patchouli oil body spray

DIY PILLOW SPRAY FOR A RESTFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, a DIY pillow spray might be just what you need. This simple homemade sleep spray features three soothing lavender essential oil blends designed to encourage relaxation and help you drift into a deep, restful slumber.

Winding down after a stressful day can feel impossible. Despite eating well, exercising, and taking care of ourselves, sleep is often the hardest part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

And in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to see why!

Creating a calming bedroom sanctuary is more important than ever for restful sleep. Along with healthy sleep habits, natural remedies like aromatherapy can help set the stage for a peaceful slumber.

This is where a soothing essential oil pillow spray for beauty sleep comes in. This DIY pillow spray recipe is a simple way to add a calming fragrance to your bedding, encouraging relaxation and helping you drift off into a deep sleep.

Whether you have essential oils or not, this recipe includes options for both, as well as an alcohol-free version. Whatever supplies you have on hand, you’ll be able to create your own pillow mist.

For the ultimate wind-down, try pairing this spray with a relaxing lavender shower steamer during your bedtime routine. To take it even further, apply a homemade magnesium lotion once you’re tucked into bed for extra relaxation!

How this pillow spray helps for sleep

As we explored in our post on DIY aromatherapy perfume, the scents of certain essential oils have the ability to soothe the mind and body. If sleep is a struggle for you, essential oils can be a powerful addition to your nighttime routine.

And what better place to experience their calming effects than right beside your head, on your pillow?

It’s not recommended to apply essential oils directly to your pillow, as they can be too concentrated. However, by making your own DIY sleep spray, you can safely dilute the oils for proper use.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without the need for a diffuser!

Lavender essential oil for sleep

Below, I’ve shared 3 calming essential oil blends for your pillow spray, each featuring Bulgarian lavender oil.

Why choose lavender for your sleep spray? Lavender is one of the most renowned and well-researched essential oils for promoting rest and reducing stress. Numerous studies have highlighted lavender oil’s powerful sedative, anxiety-relieving, and calming properties, making it a go-to choice for improving sleep through aromatherapy.

Lavender’s sleep-enhancing benefits are threefold. First, as a sedative, lavender oil can help you feel sleepy. Second, its anxiolytic properties can ease the anxiety that might be keeping you awake.

Not only can lavender essential oil help you fall asleep faster, but it can also improve the quality of your sleep. Research has shown that lavender’s soothing fragrance enhances sleep quality and promotes deeper rest.3,1

However, it’s important to note that this effect is even stronger when combined with good sleep hygiene. So, be sure to incorporate healthy habits into your nighttime routine, like limiting blue light exposure before bed.

Engaging in relaxing activities is also key. One calming ritual you can try? Gently massaging your face with a homemade lavender cleansing balm. While you’re at it, check out 5 tips to protect yourself from blue light!

DIY sleep spray ingredients

While there are plenty of store-bought pillow sprays available, there’s really no need to buy one when making your own at home is so simple.

To create your DIY pillow spray, all you need is a liquid base like vodka or witch hazel, a natural emulsifier (as shown below), and your favorite essential oils (or a hydrosol). You’ll also need a glass spray bottle to store and dispense your homemade spray.

VODKA, ALCOHOL, OR WITCH HAZEL

For the longest shelf life, I recommend using vodka or high-proof alcohol, as it helps prevent bacterial growth. However, if you prefer a version without alcohol, you can use witch hazel, as long as it contains a preservative to keep it fresh.

Tip: You can use any leftover alcohol or witch hazel to create your own DIY perfume.

NATURAL EMULSIFIER

A natural emulsifier is key for dispersing the essential oils in your pillow spray. Since essential oils don’t mix with water, the oils would simply float on top without an emulsifier. This is problematic because spray nozzles dispense from the bottom, not the top!

There are various natural emulsifiers and solubilizers you can use for this recipe. I used Capryl/Caprylyl Glucoside from my Simply Earth essential oil box, which comes in a convenient dropper bottle for easy dispensing and measuring. If you don’t have this emulsifier, I’ve listed other options in the how-to section below.

If you’re hesitant to buy another ingredient, rest assured that emulsifiers are easy to use—just mix with your essential oils before adding the rest of the ingredients. Plus, any leftover emulsifier can be used in other DIY projects like essential oil deodorant or room sprays.

