3 reasons to wear a sandalwood fragrance

Have you ever wondered what sandalwood is? Knowing the benefits of different notes and how they affect our mood can help when trying to decide on what perfumes to buy, or even which ones to spritz in the morning.

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What is sandalwood?

Sandalwood oil is obtained from the highly fragrant wood of sandalwood trees. It has long been a part of religious and spiritual traditions, used in aromatherapy, and as incense in temples. Now, it is widely used as a base note in perfumes, but also as an ingredient in candles, diffusers and soaps.

The woody scent is lovely, but there’s a few extra benefits that are good to know:

#1: It's strong

Sandalwood tends to be used as a base note in perfumes because of its strength. How long your perfume lasts is largely determined by the type of fragrance it is, but the type of notes used also play a part. The strength of sandalwood makes it one of the more long-lasting perfume notes.

#2: It's versatile

Generally, woody notes tend to blend well with everything. But Jennifer Hardaway, California-based scent blender, told The Perfume Magazine that sandalwood "can be very versatile".  So if you like to layer your fragrances (or even make your own), keep sandalwood in mind. Jennifer suggested blending it with vanilla for an intoxicating mix. Time to get layering, beauties!

#3: It can be good for your mind

Sandalwood is used regularly in aromatherapy. In a 2006 pilot study undertaken by Thames Valley University, palliative care patients received massages with different oils. While statistics couldn't be drawn from the small sample, the results were encouraging and supported the view that sandalwood oil may help in reducing anxiety. Research reported in Planta Medica also found that participants who experienced aromatherapy with East Indian sandalwood oil had increased alertness. So it can keep you calm and attentive!

Fancy a whiff of sandalwood now? We know plenty of great sandalwood-scented goodies!

bh loves: Lancôme Trésor Eau de Toilette, Jo Malone London Orris & Sandalwood Cologne Intense, Avon Instinct, Sandalwood Australian Pure Essential Oil and A'kin Sandalwood Body Wash.

Do you like the smell of sandalwood? What is your favourite perfume note?