This is one facet of being a perfumista that I’ve never experienced: wearing a scent specifically for bedtime (we’re talking strictly sleep here). Usually what I’ve had on for the late afternoon or evening is in its final drydown stages by then and I’ve just let it go without thinking about it. I know some of you do this, as I’ve seen a few of you mention it in comments.
But lately I’ve been having some trouble heading off to Zzzz-ville, so I figured that trying a scent nightcap might be worth a shot. I also have some new bedtime tea that I’m going to try.
So please share with me, what fragrance do you spritz on at night that helps carry you off to dream land?
Does it change with the seasons? For instance, I can imagine a warm, cuddly scent might not work so well on a hot, humid evening. And by the same token, a chilly fall or winter night might not go so well with a brighter, fresher fragrance. Or am I way off on this?
Also, I would think that an intricate, complicated scent could be a bit too stimulating when you’re ready to relax and turn in for the night. I can’t even begin to imagine spritzing Amouage Interlude Woman before bedtime. If and when I finally did get to sleep wearing this, I’m guessing that some crazy dreams might result!
Anyway, I’m hoping that you all will have some good suggestions as you always do, and perhaps even some non-perfume tips that help when sleep eludes you. Thanks!
In the warm weather I use an eau de cologne linen spray that I make myself with essential oils: bergamot, lemon, rosemary sweet orange, neroli, lemon verbena and about 10 other things. In cool or cold weather I like Opium on myself or Bal a Versailles EDT on myself or my sheets & pillowcase. Bal is strangely comforting at bedtime.
Drummagick that eau de cologne sounds wonderful! Do you follow a particular formula – how much of each essential oil, how much water, etc?
haha no. I just mix the essential oils and let them sit for a few months, pour a bit of high proof vodka (or Everclear if I have some for making tinctures), then the essential oil blend and distilled water into a spray bottle. Maybe if I followed formulas I’d have more success making natural perfumes. 🙂
Most of my life I hated the smell of lavender but I’v had some trouble sleeping in the last 6 months and have started to find it soothing. Badger Balms have one balm called ‘Night-Night’ and another too (can’t remember the name) that help a little. They contain a variety of essential oils and I rub it on my hands. I also have a L’occitane lavender candle; its a relaxing scent, but doesn’t really switch me off! I’v found, however, that since I’m awake so long I prefer smelling something wonderful than something ok, intended, but failing to induce sleep;) Then (since its cold here now) I go for something warm like Carthusia’s Ligea or (I only have a sample but really need to get it) L’artisan’s Sevile. Another one I’v found I like is Fourreau Noir. I only have the wax sample but its so far my favourite lavender perfume – no surprise since I adore Chergui!
For me, night time is the time for good ol Demeter, there’s a slumber scent for everyone and it doesn’t break the bank. I already spray a paper towel with Gingerale and put it in the bottom of my wastebaskets in the summer, winter is Mulled Spices. To spritz my bed in this ugly hot weather, Pink Lemonade, for the grandkids, Marshmallow. Thunderstorm, Sex on the Beach and Gin & Tonic work well too.
Howdy, Jan! I really have got to get on the stick with Demeter. I remember you loving that Gingerale and I think that’s a great idea about the wastebaskets. Maybe some spritzing on me AND the sheets would help me sleep. Thanks!
Vintage L’Heure Bleue is my absolute favorite bedtime scent, but I’ve been really enjoying Eau de Lingerie as well. I’ll also wear lots of vanillas, ambers and incenses to sleep.
Catherine, those are the best choices for bedtime, too, I think. Would love to hear more about the Lingerie; it sounds interesting. Thanks!
I have a lot of different samples and I’ll just pick one and spray. I just like to smell good when I’m drifting off to sleep. If it’s a really good scent I’ll smell my wrist a few times before I go to sleep.
I love this, Beth — just pick at random and spray. You never know when you’ll hit the sleepytime jackpot!
My favorite bedtime scent is Sonoma Scent Studio To Dream. Love it. I don’t know why I like it for bedtime, particularly. It reminds me of home, so it is comforting. A lovely scent anytime though.
Nicole
I’m so glad you mentioned that one, Nicole. I think I have a sample around here and I need to try it. A comforting scent that reminds you of home is worth its weight in gold!