If you decide not to use an emulsifier, remember to shake your pillow spray well before each use. However, this can result in uneven distribution of the oils, which isn’t ideal.

ESSENTIAL OILS

It’s important to avoid using products with synthetic fragrances, especially in pillow sprays, as they often contain chemicals that can be irritating and lead to headaches—something you definitely don’t want when trying to fall asleep!

Unlike artificial fragrances, essential oils like lavender contain natural aromatic compounds that offer real benefits. Lavender, in particular, is known for its calming, sleep-inducing properties, making it an ideal choice for your DIY pillow spray.

While lavender is one of the best essential oils for relaxation, it’s far from the only option. This homemade pillow spray recipe includes three different essential oil blends to promote sleep, which you can customize based on your preferences.

HYDROSOL

If you’d prefer a pillow spray without essential oils, you can use lavender hydrosol, the floral water left over from the essential oil distillation process. Simply spritz lavender hydrosol directly onto your bedding—there’s no need to mix it with anything else!

While hydrosols are not as potent as essential oils, they retain many of their benefits. Their light fragrance makes them a great option for those who are sensitive to stronger scents or for use with children.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR PILLOW SPRAY

Here are three calming essential oil blends for your lavender sleep spray. Each blend has its own unique fragrance profile and benefits:

Sleepytime Lavender:

  • 12 drops Sleepy essential oil blend
  • OR 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops ho wood essential oil
  • 2 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops grapefruit essential oil

Lavender Vanilla:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops vanilla essential oil
  • 2 drops patchouli essential oil (or copaiba essential oil)

Lavender Chamomile:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops amyris essential oil

Feel free to experiment with these blends to find the perfect scent that helps you unwind and relax before bed!

SLEEPTIME LAVENDER

The Sleepy blend is a relaxing mix of lavender, ho wood, grapefruit, and bergamot essential oils that I received in my Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box. I was curious about the choice of citrus oils in this blend, since citrus scents are typically invigorating. I often use them in energizing products like “wake me up” shower steamers and roll-ons.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by this blend. The citrus notes mellow out the lavender, which can sometimes be overpowering or too floral. This makes it a great option for those who want the benefits of lavender essential oil for sleep but find its scent too strong or intense.

Ho wood adds a grounding, earthy tone to the blend, while also acting as a fixative oil, which helps the fragrance last longer on your pillow. Sleepy comes pre-bottled as a blend, so it’s easier and more affordable than buying each individual oil to recreate it on your own.

LAVENDER VANILLA

Lavender essential oil is already an effective natural sleep aid, but when paired with vanilla oleoresin, it creates a calming blend that smells like a sweet dessert. Vanilla is also known for its relaxing properties, making this combination a perfect bedtime scent. The warm, comforting aroma of lavender and vanilla together can help you unwind and drift off to sleep with ease. This blend not only promotes relaxation but also creates a cozy, indulgent experience.

LAVENDER VANILLA WITH PATCHOULI

I also added a couple of drops of patchouli to my lavender vanilla pillow mist. Patchouli is one of those scents that people either love or hate, but it has powerful aromatherapeutic properties that can help reduce anxiety. Plus, it’s the most well-known fixative essential oil, meaning it helps your pillow spray’s fragrance last throughout the night.

That said, I know not everyone is fond of patchouli’s distinct aroma. If you’re one of those who aren’t keen on it, you can easily swap it for copaiba oil, which also has calming properties. Copaiba has a sweet, slightly spicy scent that pairs beautifully with lavender and vanilla. Additionally, if you’re on a budget, you can choose a more affordable vanilla blend instead of pure vanilla essential oil.

LAVENDER CHAMOMILE

This Lavender Chamomile blend combines floral lavender, herbal chamomile, and sweet amyris for a pillow spray recipe that smells just like a calming cup of lavender chamomile tea. Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing properties, which is why chamomile tea is such a classic bedtime drink.

Chamomile essential oil also carries these sedative effects, which help promote relaxation and reduce insomnia.

The addition of amyris adds a rich, vanilla-like aroma to the blend. While amyris may not be as extensively studied as lavender oil for its sleep benefits, it’s certainly linked to relaxation. I personally find its fragrance to be deeply calming and peaceful.

If you prefer a sweeter-scented spray, especially for children, you can replace amyris with benzoin oil, which has a similar soothing effect and a lovely fragrance that’s more universally liked.

