Grace loves this... because aromatherapy's skin-perfecting powers know no bounds. Aromatherapy is an oft-maligned and misunderstood area of health and beauty. It's gone from being a hippy dippy alternative medicine to being thrust into the mass market in half the shampoos, body creams, air fresheners and soaps going.
Thankfully, there has been a big revival of using oils in skin and haircare, and off the back of this oil comeback, those impeccably trained blending experts are now enjoying the limelight once again - channelling the superior potency of essentials oils into skincare products that really work.
"Basically, I would say in a pure form aromatherapy is the same as it ever was," says aromatherapist, Kirstie Garrett. Kirstie's client list includes Gywneth Paltrow, and she was one of the founders of the aromatherapy-based Balance Me skincare products. "The thing that's changed is its price point, availability, press, packaging, and coming out of the 'specialist health store' bracket." Sadly, in many cases this translates as a dilution of what's an incredibly potent discipline. It's tricky to navigate without the right know-how, and like the trend for 'natural' and 'organic' skincare, so many established brands are popping up with claims to aromatherapeutic values, but many of these are synthetic replicas of natural aromas.
Don't be fooled! Here's a cheat sheet to make aromatherapy an easy addition to your skincare routine.
Kirstie Garrett, Gywneth's masseuse, offers seasonal and problem-specific essential oil blends, as well as custom-built aromatherapy retreats in South-West France. www.prendsletemps.co.uk
Kate Logan uses pure essential oils in her comprehensive skincare range, Kate Logan Beauty, with detailed instructions as to how to maximise their efficacy through application. She is launching a new range, Beatific Beauty in September that channels oils into a scent therapy arena. www.kateloganbeauty.com
Amanda Lacey blends oils on a bespoke basis at her exclusive clinic in Chelsea. Models, actresses and beauty editors alike count on her for unbeatably glowing skin. www.amandalacey.com
Solyvia provides organic aromatherapeutic solutions in handy roll-on form. Pulling ingredients from the Corsica's nutrient-rich soils, each dry oil is loaded with essential extracts to tackle skin complaints, minor burns, bites, stress and moderate pain. www.spacenk.com
Tip off: We heard on the grapevine that legendary aromatherapist Michelle Rocques O Neil has a new product range due out this autumn… Because will have the scoop.
Text: Grace Timothy
