Review: Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Line

Aromatherapy products never really caught my eye before because I felt like they would either A) not work or B) give me a headache. However, BBW's aromatherapy line has been an enormous success in my opinion and is definitely worth trying out depending on what your needs are.

L to R: Sleep (Lavender Chamomile), Stress Relief (Eucalyptus Spearmint), Energy (Orange Ginger), Sensual (Jasmine Vanilla). Each of these travel bottles of body lotion sells for $5.00 or 3 for $10.00.

Sleep (Lavender Chamomile): If I have a lot on my mind or a big day ahead of me, this lotion is what I reach for after getting out of the shower at night. It smells sweet, but earthy and natural at the same time and helps me sink into the perfect deep sleep. In the morning, I feel relaxed, well-rested, and ready to take on the day.

Stress Relief (Eucalyptus Spearmint): I don't get stressed very often, but my boyfriend does. Recently, he's been turning to this scent to help sooth his nerves and he says it really works! I've noticed I've used it myself during finals week and I think it helps me keep a level head and not panic about my exams. This has a fresh, lemon-mint scent that instantly clears the mind and makes you think warm, happy thoughts. I'd strongly recommend it, if only for occasional uses (i.e. exam time).

Energy (Orange Ginger): Love, love, LOVE this scent! A quick dab of it on your chest, wrists, and temples and you're ready to hit the ground running! It has a very clear citrus scent with a spicy twist, making it perfect for early mornings or late nights (the after-afterparty? Psh! With this, you'll be able to make it till the next night, no problem). I honestly like this a lot more than any of those chemical-filled energy drinks on the market because you're not putting dangerous amounts of caffeine into your body. Instead, this simple body lotion gives off enough of a zing to keep you awake and alert.

Sensual (Jasmine Vanilla): Honestly, the first time I smelled this scent, I wasn't a fan. It came off as too musky to me and not sweet enough for a girl like me to use. However, after a few uses, I can honestly say that this is one of the sexiest scents I've ever tried! It's woodsy and earthy smelling, but when rubbed into the skin, it definitely evolves into a rich, naturally sweet scent. Try it out! You and your special someone will not be disappointed!

I chose to buy each of these scents in the travel body lotions at the summer sale just so I could test them all out. However, BBW offers each one in shower gels, body mists, sugar scrubs, massage oils, and even pillow mists (for the Sleep scent). Prices range from $5.00 for the travel bottles to $19.50 for a 14.5 oz candle. I find that the best way to use these scents is by applying a small amount to the upper arms, chest, neck, and temples so that the scent isn't overpowering, but definitely apparent to you. The Sensual lotion and Stress Relief lotion double nicely as massage lotions, as well.

My Top 5 Bath and Body Works Scents

I admit it: I am not-too-secretly addicted to Bath and Body Works. I mean, how can I resist it?! No matter what mall I'm in, its cheery window displays, constant sales, and high quality products constantly draw me in. It doesn't matter that I already have a HUGE amount of shower gels, body lotions, antibacterial gels, or hand soap sitting in a ginormous Bath and Body Works (BBW) bag at home. Even if I was swimming in Bath and Body Works products at home, I still don't think I'd be able to resist 'just popping in'.

So, obviously, over the years as a BBW addict, I've tried out practically every scent they've ever added to their Signature Collection line. This line is carried all year round, regardless of the season or holidays, and each scent definitely has unique characteristics that make it stand out. Most of the collection starts at $5.00 for a travel-sized bottle of lotion, body spray, or shower gel and runs up to $29.50 for an Eau de Toilette. However, the regular sized bottles of lotion and shower gel (8 fl oz) are only $10.50 each and BBW regularly runs a Buy 2, Get 1 Free/Buy 3, Get 2 Free offer as well as a Mix and Match:3 for $10 offer on travel-sized products. All great deals, if you ask me :-)

But I've definitely picked out my favorite scents from the line. And while I enjoy almost all of them at some point, these five are -- in my humble opinion -- the very best that BBW has to offer.

From L to R: Orange Sapphire, Sweet Pea, Twilight Woods, Midnight Pomegranate, Dark Kiss
And, yes, I finally learned how to flip pictures. Yayy!

1) Orange Sapphire: A very energizing scent! It says "Wake up! Time to take on the world today!!" I love to use it after an all-nighter or intense study session because it's a refreshing citrus with a bit of spice to it, so it makes you feel pumped. I find it to be pretty unisex, meaning it isn't too sweet nor too musky: just the perfect, natural balance appropriate for men and women to use.

2) Sweet Pea: Sweet, floral scent. Very innocent and clean, though, which I love because too often I find that floral scents smell heavy and too rose-y. This scent is soft and subtle and doesn't seem to hang on your skin, but instead floats about you like a pretty pink, girly cloud. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to men, but I think they'd find it appealing on their girlfriend or wife.


3) Twilight Woods: My all-time FAVORITE scent ever to be produced at BBW (and it has nothing to do with the name)! This is a deliciously sugary-spicy scent that makes me think of a girl spritzing on some of her boyfriend's cologne if she was in a hurry to get somewhere. It's a multi-layer scent that develops smoothly on the skin. The most obvious tone to me is amber, which is fabulously sexy, but not too over-the-top. I own almost every product BBW has ever made with this scent: shower gel, body lotion, shimmering body lotion, shower cream, body mist, room spray, and home fragrance oil. And, in case you didn't already know, BBW recently introduced a men's version of this scent, which smells similar to the original, but less sweet and more musky. My boyfriend is a huge fan of it and I think it smells fantastic on him. He knows to expect a big bottle of it for Christmas!


4)Midnight Pomegranate: Another extremely sexy scent. Midnight Pomegranate is fruity (clearly) and spicy with some hints of musk. Although it can seem a bit playful, I really do view this as one of the more mature scents BBW offers and I think it's actually appropriate for older women. I've discovered over the years that this scent in particular remains on the skin for quite some time (in a good way! I hate scents that wear off after two or three hours). I would highly recommend it, particularly for someone who's on the go quite a bit because you won't need to frequently reapply.


5) Dark Kiss: The newest addition to BBW's Signature Collection, this scent is a bit more wintery and makes me think of lavish holiday parties. It has a rich berry overtone with a little bit of sugar and a whole lot of spice. I think it's the perfect moisturizer to use before a winter formal or Christmas party because the rich formula blends so nicely with the rich, sugary scent, creating a Sugarplum Fairy-inspired scent. Add some shimmery powder and you're good to go!

What's your favorite scent from the BBW Signature Collection? Do you have a top 5 like me? If so, post it in the comments!