The main goal when shopping for a perfume or fragrance is to make sure it smells good to you, right? Because of chemistry, some fragrances might smell different on you than they will on your best friend or your mom. And of course, scent is very subjective. Some people might be more drawn to woodsy, earthy scents, while others might opt for the lighter florals.
It also depends on mood and the vibe you want to put out there. Personally, I like to spritz on a spicier fragrance for nights out. But in the daytime, I gravitate toward floral, citrus, and fresh perfumes. However, it's not just about mood and giving off a certain aura. I realized recently that you can use fragrance as a form of self-care too.
I don't know why I didn't put two and two together before, especially since I regularly use diffusers and essential oils to unwind and relax. Certain scents can be used for their aromatherapy benefits, like lavender to help you fall asleep faster or rosemary and peppermint for improved concentration.
Bergamot is one scent that is commonly found in fragrances and has aromatherapeutic benefits. A 2017 study found evidence that the citrus-like scent can improve mental health and well-being. Many fans of the scent believe it has stress- and anxiety-relieving properties to help you feel refreshed and energized. As someone who will try any and every self-care ritual or method, spritzing on a bergamot scent seems like a low-lift thing to experiment with when I need to unwind and release tension.
It also helps that bergamot is, in my opinion, a sophisticated and elevated scent. You've got the freshness of citrus but also something grounding and a little spicy. It's really the perfect balance and is so unique. Like I mentioned above, it can be found in a lot of perfumes.
So if you want to test out the bergamot stress-relief theory, here are some of my favorite fragrances below.
The Nue Co.'s newest fragrance was the product that got me thinking more about the relationship between perfumes and self-care. The fragrance was specially formulated, using data and science, to help you de-stress. The scents included were chosen because of their anti-anxiety effects. Ingredients include bergamot, cardamom, cilantro, jasmine, and cedarwood oil.
Philosophy's classic Amazing Grace fragrance got a brighter update. This limited-edition perfume has a top note of bergamot and other fresh scents such as grapefruit and orange blossom.
This isn't your traditional vanilla perfume. Madagascar vanilla beans are mixed with bergamot and green tea for a unique and slightly spicy scent.
You'll get the whole bergamot experience with this eau de parfum. The citrusy scent is paired with bell pepper, cardamom, muguet, ginger, black pepper, spearmint, cedar, amber woods, musk, and sandalwood.
If you're the type of person who wants summer to be year-round, I'm pretty sure this fragrance will be up your alley. Its description reads, "This bottle captures a postcard-perfect afternoon of sailing, a beach rose breeze, and loads of champagne." Scents include bergamot, petals, salt spray, rose accord, dune grass, muscone, and white moss.
Described as a "love letter to Africa," this perfume has top notes of bergamot, African marigold, and bucchu; middle notes of violet and cyclamen; and base notes of vetiver and Moroccan cedarwood. If you can't travel right now, why not spritz this one on and let the scent transport you?
Inspired by the Old Hollywood décor of Heretic's Melrose Place boutique, this fragrance contains Italian bergamot and bitter orange peels for a fresh citrus scent. It's mixed with neroli and black tea absolute.
If you gravitate toward florals, this one combines bergamot, orange blossom, mandarin, and golden gardenia for a sweet yet fresh and elegant scent.
Fresh, sweet, and spicy, Le Labo's eau de parfum contains notes of bergamot (of course), grapefruit, petitgrain, orange blossom, cedarwood, vetiver, and musk. It's unisex too.
Here's another unisex fragrance that works for any occasion. It has notes of Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, and white bouquet, while light and musky woods provide some grounding.
Dear Polly is inspired by Vilhelm Parfumerie's founder's wife. It's described as a "love letter" to her and her morning cup of tea. So it's no surprise that it's a refreshing fragrance of bergamot and apple with smokier scents of oakmoss, musk, and amber.
Another one for summer enthusiasts, the aptly named Beach Walk evokes sun-kissed skin and salt air. It has key notes of bergamot, heliotrope, and coconut milk.
For a rich and dramatic fragrance, this one is a good option. It starts with tangerine, bergamot, and cinnamon and then is balanced with a base of vanilla, musk, and amber.
I know what you're thinking: "Another summery fragrance?" But hear me out. This one blends both florals and spices such as bergamot, bitter orange, petitgrain, ylang-ylang, pistachio accord, and coco de mer accord. It's described as "inspired by remote private islands where summer lasts all year and days blend together." Sign me up.
Kilian's fragrance is an homage to Gustav Klimt's famous portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, and its name says it all. Like the woman in the artwork, the eau de parfum is pure glamour, with top notes of bergamot, mandarin orange, and aldehydes; middle notes of rose, freesia, and geranium; and base notes of patchouli, Akigalawood, tonka bean, and vanilla.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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