©Quintis Sandalwood Pty Ltd.
The Many Uses of Sandalwood
Healing
Throughout Eastern cultures and traditions such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, it has served as a healing oil used in treating conditions from mood disorders to respiratory and skin conditions.[1],[2]
These historic uses of sandalwood have been researched by modern science. Studies have shown Santalum album, the species native to India, to be an antioxidant, anti-microbial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative.[3],[4]
A recent study in Cosmetics showed that Indian sandalwood has more antioxidants than Vitamin E. It can significantly decrease damage to collagen in skin tissues, and could serve as a protective and anti-aging ingredient.[5]
Spiritual
Indian sandalwood is believed to have strong spiritual properties. Said to bring people closer to the divine, inciting calmness and clearing the mind, it is the most commonly used incense for meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices across multiple religions.
Sandalwood has been used throughout history for occasions such as aboriginal walkabouts and Gandhi’s funeral. It holds such spiritual value and reverence that more than three tons of sandalwood was burned in Gandhi’s funeral pyre.[6]
Aroma
Its scent is multifaceted… with soft woody notes mixed with a creamy, soft, almost ‘milky’ notes. A sought-after scent in today’s high-end perfumes, sandalwood oil is central to many iconic fragrances like Guerlain’s Shalimar.
Sandalwood is a key component comprising the base notes in our heritage brand, Sebastian Signs’ best-selling niche fragrance, No. 17.
But it’s not only its scent that makes Santalum album such a popular perfume ingredient. It acts as a fixative, extending the life of the fragrance on the skin.
Sandalwood’s therapeutic properties and scent also makes it the perfect choice for our Align Ultimate Face Oil.
Sandalwood’s Exploitation
Sandalwood is a slow-growing plant with different species native to different parts of the world. It takes a minimum of 15 years for the tree to reach maturity, when it develops its rich, oil-bearing heartwood.[7]
With such a high-demand, valuable natural product as sandalwood, several varieties, including the species native to India, Santalum album, have become exploited with illegal and over-harvesting.
The combination of these two factors... its slow-growing nature and illegal over-harvesting... has led to wild populations of Indian sandalwood being pushed to the brink of extinction.
Salvation for Santalum Album
Roughly 24 years ago a rare source of Santalum album seeds was discovered in its native Mysore, India. The seeds were taken far away to a new home which featured prime growing conditions for this treasured plant… tropical, northern Australia. (Yes, there is actually a tropical region in Australia!) Through skillful experimentation, growers have mastered sandalwood growth and reproduction, saving the once-endangered species from extinction.
Sustainability and quality are now key in Australian Santalum album production. The trees from which precious sandalwood oil is harvested are bred, cultivated, managed, harvested, and processed with utmost care by forestry and agronomy experts. Every part of the tree is used or repurposed so that there is little to no waste.
By carefully selecting seeds for optimal growth and heartwood production, without genetic modification or other artificial means, the producers are ensuring that Santalum album will be available long into the future.
Align
Cleopatra was said to use sandalwood in her “secret” beauty rituals. Buy why keep a super-ingredient like sandalwood a secret?
Image by Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay
Align Ultimate Face Oil is the not-so-secret luxury face oil developed by our founder, Sherri Sebastian as a skincare treatment. Santalum album, grown and cultivated in Australia following strict, sustainable practices, is what she chose to gently scent Align. It’s an example of our Provision Golden Egg Standard… thoroughly researched quality and sustainability.
Chosen it for its pharmaceutical properties and meditative, spiritual aspect in addition to its perfect scent, Align is infused with just the right amount of sandalwood oil for just the right scent in our moisturizing face oil.
As the founder of both Provision and Sebastian Signs, Sherri may show a bit of favoritism toward sandalwood…
…And that’s ok with us.
You’ll find Indian sandalwood in Align Ultimate Face Oil and Sebastian Signs No. 17.
Note/Disclaimer: We at Provision Scents and Sebastian Signs do not make any medical or healing claims about our products. Our products are made to enhance your life and we make no health claims about our products.
[1] Drugs.com, Sandalwood
[2] Verywellhealth, The Health Benefits of Sandalwood Oil
[3] Moy, Ronald L, and Corey Levenson. “Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology.” The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology vol. 10,10 (2017): 34-39.
[4] Rajsmita, Bhattacharjee, and Vinay Keshavamurthy. “Re-discovering Sandalwood: Beyond Beauty and Fragrance.” Indian dermatology online journal vol. 10,3 (2019): 296-297. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_357_18
[5] Francois-Newton V, Brown A, Andres P, Mandary MB, Weyers C, Latouche-Veerapen M, Hettiarachchi D. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Potential of Indian Sandalwood Oil against Environmental Stressors In Vitro and Ex Vivo. Cosmetics. 2021; 8(2):53. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8020053
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Triple milled soap is often thought of as a luxury compared to the standard run-of-the-mill bar soap. Indeed, it is luxurious. But it is much, much more than a luxury soap.
Triple milled soap goes through a refinement process that presses the solid through a mill. This process typically involves running the soap through rollers and mesh at high pressure a total of three times (thus, triple milled).
Originally used by French soap makers, it is sometimes called French milled soap. Technology has changed over the years with modern soap makers potentially utilizing different equipment. Today the process may more accurately be referred to as “refined” rather than “milled.”
Regardless of the equipment used, triple refined, or triple milled soap is well worth the extra effort. The refining process thoroughly blends the ingredients and removes water, air, and impurities from the soap. It is then molded into shape and packaged.
