Smart Scents

I like this because I love aromatherapy … and I’m lazy…

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Alexa turn on aromatherapy, please. I have a couple of aromatherapy diffusers. They don’t get used that much. When I think about using them, I’m usually stressed out or tired and frankly too lazy to mix the oils and blend them with water. Then I was sent information on a diffuser with bluetooth capability. Does that mean I can turn it on and off and schedule fragrance to fill the room right when I need it, from my smartphone or even by voice control? Yes.

The Aera Smart Aromatherapy Diffuser can be operated via the Aerodome mobile app (available in the Apple Store and Google Play). You can set times and intensity levels and have the Aera “play” automatically at certain times throughout the day. The Smart Diffuser ($200) is controlled via WiFi using the app or through Amazon Alexa. You just plug it in and pop in a fragrance capsule. The fragrance capsules are $55 per blend, to which I thought “Ouch!” but the aromatherapy capsules don’t require mixing and there’s no residue from flame, smoke or oils. Plus you get 500 hours of diffusing. 

The Aera fragrances and essential oils are sustainably sourced and are hypoallergenic, making them safe for children and pets. Aera also has a partnership with Aromatherapy Associates London for a wellness line collection of essential oil blends. I’m currently using De-Stress Mind, a focusing and calming blend of frankincense, petitgrain and wild chamomile that is perfect for work or during yoga and meditation. 

So how does it work? Microdroplet technology converts liquid fragrance compounds into tiny droplets, which burst into billions of fragrance molecules to blend with ambient air. Fragrance ingredients are released so that the scent is experienced in its entirely—i.e. base, middle and top notes all at once. You experience a scent free of alcohol, propellants and other harmful VOCs. Fragrance strength is adjustable and you can also control the Smart Diffuser manually. If you don’t want to use WiFi at all, you can save money by buying the Touch Diffuser ($150). 

Aera For Home currently has a special collection available featuring Snowfall, Sugar & Spice and Hot Toddy scents for the holidays. 

For further information visit aeraforhome.com. 

How to Harness a Positive Mindset by Using Intention Scenting

As the year draws to an end, I often start reflecting on the past twelve months and then set new intentions for the year ahead. I usually set daily intentions, but it was especially important to do so during the winter solstice, as well as during the new moon and partial solar eclipse later this evening. 

This year I discovered a new way of setting intentions:

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Intention Scenting: I started using the Intention Gifting Set from Pinrose, which was a special gift set offered for St. Valentine’s Day. It included Pinrose’s Rollerball Kit (nine rollerballs of each Pinrose scent), a deck of intention cards and a rose quartz (a bonus for V-Day since rose quartz crystals help open the heart chakra and promote unconditional love), and a step-by-step guide to Intention Scenting. Intention scenting is pairing a fragrance with an intention (mindful commitment to yourself). It is meant to add a moment of self-care during your beauty routine by helping you “harness the power of a positive mindset throughout your day.” There are nine positive intentions (such as Gratitude, Strength, Optimism, Intuition) with each fragrance based on the mood and feeling each scent evokes.

As instructed I shuffled the nine intention cards face down and thought about something I needed clarity and guidance on in my life. I then fanned the cards out face down in front of me and let my “energy” guide me to a card. I picked Secret Genius — the guardian of Intuition. Secret Genius encourages you to tap into your intuitive inner-voice. 

The kit guides you through a moment of self-reflection and I mindfully applied the fragrance while setting an intention to start my day with a positive mindset. (As you smell the fragrance on you throughout your day, it serves as a gentle reminder of your intention.)

Today I chose the Tambourine Dreamer card. Tambourine Dreamer is the spirit of gratitude, who helps remind us of the abundance of the universe. It says she is also supportive during high days of celebration (like Christmas) and moments of pure love between friends and family. Very fitting. Tambourine Dreamer helps you appreciate the bounty of your life. The fragrance is lovely and uplifting. 

Pinrose currently offers a similar kit, the Good Intentions Kit ($25), which comes with eight Good Intention Cards and eight 0.5 fl oz, eau de parfum sprays.

For information visit Pinrose.com. 

New Year's Eve Beauty

Whether you plan to stand amongst the throng in Times Square or make the rounds to bashes throughout your city, or simply want to toast in the New Year in front of a cozy fireplace with that special someone, here are a few finishing beauty touches to consider:

The Eyes

With a touch of Victoria’s Secret Makeup Hypergloss Eye Shimmer ($12) eyes will sparkle like jewels.

Next, VS Makeup Brilliant Glitter Liquid Liner ($10) adds a bold line of glitter and sparkle to lids.

Bat those festive faux lashes honey! Ardell Elegant & Wild Lashes are strip lashes adorned with rhinestones and glitter.

The Lips

M.A.C. Happily Ever After Lip Kit ($22.50) has the perfect party shades—Cheers All Round, To Joy, and Endless Fun, in a tartan compact with the M.A.C. crest.

Victoria’s Secret Holiday Limited Edition Midnight Glamour Deluxe Lip Palette ($16) has shimmering glosses to prepare lips for that special midnight kiss.

The Nails

Dress up your favorite party lacquer with Kiss Paint & Stencil Kit ($2.99) in Silver or Gold. The kit comes with nail art paint, stencil designs and control brush.

Or create your own nail designs with Kiss Rhinestone Accents ($3.49).

China Glaze’s Cheers To You ($13) is a duo nail polish kit containing Midnight Kiss (a dreamy, creamy gold) and Cheers To You (a bold and glitzy silver). The set comes with a China Glaze shot glass to help you toast in the New Year.

Spritz & Sparkle

Dream Angels Heavenly Holiday Limited Edition Shimmer Mist ($25) from Victoria’s Secret, adds a luminous, golden glow to shoulders, legs and décolleté with the sensuous fragrance blend of white musk, sandalwood, vanilla and white peony.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Shimmer Eau de Parfum Spray ($45) and Shimmer Body Lotion ($29.50) scent the body with a hint of shimmer.