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Has The Seaside Lost Its Smell?
Could Sex On The Beach Be The Reason?

23/02/202421/08/2019 by Huib Maat

Has the Seaside Lost its Smell and why would Sex on the Beach be the reason?

Who among us does not love a trip to the seaside and all that comes with it: the fresh air, soft sand, the sound of the sea and the tangy aroma we associate with it?

The fresh, salty smell of the ocean is one of the most distinctive smells on the planet.

It evokes memories of crashing waves, sandy beaches, the cry of seagulls and if we are very lucky, the wonderful aroma of Fishing Boats, Ice-Cream & Suntan Lotion.

While travelling for work recently, I decided to stay at a quintessential English Seaside town.

In the days leading up to my visit to the seaside I found that I was really looking forward to it, and I am sure if I could have gotten away with it, I would have brought along a bucket & spade, a fishing net for use in the rock pools and flip-flops.

Then, … I remembered that I had not seen or used my seaside essentials in over thirty years.

(Well, … that is my version of events and I’m sticking to it)

After booking into a small family run hotel, I decided that if I was going to the seaside, then staying in one of the large chain run Hotels was not on.

So, on my first evening there, I went for a walk along the beach.

(Sorry, … but you will have to read a little further on for the ‘sex on the beach’ part)

The sun was setting and a beautiful warm breeze was blowing off the sea, I was in Heaven and had decided to keep an eye out for shops that would sell my seaside essentials after all.

It may have been tiredness or the simple fact that I was so delighted to be by the sea, but it was not until the following morning when I went for a walk on the beach before breakfast and heading off to work, that I noticed that the Seaside had ‘Lost its Smell’!

As a Perfumer for me the World revolves around smell, and if an aroma as distinctive as the Sea is not discernible, then there is something seriously amiss?

If someone asked you ‘what does the sea smell of’ or ‘why does the sea smell like the sea’, would or could the answer be sand, sea breeze or even as the Victorians believed Ozone?

Not one single note can truly conjure up the smell of the sea.

So, … while standing wondering where the seaside smell had gone and at the same time burying my toes in the sand, which is something along with paddling that is a prerequisite when at the seaside,

I noticed that there was not a single strand of seaweed anywhere to be seen on the beach, no seaweed, no seashells only driftwood.

I was delighted to see that there was no rubbish on the beach, but not a single strand of seaweed either?

Then I remembered reading an article where scientists have finally discovered how the seaside odour is produced and it can all be traced back to an enzyme that allows algae to survive in their salty seawater environment.

The smell we recognise as ‘The Sea’ is produced by algae on the ocean surface that release an aromatic compound called dimethylsulfide (DMS) into the air.

While scientists identified ‘DMS’ as the molecule responsible for the distinctive smell of the ocean some years ago, exactly how it was produced in the ocean was unclear.

What was clear was that the molecule plays an important role in cloud formation and also provides chemical attractants that guides various marine animals including some sea birds, invertebrates, and even mammals – toward potential food supplies.

So in our world it is the equivalent to a restaurant sign saying it is open for business …

The researchers also noted that the gene appears to be present in many other marine organisms including ‘Seaweeds’ that also release DMS.

This may explain why so many plants that grow under the ocean or along the coastline have such a distinctive seaside odour, it may also explain why on some days the smell of the sea can be stronger than on others as different algae blooms flourish.

It may also be the reason why we not only know the smell of the sea, but the food that it provides has that distinct flavour that we all associate with it, a fresh brininess that creates that ocean flavour.

When discussing this phenomena with another Perfumer, they mentioned reading an article that spoke about seaweed reproduction, and the fact that during certain times of the year seaweed has a stronger ‘Seaside Odour’ than normal and, …

that scientists had discovered that during the seaweed reproductive cycle the female produced a lot more of these volatile compounds, so that all those handsome virile male seaweed swimming around in the ocean would smell this wonderful Perfume and come a calling.

This gives a whole new meaning to ‘Sex on the Beach’.

So, … the next time you have the opportunity to visit the seaside, spare a thought for that humble wonderful edible seaside dweller, that not only helps provides us with the Seaside smell we love so much, but helps with the formation of clouds and that feeds a myriad of other marine life.