Lavender is the main one in our family, the kids love it. We also use a couple of drops of melatonin which we call sleeping potion. Works like a charm for a perfect nights slumber:)
I think the right lavender might just do the trick. And thanks for mentioning melatonin; I’d heard about it but need to see how it works and then give it a try. Thanks!
I wasn’t impressed with Chanel’s Jersey when it first came out, but I do like it as a sleep scent. Jasmine is definitely soothing, and Lollia has a new hand lotion out called Midnight Garden and Wildflowers that works well as both a sleep aid and a hand lotion! I also love to use shower gels and body lotions that are too soft and subtle for day before I go to bed. Good luck finding something that works for you!
Thanks, lady! I think you’re right — even if you don’t care for Jersey as a regular scent, it might really shine at bedtime. Love those double-duty products as well.
I used to use Lush Sleepyhead massage bar when I couldn’t sleep – it worked a charm. In fact, all I had to do was open my bedside cabinet and catch a whiff of it and I relaxed instantly. It’s discontinued now, but apparently they brought it back in the Retro section (website order only) but it is now called “Ego”. Perfume for bedtime would be Chergui or Orris Noir, something spicy and rich.
A warm bath, followed by hot milk before bedtime with a little grating of nutmeg or a tiny pinch of cinnamon are also worth a try, or hot chocolate with whipped cream just for the sheer indulgence!
Hope you find something that works. Here’s wishing you a full 8 hours of restful slumber x
Wow — just a whiff did the trick, eh? That’s some good stuff then. Hope you can get more before it’s completely gone. I, too, had thought of Chergui for cold nights. Thanks for your tips and good wishes!
I find dewy, simple roses very soothing. My favorite is AG Rose Splendide. Also like something cuddly if it is cold, such as Shalimar, Hypnotic Poison, l’Heure Bleue or AG Vanille Exquise.
Those are some nice choices. I just recently tried Hypnotic Poison and am now thinking I need a little decant of that to try at bedtime. Thanks!
I don’t use my perfume at night either, but I DO use my scented bath products. I don’t like using them in the morning, as they interfere with my perfume, but they’re great to use at night. Also, it provides a bit of a night time ritual which helps to put you in the frame of mind for sleep. My prescription: Hot shower with a scented body wash, followed by scented body cream. Then I make myself a hot tea latte. The way they make them at the coffee shop here is to heat milk, then steep your tea in that. And I use a sleepy time tea with a bit of honey. Good luck, I hate struggling with not sleeping.
Good thinking there, Beth! And you also get double benefits from the moisturizing lotion. BTW, that tea latte does sound yummy; think I’ll try that myself. Thanks for sharing!
It seems to me that the ultimate luxury is to have a perfume just for bedtime! I’ve been planning to treat myself on my birthday to Penhaligon’s Lavendula solely for that purpose. Unlike most lavender perfumes it is gentle and fresh and smells exactly like sweet English lavender. It is perfect.
I agree — that would be the ultimate. And that Penhaligon’s sounds like a lavender I could go for — soft and fresh and very soothing. Thanks!
I go through phases: for awhile, it was lavender and sandalwood essential oils, then Shalimar EDP, and now it’s CB Black March, every night. I’m ordering a decant just for this purpose. 🙂 I don’t know why, but the smell of freshly-turned soil really comforts me.
Nice — I like the idea of a decant that’s on your nightstand and is your regular go-to scent for bedtime. When I find one that works like a charm, think I’ll do that, too.
My favorite bedtime scent is Olympic Orchids DEV #3, an all-natural woody-spicy-incensey fragrance. When I was working on it, I discovered almost by accident that it was very relaxing, and promoted lots of interesting dreams!
Ellen, that sounds great; will definitely give that a try. Thanks!
I do have bedtime scents, and the weather does matter. In cooler weather, I go for Emeraude or Shalimar Light, or Tabac Aurea, or Smell Bent One. In summer, I like my light roses — YSL Paris Pont des Amours, or AG Petite Cherie.
Hiya, Mals! Nice choices there. And I’ve found that even I can wear and enjoy the Shalimar Light, even though most of the others dislike me. Thanks!
The other Shalimars, that is!
I reach for Dior Homme on nights when I’m too restless to sleep. Love it’s ability to calm me down!
Hey, Tiara! That one seems to be a favorite for many folks so guess I really do need to try it. And if it’s calming, too, well, I’d better get sampling!
