin
- Non-greasy
Choosing Your Aroma
Hundreds of essential oils have a range of unique healing properties, uses, and effects. Find below some of the most powerful fragrances to use in your body oil that can affect your mood, your mental state and can even benefit you physically.
Pro tip: A little goes a long way! These essential oils are extremely concentrated and potent, so you won’t need too much to reap all the benefits! Just add two to three drops into your base oil, and you’ve got yourself your own original aromatherapeutic body oil.
Create Your Own Unique Aromatic Tincture: Feel free to get creative! Mix and match essential oil scents you love that complement one another to make your unique blend.
#6: Eucalyptus
Derived from the leaves of eucalyptus trees native to Australia, the primary compound in eucalyptus is cineole, known for its analgesic and aromatic properties. Eucalyptus gives the skin a cooling sensation, making it a great option when trying to relieve sunburn.
Breathing in the aroma of eucalyptus oil clears your sinuses by reacting with mucus membranes, loosening up, and reducing congestion. In addition, because of its ability to clear your airways, it allows for more oxygen into your lungs-- boosting energy and mental clarity.
It has a sweet, woodsy, natural smell that is both soothing and clarifying. The minty aroma awakens and invigorates your senses and creates a calming sensation.
Goes great with Rosemary, Lavender, Cedarwood.
#5 Frankincense
Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, it is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees. Frankincense has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years, typically used for its ability to alleviate anxiety and relieve discomfort due to illness.
It has been shown to support overall mental health and wellbeing, allowing you to sleep easier by opening the breathing passages and grounding you mentally.
With a woodsy, spicy yet sweet smell with a hint of lemon, Frankincense’s earthy scent, reminiscent of rosemary, is used in perfumes, candles, and skincare products because of its nature-like aroma.
Goes great with Sage, Citrus, Sandalwood.
#4 Lavender
Derived from the lavender plant, lilac, and beautiful by nature, lavender oil promotes calmness and smells truly divine. It is perfect to use before bedtime as it can combat insomnia and put you into a restful state of relaxation and contentment. In addition, it directly impacts the nervous system, reducing blood pressure and heart rate.
Not only is it beneficial to you, but if you go around smelling like this -- you’ll have that same calming effect on others once they get a whiff. It is floral, sweet, and herby, yet mild and subtle.
Goes great with Bergamot, Rose, Sandalwood.
#3 Bergamot
This citrus fruit is the size of an orange, the color of a lime, with the sour bite of a lemon. It is the flavor behind the mysterious Earl Grey Tea. The essential oil derived from Bergamot is said to increase amino acids in the brain, triggering heightened hormones, which means a possible increase in libido!
It has a sunny, sweet aroma, a unique floral touch, and a spicy edge. It can reduce feelings of stress and fatigue and trigger serotonin and dopamine release and in the brain.
Goes great with Lavender, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood.
#2 Rose
An essential oil derived from the romantic, distinct smelling flower tends to have a relaxing effect on people. Holding true to its romantic symbolism, the aroma of rose oil has been found to stimulate sex drive due to its ability to release dopamine in the brain -- a known motivator behind the increase of sexual desire. In addition, it can ease symptoms of depression.
This classic, the known smell is a bit old-fashioned but also timeless. It is warm and comforting and can also boast fruity or bourbon notes depending on the variety from which the oil was derived.
Goes great with Chamomile, Jasmine, Frankincense, Sandalwood.
#1 The Bawdy Oil
You are blessed with your unique scent. Your pheromones are natural chemicals that your body produces that omit your own, personal, one-of-a-kind fragrance. These pheromones are unconsciously picked up by others, and can elicit a change in their mood or behavior, and can very well be the source of their desire to get close to you. Admittedly, it is somewhat animalistic, but then again...we are mammals.
Hydrating, nutrient-rich body oil infused with multi-purpose ingredients like Marula oil, CBD, and Frankincense restores and relaxes muscles, clarifies and moisturizes, firms and revitalizes, and evens skin tone. It is fragrance-free, allowing your pheromones to do all the talking.
In Conclusion
Deciding to nourish your body with the gift of body oil is a great decision. First, you can let yourself get creative in selecting which base oil is perfect for your skin and which essential oil aroma is the right vibe you’re looking for. Then, take the time to turn your oil massage into a daily or weekly self-care tradition -- a sacred moment between you and yourself. And then get creative in all the ways oil can benefit you, for not only moisturizing your body but to hydrate your cuticles, upgrading your bath soak, or reviving your skin with vitamin E after a day spent in the sun.
Sources:
Lavender and the Nervous System | NCBI
Aromatherapy & Essential Oils | Therapy Directory.org
Biological, Medicinal and Toxicological Significance of Eucalyptus Leaf Essential Oil | NCBI