Another thought that should pop into your head is, that if this very special algae is smart enough to use a Perfume to attract their perfect mate.

Then this is the perfect definition of ‘Sex on the Beach’!

What are you waiting for?

A trip to the Seaside perhaps?

Or, … would your time be better spent finding out what is your ‘Perfect Perfume’?

That way your perfect partner will come to You …

Smile – It is Infectious!

23/02/202414/01/2019 by Josephine McCarthy

Smiling is infectious,
you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner
and someone saw my grin.
When he smiled I realized
I’d passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile,
then I realized its worth.
A single smile, just like mine
could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin,
don’t leave it undetected.
Let’s start an epidemic quick,
and get the world infected!

This poem that promotes the positivity of smiling is sometimes attributed to the late great Spike Milligan, whether it was written by him or by Karen McLendon-Laumann, we would be delighted to hear from anyone who can confirm the author.

Well, who ever it was that wrote this lovely little ditty, the poem does exactly what it is telling us to do – It makes us SMILE…………

So from everyone here at PAIRFUM London for 2019 we wish you Miles and Miles of Smiles, enough to spread around the World and infect it.

Pairfum Bath Body Giftbag Pre Biotic Body Lotion Wash Oil Bathing Gel

What is the Future of Anti-Aging?

23/02/202417/10/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

Millions and Millions of Pounds, Dollars, Euros, Yen, Swiss Franc and any other currencies you care to think of, are spend each year on anti-aging (or anti-ageing) products.

From Anti-ageing creams, Anti-aging Essential Oils, Anti-aging Face Creams, we use them daily at home or when we travel, for the lucky few who can afford it there are Anti-Ageing Clinics.

Today we saw an article that posed the questions:

What is the future of anti-aging?
How do men and women really feel about natural and organic beauty ?
Who are the ‘Well-Aging generation’?????

‘Well-Aging’ a new term that you may see cropping up, along with terms such as post-aging. It makes you wonder what do they really mean by these terms?

In 2017, a paper was published by researchers called “The skin Aging Exposome”. The term “exposome” describes the totality of exposures to which an individual is subjected to from cradle to grave, or, to put it in a much nicer way: ‘Our Life’s Journey’.

The review was carried out by a collaboration of European scientists, that specialise in either environmental medicine or skin biology.

It set out to discover which factors impact the visible, if not chronological perception of age. It included external and internal factors, and the human body’s response to these factors. These factors include air pollution, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and nutrition. Exposure to UV and IR, stress and sleep deprivation, the use of cosmetics and other variables.

By including such an all encompassing and wide variety of factors, the findings point to more subtle shades of meaning or expressions on what contributes to age perception. As the scientific focus around ageing has broadened, consumer perceptions of what it means to ‘Age’ has also shifted significantly.

We here at PAIRFUM London have noticed that the expectations related to chronological ageing are slowly giving way to a more holistic, lifestyle-focused consumer mindset. We are what we eat, drink, exercise, sleep, relax, think and most importantly of all ‘Feel’.

It is the reason that we created the PAIRFUM Organic Skin Care range, that includes our Anti-Aging Prebiotic & Organic Creams.

always original 16 9 1080 e1540401982129

Video Post – London’s Artisan Perfumers

30/05/202615/10/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

Why do most fragrances smell so similar?

It is easier to copy than to be original.

We are London's Artisan Perfumers.

Always Original.

How to Evaluate, Sample, Smell or Test Fragrance?

23/02/202409/10/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

We are often asked how to evaluate, smell perfume or test fragrance.

How To Evaluate Sample Test Fragrance Try Perfume 16

It may seem like a strange question “How do you Test Fragrance” ?

However it really is not as strange as it seems, some people would say “Just open a bottle spray and take a sniff”

Incredible Facts About Your Sense of smell, people can detect one trillion distinct scents. Test Fragrance

Finding the right fragrance is not quite as straight forward as it may seem, at times it would appear that there can be no logic behind your choice of perfumes because your emotions are so intrinsically linked to your sense of smell.

Perfumer Nose Smelling Strip Evaluate Scent Test Fragrance

We are conditioned to have smell preferences, and our response to a particular odour or note could be based partially on our individual genetic make-up, and partially on our life experiences.