DIY Pillow Spray Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 drops lavender essential oil blend (choose from the blends above)
  • 36 drops natural liquid emulsifier (options below)
  • 1/4 cup vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel

EQUIMENT

  • 2oz glass spray bottle
  • Small funnel
  • Glass pipette for measuring

HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OIL SLEEP SPRAY

  • Sanitize: Start by cleaning and sanitizing your spray bottle and all equipment to ensure the spray stays fresh.
  • Add Essential Oils: Using a glass pipette, measure and add your chosen sleep essential oil blend to the glass spray bottle.
    • Add Emulsifier: Using a glass pipette, drop the liquid emulsifier into the bottle, one drop at a time. Pause occasionally to swirl the mixture gently, ensuring the emulsifier blends well with the essential oils.
    • Shake and Mix: Once you’ve added the emulsifier, securely replace the nozzle of your spray bottle and shake it gently to ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed.
    • Add Alcohol or Witch Hazel: Using a funnel, pour your chosen liquid base (vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel) into the bottle to fill the rest of the container. Leave a little space at the top to allow for shaking.
      • Final Shake: Affix the spray nozzle to your bottle and shake well to ensure everything is fully combined. Your DIY sleep spray is now ready to use! Spritz it onto your pillow or bedding before bedtime for a calming, restful night’s sleep.

      Natural Emulsifiers for Essential Oil Sprays

      Here are some natural solubilizers and liquid emulsifiers you can use in your pillow spray recipe. Choose the one that’s most accessible to you, as availability may vary depending on location:

      • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
      • Emulsium (available in Canada only)
      • CreamMaker FLUID (available in Canada or USA)
      • Polyglyceryl Oleate
      • Poly Suga Mulse D9

      How to Use Your Pillow Mist for Sleep

      Here are a few ways you can incorporate your calming pillow mist into your bedtime routine:

      Spritz on Your Pillow: The most common way to use your spray is to dispense 1-3 sprays directly onto your pillow before you sleep. This will help infuse your bedding with a relaxing fragrance as you drift off.

      Spray on Your Sheets: You can also use your pillow spray as a homemade linen spray. Spritz it onto your sheets, duvet, or blankets to imbue your entire bed with the calming aroma.

      Room Spray: For a broader relaxing effect, use the spray as a calming room mist. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your space, even if you don’t have a diffuser. Simply spritz around the room for a peaceful atmosphere.

        Important Tip: Keep in mind that darker essential oils like vanilla and chamomile can stain light-colored fabrics. To avoid any potential damage, always perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area of your fabric before using your pillow spray more widely.

        Additionally, be cautious when using your sleep spray on delicate fabrics like silk. While I personally use a 30 momme silk pillowcase with no issues, it’s always a good idea to test it first on a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause any staining or damage.

        Sweet dreams!

        CONCLUSION

        Making your own DIY pillow spray is an easy and effective way to enhance your sleep routine with the calming power of essential oils. With just a few simple ingredients like essential oils, a natural emulsifier, and a liquid base, you can create a customized sleep spray that promotes relaxation and restful slumber. Whether you choose lavender, chamomile, or a blend of oils, the right fragrance can help ease anxiety and prepare your mind for sleep.

        Remember, always perform a patch test to ensure your spray is safe for your fabrics, especially with delicate materials like silk. And, by incorporating your pillow spray into a calming bedtime routine, you’re setting yourself up for sweet dreams and a better night’s rest. Sweet dreams, and enjoy your peaceful slumber!

        8 Best Body Washes for Men of 2023, Enhancing Your Shower Experience!

        Not only do women prioritize taking care of their bodies but men also do. Every lender has the right to have a refreshing and invigorating shower experience. However, some still think that just a bar of soap is enough. This is wrong as it can leave the skin feeling dry and uncomfortable. Today, with a wide range of body wash options, men can freely choose their favorite, which can meet their demands and personal preferences.

        In this guide, we will explore the top body wash products for men after considering the varying requirements of men’s skin. We have also taken the ingredients, functions, and scent into consideration to make sure that we can provide an all-around list of the best body wash for men. 

        No matter what your concern is, we will help you to find the perfect body wash which is designed to your needs. So, are you ready to take your washing experience to the next level? 