The resulting bar soap has a smooth, uniform consistency with fragrance and color evenly distributed. Because the water and air have been removed, a triple milled bar soap is more dense than both hand poured soaps and the common commercial bar soap. A denser bar soap is slow to break down, so it outlasts others many times over.
A common misconception is that triple refined soaps are harder. Density and hardness are not interchangeable. The hardness is actually dependent upon the type of fat used in the soap formula.
Triple milled soap is more than just luxurious. Here are some of its advantages:
There’s another advantage to bar soap (triple milled or otherwise) versus liquid soap—sustainability.
Bar soap production uses one fifth of the energy of liquid soap and one twentieth of the energy to package.
From the chemical and synthetic makeup of liquid soap to the plastic packaging, energy required for production, and transportation of the heavier (due to high water content) liquid soap, bar soap is the clear winner.
All soap has some sort of environmental impact. Bar soap’s impact is in the land use required to produce the vegetable or animal fat used in the soap. On the other hand, most liquid soaps are chemical or detergent based so land use is minimal. When used for hand washing, bar soap also requires about 42 percent more water than liquid soap, though it uses only a fraction (15 percent) of the amount of soap.[1]
Overall, the carbon footprint of liquid soap is 25 percent more than that of bar soap.
This unique, triple milled charcoal soap bar was created with more than just cleansing in mind. Our founder formulated it with just the right scent – and the perfect feel.
Gently fragranced with Madagascan vetiver, Italian bergamot, and fresh mandarin, its fragrance lingers without overpowering. With its unisex scent, Maitri Charcoal & Amla Oil Soap is the ideal women’s or men’s soap.
When it comes to feel, its rich texture and lather are on point. And rather than being blocky and hard to hold, it was consciously designed with a contoured oval shape that fits comfortably in the hand.
Maitri charcoal soap benefits:
Rich in alpha hydroxy acids, vitamins, and minerals, goat milk soaps nourish the skin with their rich, creamy lather. Sebastian Signs No. 17 and No. 35 triple milled goat milk soaps capture the scents of the Numbers Collection while gently bathing you in their moisturizing fragrances.
Whether you prefer Provision’s Maitri Charcoal and Amla Oil soap or one of our heritage brand’s goat milk soaps, the benefits of choosing a triple milled soap are truly luxurious.
[1] https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/the-benefits-of-a-bar-of-soap-that-is/
]]>I created the Provision skincare line after searching, without success, for products that felt luxurious, smelled the way my professionally trained nose thought they should, and worked without the need for multiple products or steps to accomplish one goal.
For example, I wanted to be able to clean, tone, and moisturize my face with one good skincare product. And it had to smell just right for my face.
The first thing I knew I needed was a high-quality skin oil. I wanted an oil that would penetrate the skin’s many layers to nourish, lock in moisture, and protect. But I have a background in chemistry, and I know that no one oil can do all of that. I would need at least three different oils. As I dug into my research and experimentation, I found—or rather I formulated—the solution: our proprietary formula, Triple-A Complex.
Three Amazing Oils = Triple A Complex
Because oils penetrate the skin to different degrees, I selected three oils that, in just the right proportions, complement each other. A carefully formulated blend of amla oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil, our nutrient-rich Triple-A Complex combines these three oils in the perfect proportions. The resulting oil blend yields toned, silky, moisturized skin that feels fresh and clean.
There are a dozen or so natural oils that potentially could have worked. I chose each of these three after rigorous research, testing, and experimentation. Here’s what makes each one special:
Amla oil
At the top of my list of must-have ingredients is amla oil.
When I set out to find the perfect ingredients for my skincare products, amla oil landed at the top of the list. Extracted from the Indian gooseberry (aka the “wonder berry”), amla oil is packed with tannins, antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols, and 20X more Vitamin C than oranges. These unique constituents allow amla to brighten, exfoliate, and tighten the skin, leaving it with that sought-after “just washed” feeling.
The majority of amla oil’s skin benefits come from its high antioxidant content.
Amla oil benefits for skin:
My experiments revealed an impressive, immediate effect – smoother, brighter, firmer, toned skin. It was a definite keeper.
Avocado oil
With the growing popularity of avocados, we all know it ranks high as a healthful food choice. Avocado oil is also a wonderful, nourishing choice for the skin. Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, potassium, beta carotene, lutein, protein, and fatty acids (to name a few), it’s no wonder avocado oil is such a superb oil for skin.
Avocado oil benefits for skin:
Avocado oil promotes soft, supple skin and is an ideal complement to amla oil making it the perfect fit for Triple-A complex.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond oil is rich in vitamins E and A as well as fatty acids and protein. When used on the skin, vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, fights free radicals protecting the skin’s natural collagen layer. Vitamin A, which contains retinol, can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Almond oil also contains stearic acid which is an emollient and cleanser. An emollient remains in the outer layer of the skin forming a moisture-protective barrier, smoothing the skin, and filling in small gaps, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Almond oil improves skin tone and complexion while locking in moisture.
Almond oil benefits for skin:
Products Containing Triple-A Complex
Our proprietary formulation, Triple-A Complex forms the foundation for Provision’s best-selling Manifest Body Oil and Align Ultimate Face Oil.
