Relaxation and Its Scents
Chers lecteurs d’How To Spa,
In all of our relaxation tutorials, you’ll find recommended products to help you recharge. These include scented candles, home fragrances and sprays, and cosmetics in a variety of scents. All have been carefully selected to help you achieve your desired effect: relaxation, energization, or detox.
Because in the spa environment, stimulating the senses—including the sense of smell—is essential to promoting relaxation. These products all contain natural ingredients that will soothe your mind through their scents.
In fact, teams of neurologists have proven that the sense of smell—a primary and complex sense—is directly linked to emotions. An example of how this is applied? Patty Canac, a renowned expert in the perfume industry, has been working for several years with medical experts to develop olfactotherapy, a method that uses scent to help patients with language and memory disorders.
Certain flowers and citrus fruits are known for their calming effects, such as lavender, bergamot, mandarin, ylang-ylang, vanilla, jasmine, and lotus.
Spicier, more masculine scents can have an energizing effect, such as ginger, cinnamon, oud, or Scots pine.
Finally, certain specific citrus fruits and spices are known for their detoxifying effects, such as lemon, sage, verbena, peppermint, and juniper.
Among our many products we recommend, here are our favorites:
The Water of Bangalore from Five Worlds
For an ultra-relaxing effect, try Cinq Mondes’ Bengalore water—spray it on your pillow before going to sleep. We’ve rarely experienced such a pleasant effect on the mind. All the tension in your temples, eyes, and neck seems to melt away thanks to a comforting and soothing scent of vanilla and cardamom.
Available at: https://www.cinqmondes.com/eau-de-bengalore.html
Natura Brasil’s Pitanga Shower Gel
For an energizing experience during your daily shower, nothing beats Natura Brasil’s Pitanga Shower Gel. Combined with our self-massage techniques, you’ll love letting yourself be swept away by the refreshing scent of Pitanga, a tropical plant native to Brazil.
Available at: https://www.naturabrasil.fr/fr/product/prd-38302/ekos-gelee-douche-exfoliante-pitanga
“Inner Strength Roller Ball” by Aromatherapy Associates
To clear your mind of all negative thoughts, try this roll-on from Aromatherapy Associates: the “Inner Strength Roller Ball.” Sage and frankincense will work on your mind to boost your positivity.
Available at: https://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/usa/inner-strength-roller-ball.html
So relax, and let yourself be swept away by its invigorating scents!
3 Brands – 3 Stories – 3 Favorites
Hello, dear readers of How To Spa,
Our team is pleased to introduce you to three of our favorite brands. These three brands align with our values and will be featured in our relaxation guides.
Home, Design, or even Cosmetics—step into their unique worlds, discover their stories, and try their products, selected by How To Spa
Kerzon, des soins naturels parfumés pour la maison et pour soi
It was while browsing a professional social media platform that we came across an article about this brand and the opening of its Paris boutique.
Impressed by the beautiful design, we were curious to learn more, so we reached out to the designers. That’s when we discovered a real gem!
Kerzon, founded in 2013 by two passionate brothers, Pierre-Alexis and Etienne Delaplace, offers delicately scented natural products for the home and body.
Inspired by their roots and travels—from Brittany to the Mediterranean, via the French capital—they find all the scents they need to create unique and delicate skincare products.
The creative process is “conceived as a material.” “Each fragrance is crafted through the lens of the fine arts to achieve, with rigor and precision, the perfect harmony that will resonate with everyone’s sense of smell.”
Candles, room sprays, laundry detergents, soaps. All of these products are available in distinct “collections.”
Our favorite is Brume Fleur Bleue. Maillette lavender, Italian bergamot, vetiver, and white musk create a truly fresh and clean sensation. You can find it here: http://www.kerzon.paris/boutique/brumes-parfumees/fleur-bleue-2/
To learn more: http://www.kerzon.paris
Whole, du linen—stylish and eco-friendly
As we were leaving an exhibition of niche brands—without having really found what we were looking for—we stumbled upon the Parisian store of this beautiful brand: Whole. Drawn in by the beautiful pastel colors of the storefront, we went inside to explore this world.
And what a lovely surprise! Throws, pillows, and bedding are scattered here and there in front of a handmade loom. At the back of the shop is their “kitchen,” where they dye their fabrics right on the spot.