        Best Smelling Body Wash: Oribe Côte d’Azur Replenishing Body Wash

        The Cote d’Azur Replenishing Body Wash is a gentle body cleanser that can cover your body with a scent, which smells like fruity with notes of freshly-squeezed lemon and Sicilian orange. Its smell is said to be impactful without being overwhelming. The formula of this body wash offers a pearlescent quality that removes dirt and leaves a moisturizing and comfortable feeling on the skin. When using this body wash, it feels like you are lathered up in a pleasant scent that can last on your body for a long time. This head-turning scent can make strangers stop and wonder what you are wearing. 

        The Oribe Côte d’Azur Replenishing Body Wash has received positive reviews on Amazon from customers who have used it for a while. As expected, many users have come to love its captivating fragrance, saying that it is aromatic but not too overwhelming. Many reviewers also praise the body wash for its ability to cleanse their bodies effectively without drying out their skin. The formula contains nourishing ingredients, so that’s why after using the product, the skin is said to be smooth and supple.

        A product can’t suit everyone’s taste, so there are also some negative responses. Some customers have expressed disappointment in regards to its expensive price, saying that its quality is not adequate to its high cost. Some also mention that despite being pleasant, the fragrance does not linger on the skin for a long period. This can be a minus point for those looking for a long-lasting body wash. 

        Best Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: Native Unscented Body Wash 

        Native Unscented Body Wash is made with simple and benign ingredients with sulfates not included, making the product suitable for sensitive skin. Despite not containing too many ingredients, it still delivers the contented experience that you expect out of a body wash, that is the soft and hydrated feeling on the skin after bathing. Additionally, this product is vegan and cruelty-free, making it the best choice for many animal lovers.  

        The Native Unscented Body Wash has gained a variety of reviews, which include both positive and negative feedback.

        Good responses emphasize the body wash’s gentle and effective cleansing abilities. With its unscented formula, this body wash is advisable for those who are fragrance allergic. Additionally, it is praised for leaving the skin clean and refreshed without any overpowering scent. The natural ingredients also add to its appeal. The body wash is formulated without harsh chemicals, parabens, or sulfates, and the fact that it is vegan makes this a desirable choice for those who love a natural and friendly option. 

        However, there are a few negative feedbacks worth mentioning. The consistency of the body wash is said to be too thin, leading to a perception that it doesn’t lather as well as expected. Moreover, a few customers noted that the moisturizing effect could be improved, as it still leaves the skin feeling slightly dry after use.

        Best Natural Body Wash: Aesop Coriander Seed Body Cleanser

        Aesop Coriander Seed Body Wash is described to awaken the senses with its natural scent. This aromatic formula helps to cleanse, calm, and warm the skin. Enriched with natural ingredients like coriander seed, black peppercorns, and patchouli, this cleansing wash carefully balances the skin, leaving it fresh and rejuvenated. The spicy, woody, warm scent will bring joy back into your daily routine. Like other natural products, this body wash is claimed to be vegan and cruelty-free.

        The Aesop Coriander Seed Body Cleanser has gained mixed reviews from customers who have tried it.

        Positive feedback highlights the luxurious and invigorating experience that Aesop body wash provides. With the help of the refreshing and botanical scent of coriander seed, customers feel revitalized after using it. Its natural ingredients are also praised as the body wash contains natural-based oils that nourish and hydrate the skin effectively. 

        However, there are a few negative reviews. Some found the scent of coriander to be too overpowering, which can be disturbing for them. In addition, body wash is said to dry out sensitive and dry skin types, so for those with that skin type, moisturizer is required to maintain healthy skin.

        Best Moisturizing Body Wash: Cremo All-Season Body Wash

        This is the best body wash for men with dry skin. Mountain sage, crisp mandarin, and revitalizing herbs are included for creating an energizing, fresh fragrance to invigorate an eye-opening shower experience. The special thing about this body wash is that the fragrances are layered and complex so they would evolve and change during your shower. The Cremo All Season Body Wash contains marula oil to nourish your skin in all seasons. It washes off the dirt easily while leaving a rich, moisturizing barrier. 

        The Cremo Seasonal Edition Body Wash in Citrus has received a range of reviews, encompassing both positive and negative feedback.

