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Q:: Since you know so much about scents and perfumes, I was wondering if you know about the scents for the house. I heard scented candles can change the mood in a house. What do you think?
A: I love your question because I am so in love with candles and perfumes. I am sure you have experienced how a certain smell can change your mood. It could be cinnamon reminding you of one of your mom’s favorite dishes. It could be a citrus smell that boosts your energy. There are many studies that show scents do have an affect on our mood. Now let’s get to the fun part– deciding on how to choose a certain scent that can enhance your mood. If you are in need of a natural energy booster, or a quick pick me up look for a candle or a room spray with citrus scent, such as lemon, lime, or orange. Citrus scents enhance the energy of a room and boost your mood. For relaxation, burning a lavender candle, using dried lavender, or spraying lavender oil will help you wind down. Different studies have shown that smelling lavender can slow down heart rate, and lower blood pressure. It can also decreased muscle tension. Sandalwood and bergamot have shown the same effect on relaxation as lavender. If you want your home to feel cheerful and clean, choose scents such as mint, pine or citrus. Now, my favorite is to have romance in the air. Vanilla, jasmine, gardenia, and rose scents are among flowers that enhance desire and romantic feel in any room. Floral and woody scents are often used in perfumes as well. To celebrate every season, there is a wonderful scent to honor it. Fall is the perfect time to be surrounded by apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin smells. These smells make you want to curl up and read a good book or watch a heart warming movie. In winter you can create a cozy environment with berries and pine scents. Celebrate the arrival of spring by scent of flowers such as hyacinth, jasmine, cucumber, and melon. And in summer use your favorite citrus blend such as lemon-lime.
I love the magical golden glow light of candles in every room of my home especially in my bathroom. What I do besides burning candles? I spray my light bulbs in the family room and bathroom with my favorite scent and the heat of the light bulb when turned on spread the scent. I also use scented powder and spread a little on my carpet and then vacuum well.
Q When I was reorganizing one of my drawers where I keep my makeup and creams, I found a brand new bottle of perfume which I purchased three years ago. Is it still good? How about moisturizers? How long can I keep a unopened one?
A In most cases a moisturizer has a shelf life of six months to a year and perfume is good for a year if kept in a cool and dark place. But the best test is to spray your perfume and see how long it lasts on your skin. If the scent disappears within ten to fifteen minutes, it means your perfume is old. As for your moisturizer, open, and smell it. Usually a strong smell means it has gone bad and you shouldn’t use it. For makeup, especially mascara, don’t risk it. If it is older than three months throw it out. It not only irritates your eyes, it will cause itching and redness.
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