I don’t wear fragrance to bed for fear of dh waking up with a migraine, but I do use lots of Lady Primrose bath products. Tryst and Royal Extract powders are gentle and great for lightly scenting the sheets. Powder is great in the summer, thoughI can’t say anything I’ve ever tried has helped me with insomnia except time, waiting for hormones to calm down, etc. Benadryl works, but turns me into a zombie the entire next day! Sweet dreams and hope you’ll be sleeping soundly soon, dear Ann! 🙂
Hi, sweetie! Oh, you really do have to be careful then. Those powders sound good and I already love the scents, thanks to someone’s generosity. 🙂 One children’s chewable Benadryl I find gives me just that little push into Snoozeville, but I don’t want to use it too often — only when I really need it. Thanks!
Children’s Benedryl is a godsend ! Just enough to not wake up hungover the next AM. I like Mid-Night for the 2am wake ups. It only lasts 2-3 hours then it’s gone.
Thanks, Rina! Have not tried that one so will definitely have to look it up.
I like Lumiere Blanche or Mohur. It seems as though something that has a lot of sandalwood is helpful. Last night though, I dabbed on some Tubereuse from a DSH sample because earlier in the day I had sprayed Carnal Flower. It was just right, not too loud or in your face. I’ll have to check and see if it has some sandalwood in it.
Hi, Martha! Someone mentioned Mohur earlier and I’m thinking it might be a nice choice. The Lumiere Blanche I’ve only tried once, so I may give it a trial run again. It does seem like a very calming, soothing scent. BTW, I know you smelled great in your tuberoses!
I forgot an important one 🙂 if I’m having a crappy day and want comfort, then a small spritz of Lyric. I always feel better in Lyric.
Thanks, Lynley — I feel sure that I’ll be a convert very soon! Can’t believe I didn’t think of doing this sooner — duh!! :0 I like your choices, especially the 68 and the Escale Portofino, and in cooler temps, I’ll give Lyric a whirl, too.
Oh Ann you’re missing out! 😉
Years ago I started wearing perfume to bed when an old bf bought me Byzance, but it gave me a headache during the day.
Now in cool weather I often wear the pink girly scents I’m too self-conscious wearing out like Mor Marshmallow and ELdO Encens et Bubblegum and Divin Enfant.
In summer or if I have a bit of a headache or am overheating I’ll wear Cologne du 68, Jour d’Zhermes, Escale a Portofino, or my favourites for bedtime, Voyage D’Hermes edt or parfum.
Hope we can can convert you to the joys of scented bedtime! 🙂
Caron Pour un Homme, (imho) the best lavender out there!
Oooh, yes. That one had slipped off my radar, but I remember liking it. I have a sample of it rattling around here, so now i just need to find it.
L’Heure Bleue works for me with it’s nighttime theme and comforting almond/heliotrope vibe. I find either of these two jasmines soothing: Donna Karan Essence Jasmine and SL Sarrasins.
Thanks, Giuliana. I had not thought of Sarrasins as it always seems such a vibrant scent. But later on in its development I could see it being soothing. I need to try that DK scent, too, as I like all her others.
Apres L’Ondee, for a similar reason, I think.
Ah, yes — what a beauty! What gorgeous dreams it would inspire …
I love neroli for going to bed so Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli or Houbigant Orangers en Fleurs are the best options for me.
Nice choices there, Lucas. I’m a big neroli fan so I feel sure I can find one that works for bedtime. Thanks!
I’m sure you’ll like at least one of them.
In summer, Guerlain’s AA Flora Nymphea (orange blossom and honey) or Nuxe Huile Prodigiuese. In winter, Kenzo Flower. Flower is powdery, but weightless – not stifling. And comforting, very comforting for me. I can’t actually conceive of wearing it outside the house. It would be like wearing my pyjamas to work!
Oh, and Chanel No 19 Poudre in summer, and Narciso Rodriguez for her any season.
Oh, Flower, that one IS nice, I’ll have to remember that one!
Annemarie, so glad you mentioned the Nuxe oil. I have a little bottle of it on its way to me, so it’s nice to know that it might work. And I must go find my sample of the Kenzo to try; thanks!
