Beauty brains/the manual

No-nasty scents and night-time routines

Now that ‘clean’ beauty is becoming mainstream (if Victoria Beckham’s doing it…), it’s time to talk about ‘clean’ or synthetic-free scents. There’s an increasing choice, including more nuanced fragrances from small labels such as Ila, Neom, Sana Jardin, The Organic Pharmacy and Alexandra Soveral. These aren’t like the hits of unneutered patchouli you used to find in the ’80s, but luxurious, sophisticated formulations that raise the spirits of all those who come into contact with them. I have a favourite jasminesteeped sample from Ila that both Stefano Gabbana and Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele went mad for when I wore it to interview each of them recently.

I’ve had people stop me in the street to ask about Soul Medicine’s Inner Smile, another jasmine-rich scent that’s actually a room spray. There’s nothing in it that can harm your skin, but if you’re cautious, do as the boys on

Queer Eye do: spray, delay and walk away. Inner Smile was developed to lift the mood and soothe. I know for a fact that its sister scent, Inner Calm, is a permanent fixture in the London office of the Jimmy Choo team.

When Alexandra Soveral does an organic perfume consultation (prices from £450), she takes the health of her client into consideration. ‘Inhaling aroma is an effective way to feel the benefits of oils and herbs,’ she says. ‘Jasmine and frankincense are calming. Citrus can clear the mind and boost the immune system, and anything alpine is purifying.’ Mindaltering liquids that smell gorgeous. Who’s in?

Inner Peace Aroma Roller, £29, Ila (ila-spa.com)