Manifest is a luxurious, sensual body oil that locks in moisture. Its subtle fragrance is designed to complement other scent profiles. I use it in three ways:
Gently scented with sustainably produced Indian Sandalwood, Align Ultimate Face Oil is one of the most sought-after products in our lineup. I recommend using it one of two ways:
Located at about 1,390 feet below sea level on the border of Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea (technically a lake) is the lowest point on Earth. Rich in mineral salts and with a salt concentration approximately 10 times that of the nearby Mediterranean Sea, Dead Sea water contains more than 15 minerals including magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, and bromide.
As compared to ocean water, only a relatively small percentage of the salt in Dead Sea water consists of sodium chloride, the type of salt we use in food. And with the heavy concentration of minerals, Dead Sea salt is not something you want to sprinkle on your popcorn.
The Dead Sea’s heavy mineral content makes it barren of all plant and animal life aside from a few microorganisms. Its name stems from this visible lack of life. Despite its name, the lake’s mineral-rich water is known as a source of healing and wellness.
Renowned for its ability to keep bodies afloat thanks to the water’s high density, the salt lake has attracted visitors seeking its healing properties since ancient times. Cleopatra herself is said to have visited to bathe in the Dead Sea’s healing, restorative water.
Although a visit to the Dead Sea itself would be phenomenal, incorporating the whole salt water, mud, sun, and floating experience, you can enjoy some of the benefits of soaking in its water in the comfort and convenience of your own bathtub.
The Dead Sea’s high mineral content makes it a powerhouse for skin wellness. Through the millennia, Dead Sea salt has been used to relieve skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and swelling and redness.
Salt harvested from the Dead Sea is rich in naturally occurring magnesium and other minerals. Those naturally occurring minerals are thought to be the reason for its salt’s therapeutic properties.
A soak in a Dead Sea salt bath is not only soothing, but it promotes muscle relaxation easing the aches of sore, tired muscles. It stimulates blood circulation and rejuvenates and detoxifies the skin, helping to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and calm irritation and redness.
A study of people with dry skin even showed that soaking in a Dead Sea salt bath improved hydration and reduced skin roughness and inflammation.[i] This effect is primarily due to the high magnesium content.
Despite all the healing benefits of Dead Sea salt, we like it for another reason. It feels amazing, inside and out. Bathing with Dead Sea salts relaxes and restores us – body, mind, and soul.
When mixed with a favorite fragrance, a Dead Sea salt bath is like a mini-spa retreat, delighting the senses, restoring the skin, and nourishing the spirit.
Our founder’s favorite salt bath scent is from our heritage brand, Sebastian Signs’ numbers collection – No. 17. A sensual blend of vanilla, dark chocolate, Indian sandalwood, musk, and incense, No. 17 was the first fragrance in the line. Due to its individual notes and masterfully crafted formulation, No. 17 has garnered a loyal and devoted following.
The other scents from the numbers collection – No. 35 and No. 44 – are also available as Dead Sea bath salts and are team favorites here at Provision.
For best results, soak for 25-30 minutes then rinse and enjoy silky, rejuvenated skin.
[i] Proksch E, Nissen HP, Bremgartner M, Urquhart C. Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. Int J Dermatol. 2005 Feb;44(2):151-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02079.x. PMID: 15689218.
]]>Amla oil has been one of the best-kept secrets in modern beauty and wellness offerings… until now.
I came upon this oil when I was developing my face and body oil during which time I tested countless oils for their efficacy and skin feel. Time and time again amla oil yielded superior visible results almost instantly. My skin looked smoother, firmer, brighter, and even exfoliated. Turns out, these are the exact properties attributed to amla oil.
Amla oil is an extract of the Indian Gooseberry, a fruit no bigger than a golf ball. As its common name suggests, it’s native to India. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions, wild and cultivated including Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, SE Asia, China, and Malaysia. The berries are capsular, smooth, and light to medium green in color.
As early as 1500 BC, amla was known for its medicinal properties in Ayurvedic medicine.
In Theravada Buddhism the tree from which the fruit grows is regarded as the sacred embodiment of Mother Earth and is looked to as the tree of enlightenment.
Amla is rich in antioxidants and contains high amounts of vitamin C and tannins which simultaneously brighten, soften, and improve overall skin quality while tightening pores and having a firming effect.
The pulpy portion of the fruit is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. The fruit tissue contains an ascorbic acid concentration 160 times that of apples. Vitamin C fights damage-causing free radicals and is essential in collagen production.
It’s also unique from other oils due to its high tannin content and phytochemicals such as furosin, gallic acid, corilagin, and quercetin. The tannins in amla have a more stable—and more potent—antioxidative effect than that of the Vitamin C.
Amla oil can be used to lock in moisture, cleanse, and tone the skin in a way unlike any other oil I’ve tried. Amla oil is in my formulas for Align Ultimate Face Oil, Manifest Nourishing Body Oil, and Maitri Charcoal & Amla Oil Soap. Both Align and Manifest work on dry skin as a leave-on or before bathing as a more intensive treatment.
When using products with amla oil, you'll instantly notice the texture is richer with a medium weight. What you should notice most, though, is the effect on skin. In addition to skin looking more nourished, you might notice a smoother effect due to the tannins.
Amla oil is delightful when layered with others like avocado (which provides moisture while promoting soft and supple skin) and almond oil (which contains antioxidants and vitamin E and locks in moisture with its emollient properties.) It is precisely because of how well this unique combination of oils works together that I formulated Provision’s Triple-A Complex, a proprietary blend of these three oils.
