Jo's Scent Notes: Anatomē Wellbeing Perfumes

Wellbeing fragrances are probably the biggest trend in the perfume world, right now. And it makes absolute sense to me – because we all know what happens when we spray a fragrance we love. Quite simply, we feel better – about ourselves, and quite often, about the world.

I’ve always believed that essentially, we wear perfume for ourselves – contrary to the narrative of the perfume advertising world, which tries to convince us that it’s all about attraction. Lockdown proved once and for all that isn’t the case, because fragrance sales boomed – even though we weren’t going anywhere, or seeing anyone. (Except maybe the dog.)

But this new generation of ‘wellbeing’, or ‘functional’ fragrances as they’re sometimes known, goes beyond the mere mood-lifting effect of casually spritzing on your favourite scent. These are specifically intended to have a mood-shifting effect, and some have even been created in tandem with neuroscientists, to monitor the effect.

I recently went along to Anatomē’s store on Chiltern Street, to meet with founder Brendon Murdock and try their just-launched wellbeing scents for myself. In fact, they’re debuting with four out of the six pictured: Order and Support (photographed above) are still in the pipeline, though I did get a sneaky sniff. (And show me someone who doesn’t need a little more ‘Order’ in their life…!)

As Anatomē explain, ‘Science has revealed the profound impact of scent on our brains. Scent molecules bind to olfactory receptors, igniting neural signals to our emotional centre. Fragrances can stir memories, evoke comfort and ground our moods, when formulated for wellbeing.’

Anatomē know all about that, having a decade of experience creating wellbeing products – including a bestselling sleep range, which simply flies off the shelf. (They have an online sleep quiz, here, which recognises that there are lots of different types of sleep challenge – struggles falling asleep, struggles staying asleep, frequent waking – and each needs a tailored approach.)

But Anatomē has now just launched this ‘fab four’ of Wellbeing Fragrances, and I was given the Discovery Set, to work my way through them. (That set actually isn’t shipping to customers till 15th August, but it’s a great way to explore the collection, here.)

Alternatively, each of the four newly-launched Eau de Parfums is available in a 10ml size for £28, which is also fairly low-investment way to try them.

It’s important, meanwhile, to look at these as perfumes – rather than something akin to an aromatherapy rollerball. Duly, they have been composed by a highly experienced perfumer, Anastasia Brozler, who crafted them from natural essences, working in tandem with Brendon.

And here are my thoughts…

Imagine you were playing on Centre Court… Or have a deadline. (I know all about that.) Or are half-way through tidying your office (as I was this very morning), and need to power on to the finishing line. Energy Eau de Parfum (above) has been formulated to support physical endurance and exhaustion, drawing on a blend of essential oils with a zesty introduction of lemon, bergamot, petitgrain, mandarin and grapefruit. The heart features equally invigorating mint, May Chang and neroli, wtih a lovely drift of orange blossom. As with all fragrances, though, the base notes are what you should really judge by – and the grounding woodiness of cedarwood and Indian patchouli make this a real winner, in my book.

Focus Eau de Parfum is also on the ‘awakening’ scent spectrum, designed ‘for maintaining alertness during work or when traversing different time zones,’ as Anatomē put it. But what I would say – importantly – is that all of these stand up as fragrances in their own right, rather than as aromatherapeutic ‘props’. Focus is invigorating in a spicy way, rather than via the traditional use of citrus notes – cardamom, black pepper and green pepper, here, with quite exotic elements of ylang ylang, opopanax, benzoin, tonka and sandalwood, which deliver a softness and a roundness. Very wearable.

Expression Eau de Parfum is one for the forest-bathers, the cliff-walkers, the wild swimmers, designed to support breathing work, as well as ‘moments through the day when we need to be mindful and anchored, and engage with our physical being.’ Its vibe is nailed by that visual above: a gust of freshness and clarity, via sea-harvested notes that include sea salt, seaweed, sea moss, alongside woods like cedarwood, guaiac, hinoki (and some tree moss, for good measure). Incredibly escapist, when spritzed at your desk – it’s honestly not hard to imagine yourself on a breezy beach.

Overall, though, it is Balance Eau de Parfum (see above) that I have been returning to again and again. Is that because I need more balance (er, I certainly do!), or because of the composition itself – ‘a scent to anchor your thoughts to the present and instil a sense of stability’? All in all, though, this is probably the most ‘perfume-y’ of the perfumes, in my book, a rich blend of damask rose, bergamot and saffron, alongside black spruce, cedarwood, cypress (and just a teensy, aromatic breath of eucalyptus). It just sort of wraps you in its arms and says: ‘Everything’s going to be OK…’

If you possibly can, I thoroughly recommend a soothing visit to Anatomē’s store at 16 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PZ, to check them out on your skin. I ended up staying for ages, reluctant to re-enter the bustling world outside – but definitely better equipped to do so, after exploring these.

From £28 for 10ml – buy here