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Bedtime fragrances are the secret to good rest
One spray is enough to fall into the arms of Morpheus
G-Club
March 14th, 2025
March 14th, 2025
Sleep has become the ultimate obsession in recent years. We constantly worry about how well and how long we sleep. We carefully choose our sheets, mattress, and pillow; we wear the most comfortable pajamas; we drink warm herbal tea; we prepare our skin with creams and serums to support the regeneration process; and we play background sounds of waves crashing on rocks or soothing lullabies to help us fall asleep. More and more people, before slipping under the covers, have added one final ritual: spraying perfume on their body and pillowcases.
The Timeless Habit of Wearing Perfume to Bed
The idea of wearing perfume before sleeping is not entirely new. This habit was made famous by past icons. Do you remember Marilyn Monroe, who famously wore only two drops of Chanel N°5 to bed? Many years later, numerous women still embrace this ritual, including Violette Serrat, founder of the makeup brand Violette and creative director of Guerlain, and Mona Kattan, founder of the fragrance brand Kayali, who admits she can't sleep without it. For her, spraying her favorite fragrance before bed is an act of self-love. A quick scroll on TikTok, particularly under #PerfumeTok, reveals the growing popularity of videos dedicated to "bedtime perfumes" or "wearing perfume to bed". Influencers and fragrance enthusiasts swear by the relaxing power of a light spritz of perfume on the skin, pajamas, and sheets. Experts have long studied how scents influence the brain through olfactory receptors. It is well-documented that fragrances can evoke memories, affect mood, relieve tension, and even shape behavior. This is why aromatherapy should become an essential part of the nighttime routine. The key is to choose the right olfactory notes that calm the nerves, release tension, and help you drift effortlessly into sleep.
What Are Bedtime Perfumes?
The Gen Z passion for perfumes and the increasing focus on sleep quality have created the perfect environment for the rise of bedtime perfumes—light, relaxing fragrances designed to be applied before going to sleep. Unlike traditional perfumes, which often feature intense and long-lasting notes, these fragrances prioritize calming ingredients such as lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, and white musk. The primary goal is to create a pleasant and soothing olfactory atmosphere, promoting relaxation and better sleep. These nighttime fragrances are typically applied to the body, particularly on pulse points near the nose, such as the neck, wrists, and behind the ears. However, there are also pillow mists, known in French as brume d’oreiller—light, diluted formulas made with distilled water, a small amount of alcohol, and essential oils—which can be sprayed directly on sheets and pillowcases.
Choosing the Right Fragrance Notes for Sleep
Wearing a bedtime perfume is not just a wellness gesture—it’s a true self-care ritual that helps create a relaxing atmosphere and transforms sleep into a sensory experience. However, selecting the right olfactory pyramid is essential. The first rule when choosing a perfume for sleep? Follow your personal preferences. If vanilla or milky fragrances evoke a comforting memory, or woody and patchouli notes make you feel grounded and at ease, they might be the right choice. Spas often recommend essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, sage, neroli, and chamomile, which studies have shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. A 2021 study found that lavender oil was particularly beneficial for those suffering from insomnia and fatigue, while in Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood has been used for centuries to treat anxiety, exhaustion, and sleep disorders. Let's do a little recap:
- For a relaxing effect, choose lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood.
- If you love warm, cozy scents, go for gourmand fragrances with vanilla or tonka bean.
- For a fresh, airy sensation, white musk and citrus notes are perfect.
- If you seek comfort and security, opt for cedarwood, amber, or ylang-ylang.
The Best Bedtime Perfumes to Try
There are plenty of bedtime perfumes to choose from. If you love the scent of fresh, clean sheets, you’ll adore clean fragrances like Blanche by Byredo, C by Courrèges, or Replica Lazy Sunday Morning by Maison Margiela, which leaves a delicate floral and powdery aura on the skin. If you're looking for a calming effect, try Sleepy Body Spray by Lush, infused with lavender and tonka, Dreamy Mist by PIXI, Find Comfort Body & Hair Mist by Rare Beauty or the Calm Spray by Sunday Natural. Another great option is Calm Bliss by Charlotte Tilbury, a fresh, aquatic floral perfume designed to enhance serenity and relaxation. For vanilla and milky scent lovers, Dirty Rice by BORNTOSTANDOUT is a must-try—an alluring and cozy blend with rice, milk, and sandalwood—along with Bianco Latte by Giardini di Toscana. Want to try a pillow mist? Consider Notte Serena Fiore d’Arancio e Melissa by Aroma-Zone, Pillow & Body Mist by Rituals, or L’Occitane Relaxing Pillow Mist, a soothing aromatic spray made with lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange, and geranium essential oils.
RITUALS - Pillow & Body Mist
22,90€
MAISON MARGIELA - Replica Lazy Sunday Morning
145€
CHARLOTTE TILBURY - Calm Bliss
150€
RARE BEAUTY - Find Comfort Body & Hair Mist
32€
AROMA-ZONE - Serene Night Orange Blossom and Lemon Balm Pillow Spray
5,95€
PIXI - Dreamy Mist
20,99€
Courrèges - C
159,99€
RITUALS - Pillow & Body Mist
22,90€
MAISON MARGIELA - Replica Lazy Sunday Morning
145€
Why Use a Perfume Before Bed?
Bedtime perfumes are not just a passing trend—they are a simple yet effective way to enhance your night routine and improve sleep quality. Using relaxing fragrances before bed can have positive effects on overall well-being, turning sleep into a deeper, more pleasant, and restorative experience. If you want to make your nights calmer and more fragrant, it’s worth experimenting with a night perfume—all you need to do is find the one that’s perfect for you!