Because of the incomparable properties of the Indian gooseberry, I decided to feature amla oil in my Maitri-fragranced charcoal bar soap. One of the benefits of using amla in this unique vetiver and mandarin scented soap is that its tannins help to leave the skin tonified and smooth.
Maitri Charcoal & Amla Oil Bath Soap has become my favorite every day product. I love everything about it… from its rich, luxurious lather and how my skin feels afterward to the way the bar fits perfectly in my hand.
Here are my favorite Provision Pro Tips for a simple, yet luxurious ritual that does wonders for your skin:
Manifest Body Oil intensive treatment ritual:
I’ve seen the best results using the product this way. Ideally you would exfoliate skin by “dry brushing” or using a loofah on dry skin. Then apply a liberal amount of Manifest and allow it to soak in for 10-15 minutes. This is the perfect time to do other “beauty rituals” (filing nails, plucking eyebrows, deep conditioning hair, applying a face mask) or simply relaxing on a towel meditating. Then sink into a warm bath or shower, taking care to avoid using soap on treatment areas. Your skin will look and feel amazing afterwards! I do this once a week and no longer need to apply lotion to arms and legs on a regular basis.
Learn more about dry brushing here.
Align Ultimate Face Oil treatment ritual:
I’ve been experimenting with various oils and combinations of oils for years. The result from amla oil is immediate and impressive. For best results, massage 2-3 pumps onto dry skin-- face, neck, and décolleté, avoiding eye area. Massage into skin as you think about your day, taking this time to relax your mind, let go of any worries, and enjoy the rich creamy scent of sandalwood. Allow to soak in for 5-10 minutes. Then take a warm, damp washcloth and place over face, taking one more breath of the warm sandalwood essences, and gently wipe excess oil from your face. You’ll be left with skin that is soft, supple, bouncy, and smooth.
Learn more about the sandalwood used in our products here.
]]>Dry brushing is all the rage now, but contrary to what you may think it’s actually very, very old! It’s an ancient technique that the West is only now just starting to appreciate again. The general idea behind dry body brushing is that it exfoliates the skin by brushing away dead cells, thus leading to a smoother complexion. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks Japanese and more used this technique, not only for its beauty benefits, but for medical purposes as well.
Having the right tools at your disposal is key to beginning a skin-nourishing dry brushing routine. We recommend a natural fiber brush or a loofah.
Follow-up the dry brushing with our sensual Manifest Body Oil for a luxurious bath time ritual.
Manifest features our Triple-A Complex, a synergistic and proprietary blend of three natural oils.
Avocado is emollient and excels at conditioning at the surface of the skin, while almond oil penetrates to provide lasting suppleness. Amla oil, an extract of the Indian Gooseberry, is the superstar of the three due to its high concentration of vitamin C and tannins, and it’s what makes your skin glow and feel extra smooth.
There’s also a unique shea butter extract which gives it the perfect texture and skin feel without being too oily or too light.
As many of us are spending more time at home these days, whether it be working from home or for other reasons, it has become more important than ever to make the most of our space.
Life can, at times, be hectic and overwhelming. That’s why we have built our brand around the idea of minimalism. We believe that less truly is more.
But there’s no need to sacrifice comfort, quality, or even luxury. In fact, by eliminating what is not needed, we can make space for more of those things and most of all, for more tranquility.
If the prospect of clearing out the clutter is overwhelming, break it down into smaller chunks. Start where you keep most of your products and set aside some time to declutter. It doesn’t have to be done all at once. Make a commitment to yourself and schedule the time.
Our founder went through a similar project recently, creating a peaceful garden sanctuary and sorting through all her skincare and beauty products. She was surprised to discover that there were two simple, but impactful, performance-based products that made up the foundation of her skincare routine. Even on days when she isn’t treating her face with Align or her body with Manifest, she uses these essentials: lip balm and bar soap. More specifically, Connection Lip Rescue and Maitri Charcoal and Amla Oil Soap.
Connection is more than just a luxury lip balm. A multi-purpose skincare product, Connection conditions and softens lips, softens cuticles, and moisturizes delicate skin like the décolleté.
Connection lip balm benefits:
Its silky texture and long-lasting effects are why Connection is one of our founder and team’s skincare routine essentials. It’s not only the best lip balm, but the only one we want on our shelves.
With its luxurious, rich lather, Maitri Charcoal and Amla Oil Bar Soap was created with more than just cleansing in mind. Our founder wanted just the right scent… and the perfect feel. And she had it triple refined for a longer lasting, more solid bar with a lower water content so it doesn’t turn to mush in the soap dish.
Unlike many bar soaps, Maitri soap is not drying to the skin. Its texture and suds level are spot on. And rather than being blocky and hard to hold, it’s designed with a contoured oval shape that fits comfortably in the hand.
Maitri charcoal soap benefits:
It’s no wonder that Maitri Charcoal and Amla Bath Soap has become a best seller and our founder’s all-time favorite.
Inspired by her product purge, our founder decided she had to share these two essentials in one convenient package. The New Essentials Gift Set includes a full-size Connection Lip Rescue and a Maitri Bath Soap -- an essential luxury gift combo that's perfect for any occasion.
Identifying and accepting what’s truly meaningful to you makes it easy to let go of what does not support that focus. By focusing on what’s important to you, you can elicit a lasting sense of peace and tranquility.
We hope we’ve inspired you to take some time to create that space for calm in your life.
]]>I start each day next to my Jasminium sambac plant with a cup of coffee delighting in a few of life’s simple, aromatic pleasures -- but it wasn’t always this way.
