Until very recently, I’d never experienced NEOM Organics London, a British brand which focuses on 100% natural fragrances designed to enhance our wellbeing.
Founded by Nicola Elliott (a former journalist at magazines including Glamour and InStyle) and Oliver Mennell (a former investment banker) in 2005, NEOM pioneered the concept of organic luxury candles (as in, candles without paraffin wax). The company has developed signicantly over the years, and now produces fragrances that help to relieve stress, calm and relax, aid sleep, boost energy and even lift your mood to increase happiness.
Why did the duo decide to establish an organic wellbeing fragrance brand? Nicola explains on the NEOM website: “My lightbulb moment was when I was looking for some organic pampering gifts for my very green-minded but glamorous sister. Eleven years ago, what was available to buy in the shops was pretty uninspiring. I had to either choose something glam that was full of synthetic chemicals or head to a health food shop, buy something with great organic credentials but stuffed in a brown paper bag.”
It’s safe to say that NEOM (the name is an amalgamation of the two’s initials) is a very stylish and chic brand, one that is packaged beautifully and delivered to a really high standard. It’s affordable luxury at its best. The fragrances are for the mind as well as the body, and are made in the UK from ethically sourced, sustainable origins, with only natural and organic ingredients. Which is great, because it doesn’t really make sense to aid our wellbeing using products with artificial perfumes or harsh preservatives.
Put simply, NEOM helps us take advantage of life’s little moments to make the most of the mind, body and soul. So, from your morning shower to your evening bath, NEOM has a product to help. For instance, you might use the energising scent if you’ve got a busy day of meetings, or really want to kill it on your run. Likewise, if you’ve been feeling a bit down you might try the happy scent to improve your mood. Products include hand balms and creams, body scrubs, on-the-go mists, candles and diffusers, perfume, and bath oils.
I was recently at The Greenroom for my regular maintenance (eyebrow shape and tint, and a file and cuticle tidy) and was kindly given a sample of the Perfect Night’s Sleep Bath and Shower Oil and Pillow Mist. (Do you think they know I might be in need of a good sleep right now? Proves how wonderful they are at knowing their customers.) The pillow mist contains lavender, sweet basil and jasmine (three of the most lovely scents around) and, after I spritzed a little on my pillow, I really did fall into a deeper sleep than normal. Truly, I did. It’s a pleasant fragrance that isn’t overpowering (you need only a tiny amount due to the essential oils) and leaves a subtle but distinctive scent on your pillowcase. It was still on my pillow the following evening, but I didn’t find I slept quite so well so I’d recommend spraying it once every night, perhaps an hour before going to bed so that the scent has time to settle. It really did relax me and gave my bedroom a lovely, calming atmosphere.
The Bath and Shower Oil features lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood, and one capful in the bath fills the room – the aroma is circulated by the steam (I like a super hot bath), letting you really breathe in the gorgeous fragrance. By taking long, deep breaths, it’s one of the most relaxing, DIY at-home experiences I’ve had.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a bath (or time for one) apply a small amount to your décolletage before entering the shower for a similar (though not quite as relaxing) experience. Again, you hardly need any at all, just a few drops on the skin is enough. I let the shower hit my back before my chest to really let the oil work to its full potential – washing it off too quickly would ruin the experience somewhat. By leaving it on as you shower, the steam works in the same way the bath does – the scent fills the space, embracing you. I found it removed feelings of stress and tension almost immediately (and I’ve found being responsible for a tiny human rather stressful, I must be honest!).
Whether used in the bath or the shower, the end result is the same. It has a real calming influence, and left my shoulders much looser and my mind much clearer. When used with the pillow mist, I felt utterly soothed and ready to curl up between my bedsheets with a good book and a cup of (decaf) tea.
If you think this all sounds a touch too ‘haute hippy’, you’ll be pleased to know that there is in fact a science behind the idea. The NEOM website notes that as you inhale each essential oil blend, the scent travels to the hypothalamus – the gland in your brain which is responsible for releasing the hormones that control your basic instincts and emotions – and it’s here that your mind and body determine which essential oil blend you need, whether it’s to focus on sleep, stress relief, energy, or happiness. It is this science that Nicola and Oliver based the design of NEOM on, creating wellbeing scents and products to suit different lifestyles – haute hippy or not.
The NEOM Organics London range is available at The Greenroom, South Tay Street, Dundee. Alternatively, you can buy in online at neomorganics.com.
