The Best Essential Oils for Your Home and Body

Now that we’ve learned all about how essential oils are made and geared with the basics of how to use them, let’s play favorites. 

But before before we run through the only essential oils you’ll need for your home, face, and body, a few tips:

• For body oils with (or without essential oils), slather on oil fresh out of the shower when your skin is still damp, this will seal in moisture and make the oil absorb easier.
• Add a few drops of eucalyptus (or another strong scent) to hands in the shower in the morning. “If you rub your hands briskly together the heat of the shower helps fill the bathroom, creating the feeling and scent of a eucalyptus steam room at a spa—it’s a great way to start the day,” says Vitruvi co-founder Sara Panton.
• Mix scents in your diffuser to change the room’s scent. Grapefruit and geranium can add a much needed boost in sleepiness and mood, or frankincense and lavender can aide in a bedtime ritual. “As an evening ritual, I add ten drops of frankincense and five drops of lavender essential oil to my diffuser before bed,” says Panton. “I like to add it one hour before falling asleep, and I shut my bedroom door to help fill the space so that when I’m ready for bed, the whole room smells like a relaxing oasis.”

For a Brightening Effect

Pratima Bakuchi Skin Brightening Oil ($42)

An Ayurvedic blend of herbs and oils to brighten skin and dark circles (with a brilliant mix of bakuchi seed, triphala and frankincense). Mix 3 drops of essential oil with water and massage on face and neck in an upward, circular motion until fully absorbed.

For Relieving Stress

Lake and Skye Mother ($48)

A superpower mix of scents (neroli, jasmine, and frankincense) are mixed with hydrating jojoba and coconut oil for the ultimate stress reliever. Add to pulse points (inside wrists, either side of the neck, and behind ears) for a calming effect. Or apply to your palms, rub them together, and inhale slowly for a meditative moment.

For A ‘Cool’ Experience

Saje Peppermint Halo ($26.95)

Apply this peppermint, lavender, and rosemary blend around your temples for an incredibly stimulating experience, especially when a headache or stress arise. You can also rub the rollerball up and down your neck and shoulders to relieve pain quickly.

For Face, Body, Home—Everything

Vitruvi Geranium Essential Oil ($14.99)

For a unique scent that isn’t your usual flower go-to, geranium smells floral, yet slightly minty. Vitruvi’s version is ethically sourced from Egypt and can be used in a diffuser (five drops), or combined with a carrier oil (like argan oil) for a face oil for combination skin. Or mix it with argan oil for a fresh body oil, or take a very small amount in hands and run through hair for a shiny and smooth look.

For Showing Your Body Some ‘Love’

Jiva Apoha Kama (Love) Body Oil ($60)

One of the most gorgeous bright floral scents (thanks Water Lily and Lotus oils) is countered with musk and ylang ylang oils for a diverse mix. Not only is skin hydrated after using, it’s meant to open your heart and mindfulness, and uplift your attitude.

For An ‘Uplifting’ Perfume

Species by the Thousands Levitating Lavender Perfume Oil ($22)

An uplifting light lavender scent is blended with grounding rosemary and pine for a calming perfume. Feel free to use at any time for a ‘levitating’ experience.