For over 25 years I sipped my coffee on my commute to the lab where I worked as a professional perfumer. Instead of sitting next to a fragrant potted vine, I looked to the shelves lined with amber bottles for my daily dose of flowers.
Types of Jasmine
Many varieties of jasmine grow wild. And there are several that are cultivated, mostly for commercial use in perfumes.
The botanical name for the most common commercial grade is Jasminum grandiflorum. It’s grown primarily in Morocco, France, and Egypt. Its rich, dark color and texture, along with a heady floral profile are characteristic of this classic floral perfumery staple. Because it adapts so nicely with a multitude of fragrance compositions, it is the natural go-to variety for perfumers looking to add that finishing touch of sophistication to a fragrance composition. It’s also the grade typically used in fragrances.
Jasminum sambac, (commonly referred to as Arabian jasmine) on the other hand, as equally bold, rich and velvety as grandiflorum, has an additional facet that’s fruity, tart, and unexpected. Its character is more pronounced, immutable, and its unique signature lingers after other notes have faded away. Because of its pronounced character I consider it an outlier amongst the varieties of jasmine that I work with.
The sambac variety hails from the far and middle east and is cultivated in India. I’m thankful to have discovered that it grows splendidly in Southern California.
With my own brand, I carefully choose each ingredient that goes into my products and fragrances. I spend endless enjoyable hours comparing grades, following their “drydowns” (the scent that remains on a paper blotter after the volatile facets dissipate) and working closely with suppliers to make sure I’m choosing the best one each time.
Because I believe that we do our best work in pleasing environments I do a lot of my evaluation, conceptualization in what I call my “garden oasis.” Lucky for me, jasmine happens to grow and bloom year-round here in California, so my garden—complete with the smell of jasmine—is always a source of inspiration for my work.
Despite spending decades evaluating the most precious essential oils from the world’s most prestigious suppliers, it still delights me to no end when an unexpected breeze, carrying the scent of jasmine, reminds me of the true origin of this intoxicating scent.
Creating the ideal garden oasis, like composing a scent, takes a lot of time. Finding the perfect plant or flower for the precise location has led me to become a regular at a half dozen (or more) local nurseries.
That’s why it wasn’t surprising when I ended up at a nursery in the middle of the desert a few months back while taking a break from the city.
It was a business-as-usual jaunt through rows of plants until a familiar–yet unexpected–scent hit my nose.
I thought (or quite possibly said out loud), “Wait… What? No… It can’t be.” And sure enough I turned to see the real thing—a tropical looking and wildly aromatic Jasminium sambac—for the first time in person.
I was overjoyed at this “coincidental” series of events and, as I drove back home with my new treasure securely fastened in my backseat, I fantasized about its perfect location in my oasis.
Want to know the best thing about having the real thing in my garden?
My fragrance-loving self has developed an even greater appreciation of perfumes composed with thoughtful placement of precious ingredients.
Now I pause even longer when applying fragrances that include precious essential oils in their composition… savoring the first few moments of its interaction with my skin.
It may come as a surprise to learn that I don’t regularly wear fragrance, especially when I’m in development mode working on fragrance formulations. I make an exception though when it comes to my heritage brand, Sebastian Signs No. 44 and No. 35. They both contain just the right amount of jasmine—specifically Jasminium sambac.
]]>A staple in the fragrance industry for its earthy scent, vetiver has been used for centuries for everything from cooling window coverings to treating health conditions.
Vetiver is a tropical plant that’s grown around the globe. Referred to as khus in its native India, vetiver is a tall grass from the Poaceae family – the same family as lemongrass and citronella. Tall is putting it mildly… the leaves of this grassy plant can reach nearly ten feet tall. But the real gold lies in vetiver’s abundant, fragrant roots which grow straight down reaching lengths of 6 ½ to more than 16 feet!
Vetiver is a versatile plant that has served many capacities throughout history. Many of these are still in use today. Vetiver’s uses include agriculture, home furnishings, health, and our favorite, fragrance.
Thanks to its deep fibrous roots and dense ground-level foliage, vetiver is perfect for controlling wind and water erosion. Used as a mulch, vetiver’s leaves form a thick mat to control weeds in coffee, tea, and cocoa plants. Their fuzzy leaves offer the added benefit of repelling pests.
In the home vetiver grass and roots are used to make thatched roofs and woven or braided to create floor coverings or rugs, baskets, curtains, and other crafts and home goods. In India, roots are woven into window curtains and then sprayed with water to cool and freshen the hot air as it blows through from the outside.
The root can even be made into a loofah-type “sponge” that, when used for bathing, exfoliates the skin and stimulates circulation.
It’s not every grass that can be turned into a delicious beverage. In India, vetiver (khus) is made into a syrup with sugar, water, and citric acid. In Ayurvedic health teachings, vetiver is said to be cooling, so the syrup is used to make refreshing, cooling beverages – especially khus sharbat – and as a dessert topping.
Vetiver essential oil is touted as having numerous health benefits. It is an antioxidant which may help reduce the signs of aging. It can help improve concentration, and its aroma is grounding and calming making it good for massage and reducing stress.
Perhaps the most popular present day use of vetiver is in perfumery. Although its scent is more commonly found in men’s fragrances, vetiver is widely used in the perfume industry. In addition to offering woody, smoky notes, vetiver acts as a fixative. A fixative allows the whole fragrance to stay on the skin longer rather than having parts of the fragrance evaporate more quickly than others.