Dark Chocolate Cake Fragrance Test Home Natural

So what do we mean by this?

Question Mark Info Graphic Sample Fragrance

In simple terms it means that we all have an ‘olfactory blueprint’, which like us is totally unique. Think of it as your life’s experiences or life’s road map all happily recorded in our smell memory.

No two individuals are alike and just as we respond differently to different situations, colours, music, art, clothes, food or wine, we also react differently to something that we smell.

Self Talk Day Positive Fragrance Test Aromatherapy

We here at PAIRFUM London are delighted that this is the case, could you just imagine for a moment how boring the World would be if we all liked the same thing… colour, food, wine, clothes..

How To Evaluate Sample Test Try Perfume Fragrance

Taking this idea a step further it would also mean that we would all, be attracted to the same type of partner, scientists have already proven that mice can and do, detect compatibility genes by smell, and that certain fish choose their mates by their colour. How this works in humans, is still not fully understood.

Sculpture Thinker Museum Famous Rodin The Thinker Sample fragrance

However it is such a fascinating topic, it deserves a post all to itself – so that is one for another time.

So! how should we Evaluate, Sample, Test or Smell Perfume..

Well, the Perfume World is divided into families, and then divided yet again into sub-family’s. Technically, ‘fragrance families’ are a classification system that the perfume industry has used for years. In the language of scent a ‘Family’ is used to place individual perfumes into olfactory groups, based on their more dominant characteristics.

When choosing which scent or perfume to wear we often without even realising it, gravitate to the same ‘fragrance family’ time and again. Instinctively, we prefer scents from some fragrance families and dislike others.

How To Evaluate Sample Test Try Perfume 8

However this may vary or alter slightly with a change in temperature or weather, for colder months we may prefer a warmer note and a lighter, fresher note for Spring or Summer.

The in-house perfumer here at PAIRFUM London, Huib Maat has just written a more in depth article on how to evaluate, sample, test Fragrance. If you would like to find out more, and learn how to do it like a professional then please click here.

how to make a reed diffuser dried magnolia flower

How to make a Reed Diffuser that is Personalised?

23/02/202404/10/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

We are often being asked the question, “How to make a Reed Diffuser that is Personalised?

We all enjoy fresh, fragrant flowers or at the very least a natural uplifting or calming fragrance in our homes. This explains why over the past number of years, reed diffusers have become a very popular and a ‘must-have’ addition to our rooms.

They have a timeless simplicity and versatility, that enables their inclusion into every room or interior design scheme make them universally loved.

Today, they are available in every shape and size in a wide variety of fragrances, from a variety of brands – even companies that would not normally be associated with or have a background in perfumery……….???

There are times however when:

a) The diffuser you have chosen may not quite fit the overall theme of your home, or the scheme you have chosen for a particular room.
b) You would like to add a more personalised touch to your interior scheme, or
c) It may be for a special occasion such as a Wedding or a party.

For these or other special occasions, we have a simple suggestion:

1. Turn your favourite vase into a unique reed diffuser.

The rising popularity of reed diffusers has seen us all getting used to refilling our bottles with a reed diffuser refill and inserting fresh reeds. We all know how to do this.

Did you know though, that you can do the same with your favourite vase or bottle?

Using your favourite vase or a unique bottle, to create an aesthetically pleasing decorative item will take just a few moments of your time, and yet you will create a touch of elegance to perfectly compliment your home décor.

To clarify, you will need the following items to create your unique reed diffuser:

• Your chosen vase or decanter

• PAIRFUM reed diffuser refill – well you would not expect us to recommend anything but the best to you – would you?

• PAIRFUM’s extra-long natural rattan reeds – yet again, nothing but the best is good enough for you.Choosing extra-long reeds is vital for the success of your reed diffuser because if the reeds are too short, then not enough of the rattan sticks out of the top of the bottle. You will find in this case that the reed diffuser will not be strong enough to fragrance your room. As a rule of thumb, you need at least 10 reeds that stick about 6 – 8 inch or 15 -20 cm out of the bottle.

