Since the European Natural Beauty Awards is all about showcasing the best natural cosmetics found within our diverse continent of Europe, we thought to create a brand-new blog series, Treasures of European Nature. The series plans to honour the knowledge and wisdom of natural beauty practices and broaden the horizons of the potency of natural ingredients found in Europe.
From the mild seashores of the Mediterranean to the deep forests in Eastern Europe and the Arctic climate of the North, countless potent herbs, crops and plants and other greenery have been discovered and used for centuries, if not longer.
By acknowledging and highlighting the benefits of these natural resources, we wish to empower you to understand more about the natural ingredients in your care and beauty products. Join us in exploring ingredients found in European nature – their origins, use and benefits in skincare. This blog series’s third part brings us to dive deeper into understanding a few familiar scents.

Fragrances and scents can make a huge impact on our moods and feelings. A familiar scent can bring back memories, take us to a specific place, or even remind us of a special someone. Fragrance preferences are very personal, but universally, scents can be experiences in themselves. Different scents can be used to add productivity, brighten up a dull day or as part of a relaxing nighttime routine.
Home fragrances, scented candles, diffusers and aromatherapy are steadily growing trends, and so are natural scents in cosmetics. We want to take this chance to get to know a few well-known favourites and their benefits.

ALL SHADES OF CITRUS
First, we must acknowledge that citrus is an umbrella term. Citrus is a large family of citrus fruits with famous variants such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and bergamot, to name a few. Citrus fruits come from flowering plants that belong to the genus citrus. Citrus is native to Asia and Australia, though different variants are widely spread to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe and continue to flourish in these areas.
Citrus is popular in both skincare and wellness. Citrus fruits are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, which is beneficial for our general health and skin. In wellness, bergamot, oranges, grapefruits and many more citrus fruits are found in various products, such as teas, herbal blends, seasoning, desserts and snacks. Besides the tangy flavour, citrus scents are widely popular in perfumes, essential oils and other scented products, like candles.
Those familiar with aromatherapy have probably seen citrus scents widely available in the form of essential oils. Many find the citrus scents to have mood-boosting and energising effects, and they can also help reduce anxiety. Some popular citrus scents are bergamot, orange, lemon and grapefruit – orange is mood-boosting and lemon refreshing, whereas grapefruit can help relieve stress. Bergamot is a unique scent as it can simultaneously have an uplifting and calming effect.

EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus is a family of trees with over 600 varieties. The eucalyptus plant thrives in warmth and light with room to grow in slightly acidic soil, therefore the warmer and sunnier countries of Europe in the Mediterranean provide perfect conditions for Eucalyptus production. Eucalyptus is also a popular and decorative houseplant. The popular aromatic ingredient, Eucalyptus oil, is made of dried and crushed oval-shaped eucalyptus leaves.
In wellness, eucalyptus is often enjoyed to alleviate flu symptoms through tea blends or added to snacks and other food products for its taste and “cooling” effect. In cosmetics, it is popular in fragrances and skincare products. Eucalyptus has a truly fresh scent, which makes it perfect for refreshing the mind. The scent can be enjoyed at home through a diffuser, or a room fragrance, in bath bombs, shampoos and cleansers, among others. Furthermore, it does wonders as an additive in the bath or sauna. Eucalyptus is also used for various other purposes, such as alleviating inflammation and as a bug repellent.

LAVENDER
Lavender belongs to the Lavendula family and has around 50 species. The species define how well the herb can tolerate frost, heat and humidity. With Europe being the largest producer in the world, lavender production can flourish in various areas, most famously in southern France, Bulgaria, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The varieties differ, mainly in colour and blooming season. They can be used in cooking and culinary, cosmetics, or toiletries, depending on the species abilities.
The picturesque purple fields are not only important for pollinators but also a stunning sight to see. Lavender is loved for its signature shade, unique scent and various skincare benefits. In cosmetics, lavender is used as a calming ingredient and is found in face masks, creams, cleansers, and serums, among others.
As a fragrance, lavender is often added to skincare and body care products, but it is also a ubiquitous ingredient in perfumes. Since lavender is a soothing and calming scent, it is often used to help combat sleep difficulties. An old-school way to keep your clothes fresh is by storing a small bag of lavender (or rose alternatively) in your wardrobe.

FRAGRANCE YOUR EVERYDAY
Popular ways to enjoy the benefits of different scents are to use essential oil in a diffuser, through perfumes, home fragrance sprays, or scented candles. Many natural cosmetics brands also use essentials oils in their products’ formulations, as active ingredients but also to add aromatherapeutic scents.
It is good to keep in mind that essential oils found in cosmetics are present in the products with a tiny percentage. Pure essential oils are not recommended to be used directly on the skin, and it is advisable to keep an eye out for possible allergic reactions or sensitivity, whenever in contact with essential oils. Be especially aware that citrus can cause photosensitivity. When used with caution, natural essential oils, as well as scents in general can bring so much colour into everyday life.
Which types of scents do you prefer most? Do you include citrus, lavender and eucalyptus in your daily life or perhaps as an occasional luxury? Join the conversation on our social media to discuss more >