Lavender essential oil is where most people begin, and for good reason. It is soft, approachable and one of the easiest oils to blend – the friendly face of the whole world of essential oils. Here is what it actually smells like, how to use it at home, and which of our other oils it loves.

What lavender smells like

True lavender is floral but not sweet – there is a green, herbaceous, slightly camphor-fresh edge underneath the flower. That herbal backbone is what keeps it from being cloying, and what makes it so versatile. A good lavender smells clean and calm, like fresh linen dried outdoors.

Simple ways to use it

• Diffuse it on its own for a soft, settled scent in a bedroom or living room – 3 to 5 drops is plenty.
• Add it to a carrier oil (diluted to about 2%) for a simple scented body oil.
• Make a linen spray with a few drops in water and a little witch hazel for sheets and towels.

As always, keep it away from the eyes, do a patch test before any skin use, and dilute properly.

What lavender pairs with

Lavender is a natural diplomat – it sits beside almost anything. A few of our favourite pairings:

• With bergamot or lemon for a bright, fresh-floral lift.
• With cedarwood for a warm, grounded, clean-cabin feel.
• With clary sage for a soft, herbal-floral blend.

If you are new to blending, lavender is the safest place to experiment – it rarely clashes. Explore it and the rest of the range in the shop, or read more on the blog.