Part of the mystery of vetiver is that although its fragrant oil is extracted from the roots of the plant, vetiver smells like a wood. The smell of vetiver can be described as earthy, smoky, woody, sweet, and balsamic.
For the perfumer, vetiver is difficult to work with compared to other ingredients. It’s so unique, unlike vanilla which is universally liked and easy to incorporate, or patchouli which goes well in just about every type of fragrance composition. Vetiver is fickle and doesn’t blend with just any ingredient. Many trials and errors are needed to achieve the right balance.
To make vetiver oil, the roots are harvested, dried, and aged like a fine wine. They are then distilled, and the oil is collected. The process is slightly different for perfume grade oils as compared to consumer grade essential oils.
The grades and crops of vetiver can vary from season to season and place to place. So in addition to the harvesting and aging process, its quality is largely dependent on soil and climate conditions.
When selecting a vetiver source for Provision’s Maitri fragrance, founder, Sherri Sebastian tested and tried vetiver oil from multiple suppliers and sources before settling on the Madagascan vetiver used in her formulation. Compared to the other grades tested, it adapts more naturally and has a much smoother finish on skin… less earthy, more soft and sophisticated.
“I love the way it adapted to my own skin chemistry in a natural way. Very clean, yet sensual and intriguing and elegant. The most “wearable” grade I’ve tried.” ~ Sherri Sebastian
Vetiver is not for the person who is looking for instant gratification. It is not a trendy scent. In fact, a well-known American bath and candle retailer launched a short-lived Indian vetiver fragrance that has since been discontinued.
The scent of vetiver is rather for someone who seeks to become involved in a deeper unfolding mystery. It’s for someone who wants to enjoy one of the most precious and unique essential oils on the market.
Vetiver has been better received in European audiences over the years than in the U.S. The most notable vetiver-centered fragrance is Guerlain’s Vetiver which has been on the market since 1959. More recently, we’re seeing it in the U.S. market with Tom Ford’s Grey Vetiver and a few other niche fragrance brands.
Provision’s Maitri eau de parfum was inspired, in part, by the classic European vetiver fragrances. The eco-certified Madagascan vetiver hints of amber, offering a smooth, sophisticated scent. It infuses fresh Italian bergamot, Mandarin musk accord, and oakmoss for just the right blend of brightness and depth.
Another delightful way to relish in the scent of vetiver is with Maitri Charcoal and Amla Oil Bath Soap. Expertly formulated and uniquely fragranced with the same Madagascan vetiver and mandarin, it offers an indulgent bathing experience like no other.
If you are intrigued and want to smell this ingredient, Provision will include a blotter scented with pure vetiver with all online orders through the end of June.
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Among the most valuable raw ingredients in the perfume industry is the delicate and fragrant rose. Sensual and mild, the scent of a rose has been revered for thousands of years.
Grown and harvested at their peak of fragrance from one particular place in the world… and only once a year… the Bulgarian rose, Rosa damascena, is the most highly prized rose of them all. Its ideal growing conditions produce the perfect rose for perfumery.
But the Bulgarian rose is more than just a sweet-smelling perfume ingredient. For hundreds of years, the rose’s components have been used in beauty and skincare routines. The soft, fragrant roses are broken down into parts to yield several different skincare ingredients.
Rose is one of the more expensive ingredients used in skincare and perfume. It takes one hectare (almost 2.5 acres) of land to produce about 1kg of rose oil (less than a third of a gallon). Now remember that there is only one harvest a year and you will begin to see why it is so precious.
Rose Offerings
When they are harvested for commercial use, roses are processed and broken down into multiple component products. Among them are rose oil, rose water, and rose wax.
Rose water
Rose water is collected by steam distillation of the petals. Some of the benefits of rose water for skin use are that it both hydrates and controls oil, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces irritation and dermatitis. [1]
Rose oil
Rose oil, while it boasts many of the same skin benefits as rose water, is used for aromatherapy. Like rose water, the concentrated essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from the aromatic, oil-based components of rose petals. It is said to reduce stress and is purported to be an aphrodisiac.
Rose absolute
Although similar to rose oil in aromatic composition, rose absolute is obtained through a solvent extraction process as opposed to steam distillation. The result is a rich concentrated oil that’s most commonly used in perfumery.
Rose wax
You may be wondering… what is rose wax anyway? If you’ve ever held a rose petal between your fingertips and felt the smooth velvety texture, then you’ve already experienced this delightful ingredient in its truest form. Rose wax is a creamy, waxy substance extracted from the petals of the rose.
Benefits of Rose Wax for Skincare
Just like it protects the delicate flower petals, rose wax protects delicate skin from the elements and free radicals.[2]
The deliciously fragrant wax is absorbed into the skin, soothing, softening, and moisturizing dry skin. Like rose water, the wax is said to reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.[3]
Rose Wax Lip Balm
The lips are an extension of the skin… the delicate space through which the power of our words flow. We use our lips to form a whisper… to connect through the strength of words. Sometimes we say nothing at all, sealing our lips. These moments can be just as powerful. And we use them to make that ultimate connection of a kiss.
When you consider the importance of this sensual feature, it makes perfect sense to care for our lips with the utmost care and respect. As such an important feature of our human bodies, we must protect and care for our lips. A moisturizing lip balm is ideal for rejuvenating and guarding these precious and unique treasures.
