If I have one area of expertise within my field, it’s smellies. While some beauty editors pride themselves on their textbook knowledge of the epidermis or their Katie Jane Hughes–style makeup abilities (I have a bit of the former, and none of the latter), I pride myself on my ability to rate every great-smelling beauty product from 1 to10 on everything from texture and scent to results and efficacy, all from memory. It’s a bit niche, I know, but I’m not going to fight it.
My love for baths and body care is no secret, and although I really do appreciate a lengthy ritual, it’s the mouth-watering scents that really do it for me. And sure, experts will always have something to say about heavy fragrances in products, but it’s important to remember that not all scented beauty products are made equal, with some being better for your skin than others.
More recently, as I have found my stress levels rising and my mind and soul have demanded more “me” time than ever before, I have found myself reaching for my most-coveted smellies almost daily. I find that not only do they help bring some delight to otherwise mundane tasks (like scrubbing your entire body), but the scents themselves also help to evoke a feeling of calm and clarity.
And yes, there is some science behind why great-smelling beauty products make us feel good (it’s all to do with aromatherapy and hormones), but frankly, right now, I don’t think it matters. If one divinely scented product is enough to put a smile on your face and help you get through the day, then I say go for it. Luckily, though, to save any mishaps (or irritation-induced rashes), there are a whole bunch of products that smell great and prove good for your skin too.
So as someone who has tried and tested just about every smelly out there, trust me when I say the following edit contains the greatest-smelling beauty products that money can buy.
With clove, eucalyptus and chamomile oil, this rich cleansing gel is the sort of product you’d expect a facialist to whip out. Not only does it smell luxe, the texture is rich and balm-like, making it just about the most sumptuously wonderful everyday cleanser around.
If you want your makeup removal to be a bit more spa-like than a splash of micellar water swiped across the face on a cotton pad, may I bring your attention to this pot of goodness? With notes of orange, neroli and mandarin, it’s more citrusy and fresh-smelling than the Eve Lom cleanser but equally as luxe. Balmy and buttery, I might recommend a second cleanse for oilier skin types, but for those with dry, sensitive skin, you’re welcome.
No stranger to a spa or two, this Elemis cleansing balm is used in some of the greatest facials available. The minute it warms up on the skin, it melts into a rich oil that must possess the most spa-like scent of any beauty product ever. Plus, it leaves skin plump, glowing and full of life.
If you don’t like your facial skincare to smell overwhelmingly strong, this balm-like jelly cleanser from Ren is the one for you. When warmed up between the fingers, it melts into a delicately scented oil that leaves skin looking (and smelling) fresh as a daisy.
Trying to get hold of this bath soak over the past few weeks has been virtually impossible, but it’s finally back in stock. I challenge anyone to find a beauty product that smells better than this. It’s £41 for a bath soak, but I wholeheartedly believe that every drop is worth it. Everyone that I have thrust this product upon is under its spell. Like sweet treacle combined with honey and cream, this bubble bath makes for the best gift ever. In fact, my boyfriend buys me a tub every year for my birthday and it’s always the highlight.
If, like me, you love the smell of lavender and find that it helps you drift off to sleep, chances are you’ll find this super-foaming bath soak absolutely divine. One whiff has me fighting off the urge to fall sleep.
For those that prefer a powdered soak, Susanne Kaufmann’s Whey Bath is a surefire hit. Not only does it leave skin feeling suitably nourished, but the calming aroma of chamomile also fills the room.
When I was first introduced to this bath jelly I couldn’t get over how retro the concept of a bath jelly is. It’s been so long since I have had one that I forgot it even existed. However, one sniff of this beautiful concoction had me obsessed from the get-go. With ylang-ylang and neroli, it’s fresh but luxe at the same time. Either rub onto skin before you get into the bath or add to running water and you’ll be fully entranced.
When this bottle of aromatic oils came through my letter box, I was a little confused about how exactly I’d use it. However, after I smelled the warming vanilla, slightly citrusy scent I knew I’d find a use for it. It sits (very prettily might I add) on my bedside table and I pipette a drop or two onto my wrists before I go to sleep. I find it helps calm my mind and helps me drift off with no issues. I call it my night-time perfume.
If you struggle with sinus issues or often have to remind yourself to breathe, this oil is bound to help. With an invigorating blend of eucalyptus, pine, tea tree and peppermint, I add a couple of drops to my bath to totally open up my airways. It’s by far the most powerful, all-encompassing and reached-for bath product in my cabinet.
This multi-use oil has been a staple in my routine for years. Although it’s hailed for being one of the most nourishing oils for skin and hair, above all else, it smells like summer in a bottle. And don’t get me wrong—it doesn’t bombard you with an offensive tropical scent, but its subtle floral notes of orange blossom, lily and rose evoke all of the care-free emotions that go hand in hand with the summer months.
Not only is this one of my favourite night-time skincare products ever made thanks to its glow-inducing, soothing and skin-firming properties, but it’s also one of the most divine-smelling facial oils available. With jasmine and tuberose, I kind of wish it came in candle form too.
With any hope of trips to faraway tropical destinations strictly off the cards for the foreseeable future, this body scrub is my go-to way for getting that holiday feeling. Like pistachio and salted caramel, nothing smells as sun-filled and wonderful as this stuff. Plus, it leaves my skin looking ready for summer too.
For a real spa-like experience, this creamy scrub is fresh-smelling but with a hint of luxury that you only usually find in some of the most expensive beauty products around. Plus, for the best smoothing, glowing results, this is the one to go for.
At first it might seem a little overwhelming but overtime, this sage scent has become my go-to for when I just want to clear my head. It’s fresh and earthy in all of the best ways.
With Tahitian monoi oil and frangipani flowers, this whole body range from Elemis is renowned for its indescribably great scent. However, this body scrub really is the winner of the range if you ask me. It gives skin a wonderful exfoliation and boosts circulation to leave you glowing from head to toe.
Just because this lightweight body moisturiser has a delicate scent doesn’t mean it isn’t totally delicious. As far as formulation goes, this is by far my favourite body cream going. It’s not heavy or greasy and it sinks it almost straight away, leaving skin feeling healthy and nourished.
Fresh, zesty and luxurious in every single way, I save this particular body cream for special occasions. Plus, I absolutely adore the matching perfume so I like to double up to intensify the scent.
If you like fresh, clean scents (like just-washed cotton), you’ll likely warm to this rich body cream. The easy-to-use pump drew me in at first, but it was the delicate, powdery scent that kept me going back.