Whole is, first and foremost, a socially conscious French brand. Their values are even reflected in their name:
- WASTEFREE
- HAND DYED
- ORGANIC
- LOCAL
- ECO FRIENDLY
Founded in 2013 by Aurélia Wolff, this eco-friendly and socially responsible company operates a textile design studio that uses 100% natural colors. The fabrics are eco-friendly or organic and are hand-dyed using fresh and dried plants and plant extracts.
To take things a step further, she created an open-source, eco-friendly dye vat through a FabLab, thereby becoming part of a collaborative and participatory economy.
Our favorite, the collection of hand-woven cushions. You can find it here: https://whole.fr/collections/les-series-limitees/products/petit-handwoven-mini-cushion
Learn more
: https://whole.fr
KOS, authentic cosmetics for the perfect “spa at home” experience
Discovered a few years ago in a spa magazine, this French brand created by Sophie Allouche is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its natural and authentic cosmetics.
Used in the finest spas and luxury hotels, their balms, scrubs, and oils combine pleasure and relaxation. They’re perfect for a “spa at home” session. You’ll also find our “at-home” relaxation guides in our “Create Your Own Relaxation” section.
Elixir of Legends with prickly pear seed oil grown on the plateaus of the Maghreb, babassu butter from the Amazon, beauty oil with green tea extracts grown in southwestern China… the ingredients are organic and sourced from around the world to ensure they are the finest and most effective possible.
Notre favori : l’huile corps et cheveux Jardin de l’Aube. Vous la trouverez ici: https://kos-paris.com/produits/jardin-de-laube
To learn more: https://kos-paris.com
Vinésime: When Beauty Meets Terroir
Dear How To Spa readers,
Vous avez pu découvrir quelques marques de cosmétiques naturelles et engagées à travers nos guides de relaxation. Ces produits vous permettent une détente idéale, comme dans un spa, et sont sélectionnées avec soin dans le cadre de nos valeurs éthiques. Nous cherchons alors continuellement à vous faire découvrir d’autres produits, à travers nos voyages, rencontres et collaborations. Découvrez le site internet de la marque et nos produits coup de cœur à la fin de l’article !
Our Vinésime Discovery
How To Spa is pleased to introduce Vinésime, a Burgundy-based brand of cosmetics and spa treatments whose authenticity and history have captivated us.
We first heard about this brand thanks to Fabienne Crocq, our contributor and spa expert. After browsing its website and speaking with its founder, Edouard Damidot, How To Spa was more than convinced that we had to introduce you to this brand!
Burgundy has always been known worldwide for its prestigious wines. In 2015, Vinésime decided to showcase and promote the other benefits of its grape varieties through a line of effective and innovative cosmetics and skincare products.
This regional brand aims to convey authenticity, naturalness, and effectiveness through its line specially designed for spas. Their face and body products contain two key ingredients, derived from prestigious Burgundy grape varieties and organic farming: vintage Pinot Noir from Gevrey-Chambertin and blackcurrant bud extract, known for its powerful antioxidant properties. It is, in fact, their dedicated collaboration with Bernard Bouvier—owner and winemaker of the famous Clos de Gevrey-Chambertin—that makes the brand truly exclusive.
By working with spa experts, Vinésime has also ensured the development of innovative massage protocols.
We love Vinésime not only for its commitment to showcasing its beautiful region and the quality of its resources, but also for its organic and effective cosmetics and beauty treatments, which are different from what you usually find on the market.
Vinésime has been successful in international markets and is beginning to make a name for itself in France, particularly through its presence in certain Relais & Châteaux-style spas.
To learn more: www.vinesime.com
Our favorite products:
Sensual Voluptuous Oil
Volupté Sensual Oil, for face, body, and hair, for firmer, more supple, and well-hydrated skin that smells of a blend of blackcurrant oil and grape seed oil.
Available at: shop.vinesime.fr/fr/gamme-racines-du-temps-au-complexe-a2oc/22-sensuelle-volupte.html
The Exfoliator for the Face Pulpe Exquise
The Exquise Puple Facial Scrub, for a radiant skin that’s hydrated and plump. We love the innovative evolution of its texture: first, a melting gel, the exfoliator transforms into an oil for maximum comfort, then it finishes as a milky emulsion for a fresh and moisturizing sensation.
Available at: shop.vinesime.fr/fr/gamme-racines-du-temps-au-complexe-a2oc/16-gommage-pulpe-exquise.html
Hinokibo: A Unique Japanese Massage
Hello to everyone,
We’d love to introduce you to a massage straight from Japan: the HinokiBō massage!