Please note, the next critical step in this process is that you only select a vase, bottle, decanter or any other vessel that is resistant to perfume oils. If you are in any doubt about this, then please do not attempt this.

We recommend only using the following types of vases or vessels:

– Made from glass or crystal without any lacquer, paint, varnish, coating, fabric, paper etc on the inside or outside. Please insure that any type of container you choose is free from cracks, chips or defects that may cause it to leak or spill.

– Made from ceramic, porcelain or earthenware that are glazed on the inside and outside.

This may sound very restrictive (and probably is) but it is better to be ‘safe’, than ‘sorry’. After all is said and done, you are using one of your preferred vases.
On the other hand, you will be surprised how many beautiful, graceful and interesting vases or bottles you have in your cupboards that would be ideal to be used as a reed diffuser.

Just have a look around.

When selecting a reed diffuser refill oil, here at PAIRFUM, we recommend choosing a ‘healthy’ refill fluid:

– Natural,
– Without alcohol (as these don’t last very long), and
– Non-VOC (meaning free from solvents that damage your lungs and in particular free from glycols)

All of PAIRFUM’s reed diffuser refills and Diffusers meet these criteria.Now that you have all the ingredients assembled, it’s time to put it all together.
Begin by filling your favourite or chosen container with the reed diffuser refill oil to approximately 50% of the volume of the container, this is done to insure that you leave room for the reeds (if in doubt, then just fill it to the halfway mark).
Next, place the reeds inside the vessel, you will notice that the level of fragrance oil inside the container rises(think of it as the Eureka effect), which is why we advised earlier to fill to only 50%. This avoids spillage when you insert the reeds, and will insure that the liquid does not flow over the edge.

As with all reed diffusers, the reeds will now begin to soak up the fragrance infusion and the perfume will begin to travel up the reeds. Once the perfume has soaked or ‘wicked’ up the reeds past the neck of the bottle, your personalised reed diffuser will begin to fragrance you home.

Please take the usual precautions with reed diffusers and be careful if you are placing your reed diffuser on a wooden, lacquered or porous surface you may wish to use a coaster as fragrance oils can leave marks on certain surfaces.
Pro Tip: the optimum position for your reed diffuser is where it catches a little air flow that enables the fragrance to disperse, enhancing the atmosphere and setting the ambience you wish to create.

And there you have it – your very own, personal but luxurious reed diffuser in both scent and design.
The PAIRFUM collection is available online at www.pairfum.com

homo faber craftsmanship exhibition venice flower

“Homo Faber” Showcases The Very Best Of European Craftsmanship

19/09/201819/09/2018 by Huib Maat

The Finest of European Craftsmanship, from jewelery to bespoke bicycles, will be shown at “Homo Faber” with the aim of ‘crafting’ a more humane future by celebrating the excellence of artisans. The exhibition inspires interest in the skill of artisans that machines cannot match.

“Homo Faber is an expression that was first coined during the renaissance and it captures and celebrates the infinite creativity of human beings,” says Johann Rupert, co-founder of the Michelangelo Foundation.

According to Wikipedia, “Homo Faber (Latin for “Man the Maker”) is the concept that human beings are able to control their fate and their environment as a result of the use of tools.”

Here at Pairfum we are proud of the Artisan nature of our products, the skills used to handmake each and the spirit of the perfumer-creator in each fragrance.

Sleep and Insomnia – How to Fall Asleep with Fragrance

23/02/202429/08/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

Our reason for writing an article on Sleep and Insomnia – How to Fall Asleep with Fragrance, came about when we were contacted recently by a number of customers and specialist groups regarding sleep deprivation, and it’s effect on our general well-being and mental health.

If you were asked to suggest a product to include in a list of the ‘Best or Most Life Changing products’, that has to suit all budgets… Would one of the first things that spring to mind be, something that helps you get a ‘Good Nights Sleep’?

One of the most important things we need to do after ‘Breathing’, ‘Hydrating’ and ‘Eating’ is ‘SLEEPING’…
Sleeping is not just some down time from our busy routine, the body and mind needs sleep to repair and heal.

So as odd as it may seem, one of the best or one of the most life changing things / gifts you could give to someone is a good night’s sleep – just ask any new parent if they agree?

