Rose Geranium is truly a feminine scent - strong and floral, highly reminiscent of roses. Unknown to many, rose geranium is one of the few essential oils, besides Angelica Root (当归 / dong kwai) that has an affinity for the female reproductive system and hormone regulation. In short, rose geranium is compulsory for for female health and skinare, and here's 5 very good reasons why.

1.  Rose geranium oil stimulates the lymphatic system and acts as a diuretic to help correct and balance the elimination of water and waste in our bodies. It's detoxifying effect helps keep your immune system in good shape and condition.

2.  When inhaled or used on the body, rose geranium is effective at addressing PMS symptons like abdominal cramps, sore breasts andother menopausal symptons.

3.  The pharmaceutical industry wouldn't want you to know this, but rose geranium is remarkably effective against yeast infection and other fungi without affecting bacterial flora. If used at the first sign of an yeast infection, it will knock the nasty bits out. Just remember to dilute it (1:10) before applying it in case your skin is sensitive.

4.  Rose geranium oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and detoxifying. It balances all skin types and is very effective at controlling acne. It does not matter if your skin is dry or oily, rose geranium balances the skin’s production of sebum according your needs. It’ is also regenerative at the cellular level and helps give a radiant glow.

5.  Rose geranium oil relieves anxiety and mood swings. In aromatherapy science, rose geranium is highly ranked for easing tension, anxiety and irritability. The ester content of rose geranium gives it a soothing effect like lavender, which makes it an excellent nerve tonic.

This Christmas, we are delighted to bring all customers the following Rose Geranium products -- Pure essential oil ($23)  /  Organic body wash + body lotion gift set ($30)  /  Organic body & massage oil ($55)  /  Premium soy candle ($28)

Jasmin is in full bloom this summer! One of the most iconic flower in perfumery and a symbolic flower in Southern France, summer's all about flowers and celebrations. The annual La Fête du Jasmin marks the commencement of the jasmin harvest and is celebrated in street style in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur since August 1946. This major festival takes place over 2 days in the town centre of Grasse and attracts both locals and tourists from all over the world, where one will see and smell the finest jasmine in the world, in this part of France, this time of the year.

Mysterious, opulent and so ever elegant, jasmine is indisputably the king of flowers. But unknown to many, jasmin de Grasse is a very special species that is harvested at midnight.This precious flower has been the centre of French perfume industry for centuries and was first cultivated in Provence back in 1548. The flower played a vital role in the evolution of European perfume and its rich floral notes are bottled in some of the world's finest and most treasured perfume. Unlike their sisters grown widely in Asia and Africa, jasmin de Grasse is more delicate but fresher, fruitier and less animalic.

Stories aside, it takes an acquired taste to appreciate jasmine with all its richness and complexity. Jasmine absolute and oil are not to be used undiluted, often sparingly and usually as a base note even though you can smell it from the middle. We were told in perfumery school that you can't recreate synthetic jasmine unless it's a long complex formula or a blend of other essences to mimic its scent. Hedione is an example of synthetic fragrance that smells vaguely similar to jasmine.

Looking to test your nose this weekend? Try Chanel N°5 , Serge Lutens A La Nuit, Van Cleef & Arpels First Jasmin de Chine, Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto, Estee Lauder Jasmine White Moss and Poison by Dior, but watch out for the overdose of tuberose in this potion. ​

Since the dawning of time, rose has been highly revered for its beauty and grace. Its intoxicating aroma is light, up-lifting and soothe tired minds and skin. Its hydrosol has been used in religious rituals, cosmetics, holistic medicine and Ayurveda all over the world. While most of us are familiar with rose oil, do you know that rose water, the hydrosol portion in the distillation of rose petals possesses equal dermatological benefits.

So what is rose water? Simply put, it is the by-product of the production of rose oil for use in perfumery and aromatherapy. It contains a small amount of essential oil that is still left on the distilled rose petals, hence its calming and restorative properties.

It is essential that you choose and use a 100% pure rose water as mass market versions are flavoured water made with a combination of chemicals, colour and preservatives. 

Skin Care Benefits 
Pure rose water truly hydrates the skin permanently and protects it from dirt, oil, irritation and environmental pollutants. Due to its antiseptic properties, rose water is also used in the healing and treatment of skin infections such as dermatitis, inflammation and eczema. You can also apply it on sunburn and insect bites. 

And as mentioned in an earlier post, rose water helps to soothe dark eye circles caused as a result of eye fatigue or poor circulation. Soak a cotton pad in rose water and apply on eye lids for 10 minutes as a hydrating eye mask.

Hair Care Benefits
Little known, rose water is also effective in hair care. It nourishes your hair and calms itchy scalp. Rose water can even be used as a natural hair spray to help in hair loss prevention and avoid frizzy hair on a humid day,

It is always a good idea to moisturise, both day and night. While moisturising doesn't stop your skin from aging or keep wrinkles and spots at bay, it will ensure your skin stays skin supple and hydrated. 

Aromatherapy is gaining popularity in facial treatment and application for dryness, pigmentation, acne and wrinkles. While aromatherapy is not supported as a medical science in Asia - in modern France, it is used as part of phytotherapy (herbalism, alternate medicine) to treat symptons and diseases. But did you know essential oils are very efficient plant-based additives in facial products because they penetrate very quickly through the epidermis and enter general circulation? To supplement the functions of aromatherapy, it is also important to catch enough "beauty sleep" to stimulate collagen formation and hormone growth. 

In addition to face serum and moisturiser, French women swear by facial oil and you would have probably seen or tried some of them from well known French skincare brands, Clarins and Decleor. I worked out a few simple versions using jojoba oil, which is well tolerated by all skin types. Depending on skin condition however, you may substitute the recommended essential oil with Roman/German chamomile for anti-inflammation and Frankincense for wrinkles. 

*Caution: Please do not apply facial oil on skin that is highly sensitised or inflammed from dermatologic conditions.

For those of you who are interested in natural moisturising options, we have developed a new organic face cream (unscented) containing French lavender, Damask rose and frankincense. It works beautifully for normal, dry and dull skin as it moisturises and brightens your complexion! Trial size available for sale, 26 Jan - 1 Feb at the Star Vista bazaar, Level 1.