It can’t just be me who only has to open their eyes in the morning and unlock their phone to be plunged instantly into a cycle of doom scrolling and anxiety. And while I’m taking active steps to unplug more regularly to protect my mental health, there’s no getting around the fact that most of us can’t avoid the bad news cycle when so much of our lives are now intrinsically tied to our devices. A depressing thought? Undoubtedly. But lately I’ve been looking for small ways to imbue my day with moments of peace—shutting out the chaos and attempting to cultivate a sense of sanctuary. And for me, that always starts with perfume.
In fact, it’s scent in general. It is always candle season in my home, but autumn/winter’s arrival has meant that indulgent candles are burning around the clock, and my favourite winter perfumes have had a shake-up too. I’ve switched out summer’s fruity fragrances and zesty body mists for aromas that are deeper, cosier and a whole lot more emotive. I’m coining them comfort-blanket perfumes.
What Are Comfort-Blanket Perfumes?
Think of these fragrances as perfumes that aren’t designed to dominate or dazzle like a strong perfume, but more like a soft perfume, soothe, calm and hark back to the comfort of childhood. Much like the olfactory equivalent of wrapping yourself in a well-worn jumper or sipping a warming drink by an open fire (fireplace scents are a thing, too), these nostalgic scents are the epitome of cosiness. Even better, there’s science to back up exactly why comfort blanket perfumes will help to lift your spirits this season.
What Do Comfort-Blanket Perfumes Do?
“The olfactory system is directly linked to the memory and emotion centres in the brain, which is why scent has unparalleled power to unlock vivid memories. In times of stress or uncertainty, much like what we are living through today, these recalls provide grounding and comfort,” explains Jules Miller, founder and CEO of The Nue Co. This research is how Miller landed on the brand’s new Nostalgia Collection of functional fragrances—a trio of deliciously comforting perfumes which sparked the idea for this very piece. “Nostalgia isn’t just a feeling; it’s a physiological response. Humans are hardwired to be drawn to gourmand notes like vanilla, compounds that echo the makeup of milk and sweet childhood foods, so these fragrances in our eyes are a new tool for wellbeing,” she explains.
It makes sense, then, why so many of the perfumes that I gravitate to in times of stress have a sweet, creamy aroma to them, alongside musky notes that conjure images of warm skin or a subtle spiciness like pages of an old book. Ahead, my pick of the very best comfort blanket perfumes to cocoon your skin and your senses. And breathe…
The Best Comfort Blanket Perfumes
1. Glossier You Doux
2. Bibbi Vanilla Factory
Bibbi
Vanilla Factory Eau de Parfum
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