Lack of sleep can make us feel physically unwell, impair concentration, and leave us feeling stressed, anxious and irritable.
Findings of recent studies also point to the fact that sleep deprivation can also contribute to heart disease, premature ageing, and is a known factor in road accidents

With our increasingly busy lives it’s estimated that we now sleep around 90 minutes less each night than we did in the 1920s.
When we see it written like this it may not seem so bad, but if we were all asked to get up an hour and a half earlier than normal every day, but still go to bed at the same time each night .. really how would we feel?

Now if you add to this the large number of people who already suffer with problems sleeping, it’s obvious that many people are now functioning in a permanently sleep-deprived state.
Some people suffer from serious sleep problems, ranging from the inability to get to sleep (insomnia) to the inability to stay awake (narcolepsy).

However thankfully many sleep problems are temporary, and there are some very basic self-help measures which will help get you back to a more normal sleeping pattern.

One of the ‘Top Tips’ that every sleep expert gives is – prepare and unwind before going to bed, we have all read that switching off all our electronic devices, is very important, but why?

Electronics such as tablets, laptops and smart phones emit artificial light that can deter and disrupt sleep. Insure that you sleep in a darkened, well ventilated and quite room, and avoid stimulating activities, such as using electronics and exercise just prior to sleep. The advise on stimulating activities just before sleep, did raise a number of eyebrows… but we are sure that we can leave that up to you to judge.

Adopting a bedtime routine can promote consistent and restful sleep.

Here at PAIRFUM London the product that we have designed/created to help people sleep is our ‘Pillow Spray’ – For A Deep Night’s Sleep ( well we didn’t create it to help them sleep at work – but if the product works that well – what more need we say).

However, when our customers come back and say – “Thank You, for the first time in months I have slept until my alarm went off”…. We love it.

So if you do have a problem nodding off to sleep at night, and would like to learn more about the PAIRFUM Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Then why not pop over to the PAIRFUM London website to find out more… Until then Sweet Dreams x

Meditation – Top 5 Ways To De-Stress

23/02/202422/08/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

We have all been aware for some time that meditation has proven benefits for dealing with stress management, and improvement in overall health.

There are many different types of meditation that are practised worldwide, and each discipline brings with it something unique.

It would appear that everybody is doing it, and as with most things in life some forms of meditations may feel more comfortable for you than others.

However when we see how many different ways of doing meditation there are, dozens of meditation techniques, including some conflicting information.

It begs the question, is it something for you, and if so which one is best suited for you?

When deciding which form of meditation to use, the first question you should ask yourself is

‘WHY’?

Why am I doing it, and what do I want to get out of it…

If like most people, it is to find a way to de-stress, then perhaps one of the five meditations we mention below, may be for you. Perhaps it is simply taking or using some, or a combination of the techniques discussed.

1 – Mindfulness Meditation

Somewhere in our recent past (very recent past) the word ‘Mindfulness’ suddenly appeared in our everyday vernacular, but what does it really mean? Fundamentally, it is a translation of the word ‘Sati’, a word in the Pali language of ancient India in which many original Buddhist texts were written – roughly translated as ‘awareness. It is used to describe the sense of ‘Living in the Moment of Now’, or having present moment awareness. It’s practitioners claim that with practice, it can be used in any situation, and can bring lasting stress relief and health benefits.

2 – Mantra meditation

A mantra is one of the most common forms used for meditation – and believed by people who use it to be one of the most powerful ones. The practice of mantra meditation is found in many of the world’s reflective traditions, and also in the practice of meditation in a secular context. It has been proven effective as a stress relief technique. Some people may feel odd at first repeating a word aloud, or even under their breath, but for those who enjoy having a focus during practice, mantra meditation can be a perfect way to do this. It also allows you to focus on a word whose meaning resonates strongly with you, like, “Hope”, “Love”, “Peace”, “Let Go” …. it does not really matter just as long as it works for you.

