Thursday, December 17, 2009

Winter Scent Comparison

There are two seasonal scents this winter that are very similar. I found myself buying both, however, because to me they are very different. I'll try to explain this madness in this comparison post. I will be comparing Yankee Candle's Jack Frost and Slatkin & Co's Twisted Peppermint.

Ok to start with a returning favorite of mine: Jack Frost.



I have to burn this whenever it snows because it is a complete winter experience. This is a vanilla peppermint (in that order). But it's so much more. It's fresh without having too much menthol. It's cool and calm while also being sweet. This to me is not just a candle with different notes - it's an experience. It's walking through a Christmas tree forest picking out the perfect tree in feet of snow or enjoying a sleigh ride drawn by horses while sipping hot chocolate. Sorry if that was lame. Yankee keeps changing the label every year and I'm not a huge fan of the current childish version of the snowman, but- minor detail.

Then there's the scent that I have loved the body products of and that they promised would be online only this year, but apparently after so many requests this was brought into stores- Slatkin & Co's Twisted Peppermint.



This is very much a peppermint vanilla. This is more invigorating and not as sweet. There is definitely a menthol feel in this one but there is still vanilla lingering so it reminds me of a candy cane, hence the name I guess. I'll enjoy burning this in the winter because it is a little harsh and "cold" similar to the bitter cold of snowy weather in Pittsburgh. I still have the body cream in this scent, but have stopped using it to save what I have left. I hope they bring that back.

Well feel free to give one of these a try. I know some people really don't like mint-anything but if you're not one of those people, you might like one of these. In the meantime, I hope you all have a great White Christmas!

{Currently Burning - Spice by Slatkin & Co.}

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Aromatherapy - Sleep

This just seems like the perfect time to talk about fragrances that help me sleep. I don't know how well aromatherapy really works scientifically but I do know the sense of smell is very powerful so you might want to give these favorites of mine a try. All of mine contain lavender, some of them chamomile. Plus my mother always said a cup of chamomile tea always helps encourage sleep as well!

This is my favorite - Aromatherapy Concentrated Room Spray Sleep - Lavender Chamomile from Bath and Body Works. I feel it's the most effective since it is powerful and fills a whole room. I only spray this once right around my bed before I go to sleep- anything else is too strong for me.



I like to put this on my hands and arms right before I go to sleep - Aromatherapy Hand Cream, same scent, from Bath and Body Works. That way I can stay moisturized and smell the scent at the same time. I like the hand cream better than the lotion because it's thicker and sinks into the skin more therefore moisturizes better - their lotion is a little greasy to me.



They sell other products in the same line that I've tried but I haven't liked them as much. I tried the pillow mist but who wants to put their head on a wet pillow? And if you let it dry before laying down you can't really smell it anymore. If you don't like this scent, they do have others - Black Chamomile, Lavender Vanilla, and Warm Milk and Honey.

This is from the Perlier line - the number 1 bath and body line in Italy. You can purchase this line from HSN and also find it in discount stores like Marshalls and TJMaxx sometimes. This is the Lavender Moisturizing Bath and Shower Cream. I love Perlier products as you'll see. They use great, natural ingredients and leave the skin feeling so soft without feeling greasy. This scent is just a natural lavender and is great to use in the shower at night before bed.



I like this line but I have to say this product I don't use as often as the others. This is Badger Sleep Balm - A Calming Sleep Enhancer. It has ingredients like organic extra virgin olive oil with essential oils of bergamot, ginger, rosemary, lavender, and balsam fir. You are directed to rub a little bit on pressure points like temples, neck or even lips. My brother really likes this product but keep in mind you are rubbing a balm onto your skin instead of a lotion or cream so it might be better for guys. But don't worry it's not too greasy. Also I recommend putting it somewhere where you'll smell it. I think my brother even rubs it right underneath his nose. It's a great line though, check it out. You can buy it several different places but the closest place for me is the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.



Let me know what your favorite sleep remedies are! Sweet Dreams.

{Currently Burning - Winter by Slatkin & Co.}