Truth time: our home office has kind of morphed into becoming our official office – because let’s face it, can we still say we’re working from home or are we now living in our office? You could say we’re pros by now, but some of us might be starting to struggle when it comes to sticking to our regular AM routine when we’re not leaving the house. Are you skipping the make-up, styled coupe and perfume you’d normally apply in the morning? Is brushing your hair and teeth the best you can do? We’re here to tell you that you should pick it back up. The power of routines is undeniable, but so is the power of fragrance.

What we smell directly influences our mood and our attitude. Each fragrance speaks to us individually and has the power to evoke all kinds of positive emotions. They can give you confidence, make you feel energetic or help you relax. A fresh scent like mint can give you an energy boost or improve your focus, while a hint of lavender helps you relax, and rosemary helps improve your memory. Other scents that are known to influence our mood are jasmine and white lotus. Jasmine has an unwinding effect and is often used in perfumes, whilst white lotus is known for their relaxing, delicate and uplifting scent.

Today, we’re diving into the best Rituals perfumes that you can wear when “working from home.”

1. First things first – fresh and uplifting scents to start the day

Citrus scents like orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit, for example, are just what you need when it comes to boosting your mood when you start your day. “…citrus essential oils contain up to 97 percent of d-limonene, and studies suggest this component supports the part of the nervous system that’s responsible for relaxation.” In other words, it can decrease stress and make you feel happier.

Océan Infini is an ocean-fresh fragrance that starts your day by cooling and revitalising the senses, triggered by sparkling bergamot, apple and pear. Or, try Bleu Byzantin a fragrance that has top notes of aromatic citrus, lemon and juniper. Last but not least in the line is Oasis Verte, a vibrant eau de parfum with pink pepper, grapefruit and lemon from Sicily.

2. A spritz to boost your confidence

It’s basically power dressing, but with scent. The previously mentioned Bleu Byzantin can also help boost your confidence before a big meeting or digital presentation. It contains notes of basil which will help you focus and rosemary, which has been shown to enhance concentration, brain power, and memory Strong Oriental fragrances like Roi d’Orient and Eau d’Orient could very well help make you feel more powerful as you shine on-screen.

3. Crunch-time

Looming deadline? Or are you procrastinating, and do you need a swift kick under the you know what to get you started? Eucalyptus is a scent that can help improve concentration so instead of choosing eau de parfum, why not spritz some The Ritual of Hammam hair and body mist in the air and on your clothes to help things along?

4. 4PM zoom slump?

Could you use help concentrating during work hours? Time to give peppermint oil a try, because research suggests that it can positively influence your performance. If you’re looking for a little boost, spray a jasmine-based perfume; the scent has uplifting properties that can make you feel more optimistic and fill your mind with positive energy. 

5. Switch off with scent

It’s after 5:30PM and time to switch off and “come home”. Vanilla is one of the most popular scents in the world, and for good reason. In a recent study, the smell of vanilla was shown to elevate the participant’s mood and help them feel more relaxed. Which is just what you need to help you wind down after a day at work. Our fragrance for women Poeme d’Azar contains notes of vanilla.

Are you stressed and needing more peace? Lavender could be the answer, because this purple plant is known for relaxing muscles and nerves, and therefore has an overall calming and restful effect. Lavender also releases “feel good” hormones throughout your bloodstream which make you feel happier. Look to The Ritual of Jing pillow mist  - designed to be applied to your sheets and body before bedtime to create a pampering routine and promote sleep.

Scent can trigger emotions, memories

And finally, turn to your favourite fragrance, the one that you’ve been wearing for eons to remind you of the routine you used to have, of the days you’d get up early, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (or not) and head out to work in an office with all your colleagues ­– who you may or not miss terribly.