3 – Metta Meditation

Knows as the ‘Loving Kindness Meditation’ – Metta is another word that comes from Pali, which means kindness, benevolence, and good will. This form of compassion meditation has been tested scientifically to demonstrate the efficacy of metta and related meditative practices. People who use this form of meditation say it’s benefits include the following – boosting one’s ability to empathise with others, it helps to develop positive emotions through compassion, which includes a more loving attitude towards oneself. Increased self-acceptance, a greater feeling of contentment about one’s life, and an increased feeling of a purpose in life

4 – Taoist Meditations

The Chinese philosophy of Daoism (which is also practised as a religion) and dates back to Lao Tzu, is the practise of living in harmony with Nature. The purpose is to quieten the mind and body, to unify the body and spirit and find inner peace. Some styles of Taoist Meditation are specifically focused on improving health and increasing longevity.

5 – The 5-Minute Meditation

Now whether you choose to try a particular form of meditation or not, in your quest to relax and de-stress. Anything that is called the ‘5 Minutes Meditation’ is worth a try … there are two main benefits to five-minute meditations – firstly, they can be effective for relieving stress quickly when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands. Secondly, well do you really need a ‘secondly’ when it takes just 5 minutes, to calm down, lower your blood pressure and think more clearly. What is the ‘5 minuet meditation’? well basically – you get yourself into a comfortable position, close your eyes and relax. Take a few deep breaths from your diaphragm, become aware of the tension in your body, and then slowly and gently release it. Try to visualise the tension leaving your body from your head to your toes, leaving in it’s place a feeling of warm, peaceful relaxation.

Don’t worry about whether you are doing it correctly or not, meditation is something we know how to do naturally, we just do not take the time to do it…

So from everyone here at PAIRFUM LONDON, we say relax ” Take time to smell the Roses” – you deserve it….

Review of Top 10 Essential Oils – Keep Young and Beautiful

23/02/202416/08/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

Essential Oils – we have heard about them read about them, and most lightly we have used or do use them in our day to day lives.

If you have ever had a professional therapeutic massage or a treatment at your local beautician, maybe you have even been lucky enough to visit a spa..

Then whether you realise it or not the chances are you have had essential oils, applied, massaged or mixed in with your treatment.

Since time immemorial ‘Woman & Mankind’, have been searching for the Elixir of life…..

A magic potion that would help them – Keep Young and Beautiful.

If you would like to find out which one of the Reviewed Top 10 Essential Oils – claims to have ‘Youth Renewing’ properties then read on…

A large number of our customers that run Spa’s or Treatment centres, use the PAIRFUM London Healthy Diffusers and Candles, because they are made using Essential Oils.

Essential Oils are in essence the concentrated liquid extracted from plants, which are highly aromatic and can be used for certain medicinal, pharmacological and culinary purposes.

They have been used for centuries in the creation of Perfumes, Soaps, Lotions, and when processed in a particular way, they are safe to use in cooking, much like the way you may use vanilla or almond extract.

So many articles are written about ‘Wellness’ , and finding ways to promote good health, to help you relax and de-stress after a busy day. Could using Essential Oils be the answer?

Are there any benefits to using Essential Oils, and if so what are they?

We have picked the following ‘Ten Essential Oils’, some you may be familiar with, some less so, whatever the case may be hopefully you will enjoy finding out a little more about them…….

1. Basil Oil:

Every cook knows how wonderful this herb is in cooking, it has also been claimed that use of the oil helps with or alleviates, nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, constipation, relieves cold symptoms, infections, relieves stress, improves blood circulation and helps alleviate Pain… to name but a few. So quite a wide range of uses for this wonderful little plant.

2. Peppermint Oil

If you were asked to describe – Fresh, Green, Sparkling – then for most people peppermint would spring to mind. Used for it’s cooling effects and to help relieve sore muscles. It is well known for it’s ability to aid in digestion, and some claim that it triggers satiety. ( If so – this is one to add to the shopping list). Users also swear by it’s antimicrobial properties, which is why it can be used to fight infections and even freshen your breath. This is one of the reasons we find that little tray of mints on offer at the end of a meal in a restaurant.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus actually refers to a large genus of flowering trees that has over 700 different species, most of which are located in Australia and New Zealand. The oil has historically been used for infections, upset stomach, asthma, joint pain and burns. Known as one of the more versatile essential oils, it’s often found in mouthwashes, etc.. However as with all essential oils it should not be applied directly to the skin, or ingested without first consulting a doctor or specialist.