Hinokibo and Bloom Classic
Launched in Japan in 2007, it is a blend of several traditional techniques.
Whether performed on the face or the body, this treatment is one of a kind. What makes it special? In addition to her hands, the therapist uses a traditional Japanese tool: the bo (stick) made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood. Handcrafted by a Japanese artisan from Matsuyama Prefecture, this tool allows for a targeted and varied massage. In addition, Japanese cypress has antiseptic properties.
Created and offered by the Bloom Classic brand, its director, Rieko KITAJIMA, welcomed me to their Parisian offices to introduce me to the concept. I was able to experience the HinokiBō facial massage, which left me feeling deeply relaxed, with a lifted appearance and a renewed glow.
It’s worth noting that there is a targeted body treatment for slimming: it relieves muscle tension, effectively and evenly drains every part of the body, sculpts the figure and defines the contours, and firms and tones the skin.
The Massage Process
Therapist Julia settles me comfortably onto the massage table and adjusts the angle to my liking for greater comfort (head and feet). The Japanese music already transports you to this beautiful country. After cleansing my hands with warm oshibori, she wraps a cozy headband around my head for maximum comfort.
Two products will be used. Power Tree HI Gel, for a thorough facial cleansing. Formulated with a blend of Indian coleus root and Japanese cypress essential oil, it has cleansing, refreshing, and antiseptic properties. Power Tree Finish Oil is then used for the massage. Thanks to a blend of plant-based oils, it has a draining and lifting effect. Its grapefruit scent is also very subtle and pleasant.
The cleansing will be done by hand. The Hinoki oil will be used during the massage. It will be applied to the neck, around the carotid artery and lymph nodes, for a draining effect, as well as to the hollows of the cheeks for a deeply relaxing effect. The lifting effect and the boost in radiance are felt through the successive movements on the cheekbones and forehead. Forty minutes later, I feel very relaxed, and I immediately see the radiant and lifting effect in the mirror. I’m really impressed!
After taking the time to log back in, I chatted with the designer and learned about the story behind the concept. She also showed me the rest of their cosmetics line, which will be available in France sometime next year.
Want to give it a try?
If you’d like to experience this amazing treatment right away, head to Spa Molitor in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, where the treatment has recently become available in collaboration with Clarins: Spa Molitor: http://www.mltr.fr/fr/life/#spa
Bloom Classic spas are very well-known in Japan, and the brand is looking to expand into France. Professionals looking to expand their menu can contact them through their website for more information.
To learn more: http://www.bloomclassic.fr/
Our “Five Worlds” Experience
Hello Dear Members,
We had the opportunity to test the products and spa offerings of a brand that’s close to our hearts: Cinq Mondes. A pioneer in the spa industry since the 2000s, its concept and products take you on a journey around the world. Sensuality, natural ingredients, and effectiveness are all part of the experience!
The Cinq Mondes Spa and its Imperial massage
How To Spa had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful experience at the Cinq Mondes spa in Paris. The spa has recently been renovated and modernized, while retaining its spirit of travel. Indonesia, Japan, Morocco…this spa offers beauty rituals from around the world through rejuvenating and effective facials and body massages.
As for me, I fell in love with the Imperial massage.
As a massage enthusiast, I was familiar with various types—such as relaxation, deep tissue, Ayurvedic, and Balinese—but I had never seen a description like this: “A unique, soothing, and energizing treatment ritual inspired by the traditions of the art of touch. Fully enjoy this elaborate massage technique targeting the reflex zones of the hands, feet, neck, nape, and trapezius muscles. A truly imperial treatment!”
Having already experienced reflexology, I never imagined you could relax so much just by having your feet massaged…. In fact, with our hectic daily lives, tension can build up in our feet and hands without us even realizing it. …So, a massage that focuses more on the limbs, rather than just a simple back massage? That really appealed to me!
The welcome was very warm. I was immediately taken care of in this relaxing haven, where I filled out a questionnaire to receive a personalized massage.
Maud, an excellent massage therapist, introduced herself and explained how the ritual would unfold, then left me alone to get changed. Five minutes later, the dream could begin…
This massage is performed while lying on your back, then on your side. Something I hadn’t experienced before on this cozy, heated bed was the option to tilt the bed for our comfort and deeper relaxation. With the upper body and feet raised, we find ourselves in a “V” shape, letting ourselves be carried away by the warmth of the bed and the soft music. From that moment on, the rejuvenation begins.