Rose wax, with its elegant, gentle fragrance and silky texture, is perfect for our luxurious, natural lip balm. With moisturizing shea butter, organic avocado oil, and vitamin E, Connection Lip Rescue is the ultimate moisturizing, high end lip balm. It has the silky feel of a rose petal to caress and nurture your precious lips.
Connection Lip Rescue Pro Tips from Our Founder
While Connection is perfect for lips, it’s also perfect for other parts, too. Here are four ways our founder recommends making the most of your Connection:
You can learn more about Connection Lip Rescue here. A travel size Connection is available here or in our Mini Luxe Dream Set.
[1] Food.ndtv.com, 10 Rose Water Benefits: From Antioxidants to Anti-Aging
As a professional perfumer, Sherri Sebastian, the founder of Provision Scents, knows the struggle on the consumer's side - but she also knows the industry inside and out and can say what is worth looking for - and what isn’t.
Here are some tried and true methods to learn how to begin your scent journey and find your individual preferences.
There are a plethora of things to take into consideration when learning how to choose a fragrance. Here are 5 things to keep in mind:
1.) Trust yourself—don’t read “notes” to decide what you like.
Most of the time, notes are marketing descriptions and not ingredients. Even if these notes are actually in fragrances, it is the entirety of the scent that gives it a unique fragrance profile.
2.) Get in touch with how a scent makes you feel.
Decide how you want to feel and then choose a scent that checks off the boxes. You can go to your local perfume shop and sample different scents and make notes of your reaction to them. Did it make you feel happy? Comforted? Was it an assault on your senses? You can begin to build a familiarity with different scents this way.
3.) Notice how a fragrance ‘wears’ on your skin.
First impressions are not everything when it comes to fragrance. Perfume may smell one way in the morning, another in the afternoon, and make one last change in the evening! This depends on many factors, like the fragrance portfolio of the perfume as well as your own special body chemistry. The oils on your skin can change the scent.
4.) Spray fragrances on the outer forearm as opposed to the wrist.
Think about how many times a day you wash your hands. The soap may have a scent that lingers and affects your fragrance. Your watch/jewelry might affect the scent of fragrances. To get the most out of your scent avoid any area that might be exposed to other lotions, soaps, and heavily fragranced items.
5.) Consider your lifestyle and activity when choosing a scent.
If you work in close quarters with many people, you might go with a lighter scent. Whereas for the weekends or after hours, a heavier scent might be more to your liking. Your scent projects and sends a message about you so think about what your scent is saying!
Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences, it’s time to shop! Here are some tips once you’re actually browsing through the perfume aisle.
Perfume Samples or Testers
This is a no-brainer. If you’re in a physical store, try out the tester bottle (please don’t open any boxes!) and try it on your forearm as previously mentioned. Sometimes, online retailers will also offer sample-sized bottles of their signature fragrances, or fragrance sample sets, in order to guide you in your decision. This is perfect to give a product a test run! You can do it from the comfort of your home and experiment with how these fragrances wear throughout the day.
Gender - if Applicable
This can be useful if you already know you like more traditionally feminine or masculine scents, but recent trends in the industry are really pushing these boundaries.
Scent is deeply personal and doesn’t always fit into a gendered category. After all, everyone has different body chemistry! Don’t be afraid to move into the men’s section if you’re woman, or vice versa, if you’ve discovered a type of scent that makes you feel a certain way you like. You won’t always find it in clear cut gender categories.
Many companies, including Provision Scents, haven’t gendered their fragrances at all since they understand this desire people have to not label their scent experience. Instead of guiding yourself by gender, focus on categories of scent to determine that perfect blend.
Read the Category & Ingredients
Although not perfect, you can get a general picture of the main ambient feel of the perfume. If there are specific scents you adore, like sandalwood, reading the product descriptions carefully can help you narrow down which perfumes you want to try.
Most of the time, retailers will list the notes of a perfume online. If you’re in a store, you can read the ingredient list and get a sense of whether you’d enjoy a scent.
Understand differences between Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and Cologne
This is a big one. These different categories of scents refer to the concentration of oils that build up the scent profile. Things like “Body Mists” or “Body Splashes” usually say Eau de Toilette on the bottle since they are a lower concentration, whereas more concentrated scents will say Eau de Parfum.
This is important to know since you must consider your setting - an office, a big event, the beach? Different scents may be more appropriate for these settings depending on how long they last on your skin and how strong the scent is. Decide for yourself what is appropriate.
Scent is one of the strongest emotional triggers in the brain. The smell of a cologne can remind you of a late family member, or a particular fruity lip gloss can remind you of your middle school crush.
Scent is personal and meaningful. Take the time to figure out what YOU like and what makes you feel best. Once you find one that clicks, it’s worth the journey.
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The term “clean beauty” is a fairly recent marketing term that’s been making waves in the beauty community, but the concept is not so new. It’s a term which further expands upon the “natural” and “organic” trend that has overtaken beauty aisles all over the world.
But what is clean beauty? Is there even a clear cut definition? And who came up with it? Let’s start from the beginning:
Clean beauty at its core is the formulation of cosmetics and skincare products without harmful ingredients. It’s not organic - organic implies that everything that is listed on the product label is a naturally occurring substance and has been created using environmentally ethical means. Organic is its own unique category—one of the few terms in the beauty arena that has an official definition.
Clean beauty isn’t strictly natural or organic, although there is some overlap. Clean beauty is willing to use ingredients that have been tested to be safe and not have long term effects on the skin or health of the user.