Hi Ann,
Great question. I love to spritz old favourites like No 5 and Shalimar before bed but if I’m having trouble sleeping or my mind is too active a really interesting and complicated fragrance gives me something to focus on other than my sleeplessness, and makes it easier for me to drop off. The Neela Vermeires or 1000 or La Via Del Profumi are all excellent choices at that time.
Portia xx
What an original, interesting approach!
Hey, Portia — that is a great strategy. But knowing how my quirky mind works, I’d have to choose the scent very carefully. I think NV’s Mohur or Trayee could do nicely. Bombay Bling might be too likely to have me up and dancing at 2 a.m., ha!
I used to try drinking a cup of camomile tea, or a mug of hot milk, to help me sleep and they did ….. trouble is, taking in liquid just before bedtime invariably means that I then have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, thus undoing the good sedative work of the drink!
Like some others, I have never found lavender particularly relaxing. Rose, musk or vanilla give me sweet dreams. I used to like Yves Rocher’s Rose Absolue which was a soft take on this combo, but is now sadly discontinued (of course).
Hi, lady! So glad you stopped by. I’m right there with you on the pre-bedtime beverages; it can kind of backfire, can’t it? Usually for me, though, once I’ve finally gotten to sleep, I don’t have much trouble falling back asleep. I just got a Zhena tea for sleep/relaxation that I’m going to try in the next night or two.
Tam Dao for me. It doesn’t last much on my skin, but works wonderfully lightly sprayed on my pillow. These days I also use Hermes Eau de Narcisse Bleu, which I find inexplicably comforting in a snuggly, white, cotton-cloudish way.
Yay — another Tam Dao fan! I’m going to dig out my little decant ASAP. Glad to hear you like the Hermes; haven’t seen or tried that one yet, but it sounds good.
I often dab on just a little Muscs Koublai Khan before bed. It’s cozy, warm, animal, and so enveloping. It takes the place of the dog I can’t have living in an apartment! And even better, I love it in the warm weather just as much as the cold.
Great idea, Emily — just create your own coziness! Although it is hard to replace that happy, wagging tail. Here’s hoping you get a furry friend before too long.
Summers here are usually hot, sometimes (not often) humid–regrettably, it is both right now–and I’m drawn to soft and light notes for bedtime, like vanilla, sandalwood, rose, neroli, and lavenders that are more fruity than camphorous. Lavanila’s Vanilla Lavender is easy and uncomplicated; the vanilla really takes the edge off the lavender. A Wing And a Prayer’s Honeysuckle Rose is a lovely way to ease from day into dreams. And believe it or not I have a hair rinse that includes rose water, neroli hydrosol, and essential oils of rose, neroli, and sandalwood that lingers for days; when my head shifts as I settle down to sleep I get a whiff of it and my whole body just EXHALES.
I need to know what that hair rinse is!! Please do tell.
Those all sound pretty great — and especially that Honeysuckle Rose. And echoing Jilliecat, please do share what that wonderful hair product is. Thanks!
Hiya, Ann! I don’t often wear perfume specifically for bed, but when I do, I like jasmine scents. There’s something oddly narcotic about jasmine that settles my mind, which is good for sleep. Most recently, it’s been Soivohle’s Yin Hao. Puts me right to sleep.
Howdy, Lisa! I’m hoping that the temps will be cooling off a bit for you soon. I’m so glad you mentioned jasmine — I think someone on here (Patty? Musette?) had mentioned something about jasmine being good for sleep (or maybe I read it somewhere else, too), but will try that. Thanks!
Hi, Ann! Except for winter when I most often wear Hypnotic Poison or Shalimar eau de cologne to bed, I like to wear musk scents at night. I’ll wear Kiehl’s and Clair de Musc both day and night, but Musc Samarkind and Coty Wild Musk (I have a really old bottle) are bedtime only. Give bedtime fragrance a try, it’s a nice part of the bedtime ritual 🙂
Hi, lady! It’s such a coincidence that you mention Hypnotic Poison — I just tried it the other day (not sure that I’d ever sniffed it before as there seemed to be so many Poison flankers that I kind of gave up) and really liked it. Think it would make a good bedtime scent. I need to re-try the others you mention; a lightish musk might be nice for drifting off to dream land. Thanks, dear!
A rose and sandalwood body lotion by Innoxa, or Calypso Christiane Celle Violette.
