Fab Find of the Week: Diptyque Les Rituels de Soin

Heaven. Heaven, heaven, heaven! There is no better word to sum up this new Diptyque Les Rituels de Soin collection, with fragrances composed by Natalie Gracia-Cetto.

Fascinatingly, these are actually based on neuroscience. There is a huge amount of work being done by fragrance companies like Givaudan – who Natalie works for – into the impact of fragrances on our brain. We all probably know instinctively that it shifts our mindset – energising, relaxing, soothing – but millions is now being poured into the science that proves this via the analysis of brainwaves.

Some aromatherapy essential oils have been analysed in the same way, in the past – but precious little research has been done, overall. Of course, you can’t patent an aromatherapy molecule – but you can patent a molecule that’s synthesised. Suddenly, the neuroscience of olfaction is big business.

What we know for sure is that we love this range (and are putting several items on our wishlist). Actually, it’s two ranges: one composed for the morning (Le Matin), one for a night-time ritual (Le Soir) – see the whole lot, below, pictured at the recent press day at Diptyque’s beautiful Bond Street flagship, the Maison Diptque. The idea is that they really do become a ritual, including everything from lighting a candle to using one of the very clever tools designed to complement the fab-scented products.

The full **Diptyque Les Rituels de Soin** line-up in their boutique at XX New Bond Street

As we say, we love it all – and the kits, with their cute ‘baby’ sizes, are a GREAT way to experience either Le Matin or Le Soir rituals, each with a votive candle and all tucked inside a cute little Diptyque bag which can definitely have a second life (or a third one, come to that). Those kits are priced £59 (including a votive candle). But here are some highlights from across the range, for us.

Le Matin Candle – this pairs invigorating mint and ginger for a morning wake-up call and a refreshed, energised mindset. (Also a great one for burning in the office, we think.)

Le Soir Candle – for the other end of the day, this blends calming chamomile and aromatic sage – we’d call it softly herbaceous fragrance. The idea is that you light it as you start the evening ritual, helping create a tranquil atmosphere, encouraging you to wind down.

Copper Brush – once upon a time, we had a copper body brush, somehow lost it along the way – and miss it till this day. No more! Diptyque’s is a great way to kickstart the morning ritual; whisked over dry skin before bathing, its bristles help stimulate the skin, for a truly invigorated feel.

Rich Soothing Balm – sumptuous, so sumptuous, this nourishing body treatment is scented with roasted barley and rose, with an enveloping texture to help soften and comfort skin, leaving it supple, moisturised and warmly fragrant. Toasty, this one.

Comforting Moisturising Lotion – lighter, for the morning, this is silky and fresh and gorgeously fragranced with neroli, a really skin-caressing start to the day.

Nurturing Cleansing Gel – again, that bright bergamot, combined with creamy, sweet almond milk (and we love that it does double-duty for for body and hair). Look forward to a creamy lather that gently cleanses, yet leaves skin soft as silk.

There are absolutely load of accessories in the collection, too, aside from the aforementioned copper brush, with the idea of transforming your morning or evening into a considered sensory ritual. They range from natural soft sponge to a ceramic body gua sha to massage the body after applying the balm or the lotion, as well as decorative lacquered-wood and biscuit-porcelain pieces designed ‘to bring beauty, balance and functionality to the bathroom.’

Rarely do we encounter a collection where we want the lot. But this is it!

Energising Morning Ritual Discovery Set/£59 – buy here

Soothing Evening Ritual Discovery Set/£59 – buy here

Le Matin Candle/£63 for 190g – buy here

Le Soir Candle/£63 for 190g – buy here

Copper Dry Brush/£51 – buy here

Rich Soothing Balm/£76 for 200ml – buy here

Comforting Moisturising Lotion/£69 for 350ml – buy here

Nurturing Cleansing Gel/£59 for 350ml – buy here