It’s all about consciousness. Being transparent in ingredient labeling and being more aware of what you’re putting on your body. This is advantageous for today’s consumers who are interested in learning more about the ingredients that make up their favorite products. Still, it’s important to note that being one google search away from learning about an ingredient doesn’t always translate into knowing the whole story, or reasoning for using an ingredient. Trained cosmetic chemists have years of experience and insight formulating products that an average person wouldn’t have, so this needs to be taken into account when deciding if a product is safe or not.
According to this article, NPD Group (a market research firm), found there was a 10% growth in the natural beauty market, meanwhile, prestige products only grew 3.8%. This indicates a large shift in the market and every brand is responding to it.
Clean Beauty isn’t so much a trend but a movement. Consumers are demanding more of brands by the day. What’s different about Clean Beauty is that it recognizes the pros of man-made ingredients. Preservatives meant to protect the consumer from bacteria, or derivations of other natural ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, are considered from a benefit and safety standpoint.
Here are a few things that typically don’t go into a “Clean” product:
There is a lot of controversy in the industry regarding the terminology and whether the science behind certain ingredients is definitive, especially “free of” claims on products.ss--Melissa, I wasn’t sure if you were going to re-write this part...I included it in a stream of consciousness form but think it needs to sound more professional--what do you think? Many times, brands will use the terminology loosely. A brand is less likely to get in trouble for falsely claiming to be “clean” than claiming natural. Interestingly, the EU is cracking down on using “(Ingredient) free” claims, which could be considered misleading.
The reason using “Clean Beauty” as a label can be misleading is that companies stopped using these “dirty” ingredients years ago! Many brands have already removed things like phthalates and parabens from their products, they’ve just started advertising it better. (or maybe they never used them at all).
At the end of the day, the best way to maintain a clean beauty routine is to simply use less and use only what you need. Decide what’s most important to you and learn how that translates on the label, then make your decisions accordingly.
Most of all, don’t forget to relax and enjoy a few moments as you indulge in the experience of using your favorite beauty products.
Learn more about Provision Scents’ approach to common sense/clean beauty, along with transparent labeling.
]]>We all know how important sleep is to health and well being, but what about dreaming?
Beyond the black-out curtains, beyond the need for deep sleep, Provision’s approach to bedtime was inspired by the desire to dream.
Over a decade ago, I was having an “Eat Pray Love” moment in Belize, seeking stillness, clarity, and a good nights sleep when I met a healer who told me to put clary sage on my pillow to inspire vivid dreams.
I tried it and what happened next was a complete paradigm shift in my approach to sleep and my entire approach to scent.
After many nights of my new nightly “pillow ritual” I didn’t necessarily notice that my actual dreams had changed, but I did notice that my focus shifted from sleeping to dreaming and away from the worries of the day.
This “aha moment” inspired a life-changing shift in perspective, not only in regard to my daily rituals, but also with my relationship with fragrances. I began carrying the oil with me throughout the day, embracing the power of scent to shift our perspectives in an instant.
As a professionally trained perfumer I instinctually began to formulate a scent around my experience with clary sage—the ingredient— as the main note.
I sourced organic and sustainable clary sage along with my favorite luxurious fantasy notes, crafting a scent that would instantly create the most sensual and appealing atmosphere, day or night.
When I creating Dream Extract my goal was to help people shift their perspective and enhance their atmosphere with scent. It started with this room and pillow spray and has become so much more.
Each of my products was formulated with a high level of consideration, not only for quality, texture, efficacy, and the perfect scent (of course!) but to provide the ultimate experience as you move throughout the day.
You can try it for yourself here with our convenient sample size of Dream Extract.
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For the past 25 years I’ve worked as a professional perfumer in the fragrance industry. Fragrance briefs typically start by defining the following parameters: gender, age group, application, fragrance type, and raw material cost.
As a perfumer, it’s known and accepted that some notes and compositional styles make a scent decidedly feminine or masculine. For example, “fougere”, a classic fragrance accord with lavender and mossy notes has been a considered a traditionally masculine note, while heady floral notes like tuberose and jasmin have been reserved for feminine fragrance creation.
Be that as it may, I’ve noticed over the years that a growing number of people, myself included, tend to gravitate towards scents they enjoy most, regardless of their intended gender.
When I launched my line of experiential fine fragrances, Provision eau de parfums, I didn’t think about gender at all, but rather the experience I was trying to evoke. It came as no surprise to me then, when Las Flores—the most traditionally feminine scent— developed an equal following of men and women.
Bright orange flower notes in Las Flores gradually fade into more herbaceous fresh notes that ultimately dry down to amber notes, which are not traditionally paired with fresh floral notes. Inspired by the mix of aromatic notes in the Malibu canyons where I often hike, I sought to recreate this experience despite the non-traditional composition.
The air from the Santa Monica mountains from a higher elevations has fresh floral notes, with crisp clean air nuance. The dry, resinous, woody notes of the canyon have a touch of amber and remind me of visiting a spa in the desert. Every so often the wind changes direction and the sultry marine notes of the Pacific Ocean make their way into the mix. I wanted to capture this experience, which could be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of gender orientation.
The result is a gender fluid scent that reads differently on everyone, while evoking the experience of a hike in the Malibu canyons.
The truth is many of us have been simply wearing fragrances regardless of their suggested gender for years. Now, with the intentional creation of gender neutral fragrances, we have the ability to experience a new range and style of fragrance compositions like never before.
Read about more about the process behind my experiential, gender neutral fragrances here.
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