Mmmm … I’m liking the sound of that body lotion and the Calypso scent. Must try both soon — thanks!
I always pick out a nighttime scent. Tam Dao is also a go to of mine for summer evenings. Other summer favorites: Dune, Ninfeo Mio, Nuit Etoilee, Encens Flamboyent. In the winter, my range is much wider and much cozier and heavier!
Hiya, Shaney — thanks for those good suggestions. I have several of those and one of them might just do the trick. You’re right about winter; there is a bigger choice of “comfort” scents.
I’ve taken to wearing Jicky in EDT form for going to bed. The EDP version is way too hard to find or too expensive to wear for bedtime. Or I’ll wear Infusion d’Iris. Mainly it has been the latter because it has been so hot and sticky and the skank of Jicky keeps me up in hot and humid nights.
Oh, how perfect that you said that — I just re-tried the iris the other day (hadn’t sniffed it in years) and I think it could work nicely. Sorry, though, can’t do the Jicky as it has never agreed with me. So many of the classic Guerlains just do not like me 🙁
I love Chanel Jersey and used up a whole decant just to sleep in. Lavendery vanilla, delicious. Also Mor Marshmallow hand cream
Hi, Jackie! Too funny — I’d just mentioned Jersey in a comment above as being one lavender I could live with. And that hand cream sounds a treat — thanks!
I like to spray sandalwood or frankincense fumes. I use Tam Dao the most. Frankincense soliflores are my second go to like Rock Crystal by Durbano.
Good to know, Patrick. I have some Tam Dao so will give that a try. Thanks!
I love Marc Jacob’s cranberry or biscotti splash. I fall asleep smelling delicious and the scent is gone by morning.
I love it — those are so yummy. But do you wake up craving what you smelled the night before? 🙂
I love warm, cozy fragrances for bedtime like Lostmarch’s Lann-Ael – the shower gel and body lotion are nice before bed too. I also like Songes by Annick Goutal, as well as Shalimar edt. I know that lavender is supposed to be soothing and calming but I haven’t yet found a lavender fragrance that really floats my boat.
Me neither, Mary, on the lavender. Although I found Chanel’s Jersey to be pleasant, so maybe I should unearth my sample of it. Thanks!
I’ve never tried Jersey before, so that one will be added to my list 🙂 I’ve tried lavender essential oil but it just seems too sharp, spiky, for some reason – not relaxing.
Exactly, Mary! We need very soft, subtle lavenders.
That could just be a matter of finding the right oil. Lavender essential oils can vary quite a bit, depending on where they come from. I’ve tried two different ones that you can get at Whole Foods, from Aura Cacia and NOW, and I much prefer the NOW oil. I didn’t like the Aura Cacia oil because it had a camphorous sharpness to it that I didn’t want.
Yes – camphorous – that’s the word – sharp, medicinal. Thanks for the tip on WF’s essential oil. There are so many suppliers of oils, I guess it’s just finding the right one, eh?
I meant the NOW oil – sorry and thanks!
Oh, another one I really like for bedtime is Jalaine’s Silk. It’s a light and fresh vanilla fragrance, not heavy or too warm or gourmand, just really nice.
Thanks, Mary — I keep meaning to sample that one. Now I’ll definitely have to pull the trigger and try it.
Ann, it’s not really a fragrance, but Shea Moisture makes a lotion with frankincense and myrrh that I find comforting as sleep inducing when used on my hands and arms before bed. Origins used to have a great sleep line with a lavender inhaler that you sniffed to help fall asleep and dang of it wasn’t effective! Def. try something lavender!
Rina, I like that idea of being moisturizing and sleep-inducing at the same time. Thanks. And sure wish I had one of those inhalers. I need to investigate more lavender scents — so many of them give me a bit of a headache though so I have to be careful.
Karma by LUSH. That orange patchouli is so delightfully comforting, like an old friend. The body cream is really nice too.
That sounds like a great choice — thanks! In fact, I used to have a perfume solid of that around here somewhere so need to go digging.
Be careful wearing that one to bed. LOL Some years ago an acquaintance came over and asked what the wonderful scent i was wearing. I told him I wasn’t wearing any. He said, “Well, you smell sexy!” Then I remembered that I had shampooed with Karma shampoo bar.
Oh, boy! Thanks for the warning, Fatima! 😉