        Positive reviews emphasize the delightful citrus scent of the body wash, not too overwhelming but refreshing. The fragrance is described as uplifting and energizing, adding a pleasant aroma to your shower experience. The scent is said to linger on the skin throughout the day, suitable for those looking for a long-lasting product. The moisturizing properties of the body wash are also highlighted as it leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

        However, some users have reported irritation and dryness after using the body wash. Though it’s just a small number, buyers with sensitive skin should reconsider before purchasing this product.

        Best Body Wash for Oily Skin: Sebamed Paraben-free Liquid Face and Body Wash 

        This is a hypoallergenic and oil-free body wash that is designed for oily skin. It is safe when used on any body part since this product is very gentle. Sebamed body wash is soap and Akali-free, making it suitable for those who are easily irritated. With special vitamins included, it nourishes and heals your skin effectively. Also, Sebamed Body wash helps to maintain the pH levels of the skin to prevent drying out. The fact that this product is recommended by dermatologists makes it popular among those with sensitive or problematic skin such as acne, psoriasis, etc.

        The Sensitive Skin Hydrating Body Wash has received mixed reviews, providing a comprehensive overview of customer experiences with the product.

        Its gentle and hydrating formula is loved by many users, saying it helps to soothe and moisturize sensitive skin without irritating it. It is also fragrance-free. The absence of fragrance reduces the risk of causing allergies, making it a trustful choice for problematic skin. However, the consistency of the body wash is said to be too thin, requiring a larger amount of product for satisfactory lathering. Additionally, a few customers feel that the body wash did not provide a deep-cleansing sensation due to their preferences. 

        Best Chemical Free Body Wash: Avalon Organics Revitalizing Peppermint Bath & Shower Gel. 

        Avalon Organics Revitalizing Peppermint Bath & Shovel Gel is made out of essential oils such as peppermint essential oil, aloe vera, and quinoa protein, which is essential to nourish dry skin.

        Additionally, Avalon Organics used a coconut oil-based formula to achieve the not-so squeaky, yet moisturizing body wash finish. This vegan body wash is cruelty-free and chemical-free, suitable for those who get irritated easily. 

        The Avalon Organics Revitalizing Peppermint Shower Gel has received a mixture of positive and negative reviews, offering a balanced perspective on the product.

        Customers enjoy the invigorating and refreshing peppermint scent of this shower gel, saying it provides a revitalizing and energizing bathing experience. The fragrance is described as pleasant and long-lasting, leaving a subtle peppermint aroma on the skin. The organic botanicals and essential oils included in the formulas are praised, as they contribute to a more eco-friendly product. The only complaint here is that the consistency is said to be too thin, which many people find difficult to control the amount of product dispensed.

        Best Body Wash for Hyperpigmentation: Black Wolf Body Wash

        When it comes to non-comedogenic body wash, we can not forget Black Wolf Body Wash. With charcoal and salicylic acid included, it can fight against hyperpigmentation effectively. Charcoal is coarse and works well as an exfoliator as well as washes the body a unique color. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in treating acne, so that’s why it can eliminate pore-clogging impurities, which are the cause of breakouts. 

        The Black Wolf Nation Activated Charcoal Body Wash has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from customers on Amazon. Customers praise its great ability to deep cleanse and exfoliate, saying their skin gets smoother and softer after using the product. About the scent, some say that it is pleasant and not too overwhelming, but others say that it is too strong for them. So this may depend on an individual’s taste. One bad thing about this is that it may be too abrasive for the skin, according to some users, reporting redness and irritation after use. 

        Best Value Body Wash: Method Men Body Wash

        If you want a low-cost body wash but still ensure your shower experience, try this stuff. It is chemical free and suitable for all skin types. Many customers have bought this product, saying it is suitable for their budget while still making sure to provide a great time showering. But when mentioning the scent, the majority say that they don’t like this a bit as it is too overpowering, and when using it, they couldn’t spray perfume afterward. 

        Finding the right body wash for men is an essential step towards achieving a refreshing and invigorating shower experience. Investing in body wash can make a change to your shower routine. Not only can it help cleanse and nourish the skin but it also provides relaxation time spent inside a bubble bath. With a wide range of options available, tailored to various skin types, preferences, and scent profiles, there is a body wash out there that will meet your specific needs. So, go ahead and explore the diverse range of body washes for men, considering your unique preferences and needs. It’s time to learn how to love yourself!