4. Frankincense Oil

Very few of us have not heard or read about the story of ‘The Three Wise Men’ or ‘The Three Kings’, one of whom brought frankincense as a gift for Jesus of Nazareth. This essential oil is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes obtained from trees, sometimes referred to as Olibanum. Some of the claims made for this oil are that it can offer a variety of health benefits, including helping relieve chronic stress and anxiety, reducing pain and inflammation, and boosting immunity. Some claim that it aids concentration, and that it may help you focus on the task at hand. ( Well, with that in mind – I will also add this one to my shopping list) it’s worth a shot.

5. Juniper oil

A juniper berry is the female seed cone produced by the various species of junipers, not a true berry, but is in fact a cone that looks like a berry (glad we could clear that up for you!) The uses for this oil range from a cleansing and detoxifying agent, to a natural skin toner that reduces the appearance of skin blemishes. Which may be the reason it is found in a variety of skincare products. It may also be the reason some people have the odd restorative ‘G&T’ now and again – just saying….

6. Lavender Oil

If you have not heard of or used Lavender Oil, then the one question that we have to ask is “Where have you been?” One of the most well known aromas worldwide, and we must also mention one of the most polarising aromas (as some people have a well known ‘Marmite Moment’ when you mention it) is used to calm, relax and de-stress. One of PAIRFUM’s best selling products is the Lavender Pillow Spray – For A Deep Night’s Sleep so if you do want to drift off peacefully into the land of nod – then look no further.

7. Lemon Oil

Lemons like most citrus fruit, remind us of Sunshine, Health and Vitality, believed to boost immunity, lemon essential oil can be added to a cup of tea, a glass of water or beer – come to think of it – just about any drink that you want to add a sparkle to. It’s also commonly found in household cleaners, this may be due to the fact that the oils are easier to extract, and for that reason less expensive to produce. The aroma of Lemons is always uplifting and energising.

8. Carrot seed Oil

We have all heard that eating carrots helps maintain or improve our eyesight, well claims for this essential oil also include it’s ‘Youth’ promoting effects, as it contains antioxidant properties. (Note to self – add extra carrots to the shopping list). It is also said to help relieve joint conditions. So! to Keep Young and Beautiful….. it really can’t hurt to put carrots at the top of the shopping list for now….

9. Rose Oil

One of the most expensive ingredients in the Perfumery industry, Rose Oil is the essential oil extracted from the petals of various types of roses. It may be extracted through steam distillation, while rose absolutes are obtained through solvent extraction, the absolute being used more commonly in perfumery. Despite the high price and the advent of organic synthesis, rose oils are still perhaps the most widely used essential oil in perfumery. The Essential Oils are used in a number of applications, as it is believed to be an excellent emollient, a moisturiser for dry skin, contain anti-inflammatory properties to help treat redness and inflammation. Along with possessing antiseptic and astringent properties. Remember that what ever life brings, we should all “Take time to smell the roses”

10. Tea Tree Oil:

Has become more widely know in recent years, a native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is extracted from the leaves of the’Tea Tree’ or the Melaleuca alternifolia. It is reputed to have antibacterial properties used for scrapes and cuts. It has also been claimed to work on everything from toothaches to head lice…. but as we have mentioned before, as with all Essential Oils it comes with a word of warning – it may cause you to have a severe reactions, so never take or use any Essential Oils without first checking with your Doctor if this is suitable for you to use.

As with everything in ‘LIFE’ it is better to be ‘Safe than Sorry’….. so … A word of caution

While essential oils are generally considered safe to use, they shouldn’t be ingested in large quantities. It should also be noted that they should not be applied to the skin directly, as they may be an irritant or a sensitiser. If you’re thinking about regularly using an oil, you should always insure that you research the usage guidelines and potential risks, especially if there are children or pets in your home.

A NOTE about PREGNANCY:
As not all oils are safe for use during pregnancy. It’s probably safer to refrain from using any oils, since there is no solid evidence of their safety. Plus, pregnant women do tend to be more sensitive to smells and substances during this time. If in doubt always check with your Doctor.

If you would like to know more about the PAIRFUM London Collection – please get in touch we would love to hear from you.