An Essex Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 91)

We put these soothing saviours to the test, perfect for beating wedmin stress A CALMING influence Sanda Aromatherapy Eye Pillow, £22, sandafeelgood.com “I’m in love! The eye pillow is simple, yet so versatile, and great to have on hand for times when you feel like you need to stop and take a few moments. I put it through its paces and tried it warm first of all. Just 30 seconds in the microwave is plenty. The heat releases the amazing aroma (mine is rose and cardamom), which enhances the whole experience. I popped on a five-minute mindfulness meditation and shut out the world. “The next night I tested the cold experience – 20 minutes or so in the freezer does the trick. After a tense day it calmed my head and soothed my tired, contact lense-wearing eyes. I can’t wait to try it in the summer when itchy hayfever eyes kick in.” – Kelly Andrew s Amphora Aromatics Relaxing Bath Oil 100ml, £6, amphora-aromatics.com “I love a bath. Any excuse to get me in the tub, I’m there, and I have to say, I’ve tried a lot of bath oils. So, I was eager to dive right in with this Relaxing Bath Oil from Amphora Aromatics.  “I truly believe this is the best bath oil I’ve ever tried. It has exactly the right combination of a heavenly aroma that’s not too overpowering, and nourishment, without being greasy. My skin felt instantly balmy and fragrant, which lasted throughout the following day to boot.” – Danielle Harvey Kyushi Jasmine, Lavender & Cedarwood Face Oil 30ml, £39, kyushi.co.uk “The first thing I noticed about this face oil was the earthy smell that filled the room. Kyushi recommend placing three drops into the palms of your hands, gently rubbing them together and cupping over your nose and mouth before taking some deep breaths, as the mindful application is as important as the product itself. I did find it had a calming effect, and it smelled divine. It also made my skin feel incredibly soft and hydrated. I recommend using it before you go to bed for a long, restful sleep.” – Melissa Barker Sanatio Naturalis Frankincense Essential Oil 10ml, £26, sanationaturalis.com “I had to dig deep at the back of the cupboard to find my essential oil diffuser to test out Sanatio Naturalis’ Frankincense Essential Oil, but I’m glad I did! Distilled from wild- growing tree resin in Somalia, it has an exotic, spicy scent. Without being overbearing, it filled my room with a deliciously heady fragrance that was the perfect backdrop to some me-time. The strong smell is brilliant for focusing the mind and it’s been shown that inhaling frankincense reduces your heart rate and blood pressure – so if you’re feeling the stress of wedmin, it’s definitely worth a whirl.” – Hannah Faulder Tisserand Aromatherapy Total De-Stress MoodFix Mist 100ml, £9.45, tisserand.com “I can’t promise this handy spray will work miracles when it comes to tackling a hectic lifestyle, but what it does do is allow you to stop, if only for a minute, and just breathe. A quick squirt provides a comforting mist of calm when the going gets tough and the blend of geranium, orange and nutmeg natural pure essential oils smells great too!” – Sarah Reeve 94