We’ll use a soothing massage balm. It’s true that their balms feel incredibly sensual to the touch and all have addictive scents—what a treat!
This massage focuses on the limbs, the neck, and the trapezius muscles. Just like in the finest spas, the ritual begins with the placement of oshibori (warm towels) on the feet and hands. Then one focuses on the massage of each limb: feet, calves, thighs (right and left), then hands, arms, shoulders (right and left). We enjoy these draining and deeply soothing movements with pleasure.
Our necks aren’t left out, and we also get a scalp massage. Pure bliss!
The massage concludes with tension relief in the trapezius muscles, while sitting on the side of the bed, to promote deeper relaxation.
The massage therapist concludes the ritual by diffusing rejuvenating scents using their famous eaux fraîches.
After nearly an hour of massage, I felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated. You can really feel that the tension that had built up in my limbs has truly disappeared.
We wrap up your treatment with product recommendations and a cup of tea. You have all the time you need to gently reconnect with our world.
I highly recommend this Parisian urban spa. It offers excellent value for a professional and effective massage.
Bonus: Cinq Mondes offers a small discovery set that includes a booklet on relaxation and self-massage, as well as mini massage oils. It fits perfectly with our How To Spa world!
Imperial Massage, 50 min – €100; also available in an 80-min version – €150
Address: 6 Square de l’Opéra-Louis Jouvet, 75009 Paris
A few products that have been tested and approved, which can be used in our tutorials!
To help us recommend the right products for our relaxation guides, we tested a few Cinq Mondes products. Here are our favorites!
For our self-massages
Balm with Tropical Nuts (Siam Ritual)
In addition to being used for self-massage, this balm is designed to deeply nourish the skin and is highly effective on very dry areas (hands, feet, elbows). It also gives the skin a healthy glow. Made with tamaru oil, coconut oil, and beeswax, it has a very sensual, lemony scent.
What we really liked was the unique texture: at first, it’s hard like wax, but upon application, the balm transforms into an oil that provides intense nourishment.
Available at http://www.cinqmondes.com/baume-fondant-aux-noix-tropicales.html
Sumptuous Oil of the Orient (Atlas Ritual)
This dry oil nourishes the skin, giving it radiance and suppleness. Ideal for self-massage, it’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly. Sensual and with a truly captivating scent, we love the fragrance of this argan oil-based product.
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/huile-somptueuse-de-l-orient.html
For our facial self-massages
Rich Youth Cream: (Beijing Ritual)
This cream moisturizes, smooths, and firms the skin. As you massage it in, your skin appears plumper.
We love its effective, natural ingredients, including organic ginseng for a toning effect and lotus flower—the world’s oldest flower—for ultra-hydrating benefits.
The texture is pleasantly sensual and feels refreshing upon application.
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/creme-riche-de-jeunesse.html
For our pillow mists
Egyptian Water: (The Luxor Ritual)
In our guides on relaxation at home and while traveling, How To Spa recommends that you apply a “pillow mist” for a restful sleep at the end of your ritual. It is difficult to find a high-quality one, that has a real effect on the mind. But Five Worlds is one of these rare little treasures!
A fan of their eaux fraîches for several years, How To Spa recommends this Egyptian Water, whose enchanting scent provides deep relaxation.
A spicy note with cumin, a fresh note with mint, a hint of florals with lotus and jasmine, and finally, some truly captivating and addictive scents like frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli… we’re huge fans!
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/eau-egyptienne.html
For an Indonesian beauty cleansing ritual
If you’re looking for an effective global skin-cleansing routine, we recommend these two innovative products:
Paste of Flowers (Balinese Ritual)
We love this one-of-a-kind cleanser! Inspired by Balinese beauty rituals.
Its creamy, paste-like texture is incredibly pampering and has an immediate soothing effect. It has a delightful scent that blends mango, passion fruit, gardenia, and white lily.
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/pate-de-fleurs.html
Phyto Peeling Lotion (Bali Ritual)
Finish the cleansing routine with the phyto-peeling lotion. Alcohol-free for gentle cleansing, it offers not only cleansing benefits but also an ice-cold, refreshing sensation—highly effective for improving circulation and giving the skin a radiant glow.
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/lotion-phyto-peeling.html
This pampering and invigorating ritual is reminiscent of the hammam, sauna, and cold shower rituals found at spas, which are known to be effective for deep relaxation and improved blood circulation.
