How We’re ‘Sensehacking’ Our Wellness With These Mood-Boosting Beauty Essentials
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
The best kind of beauty, in my opinion, is the kind that captivates all the senses.
Be it an inviting texture, intoxicating scent, inspired design or, hopefully, all of the above.
As I get older, these are the characteristics I find myself increasingly looking for in a product.
I’ve often wondered whether this is part and parcel of ageing; my senses are sharpening as my maturity does, perhaps.
To me, it’s the sensorial experience that makes beauty so sacred.
And why I’ll spend as much time as possible on my skincare routine before my partner gets fed up with waiting and starts threatening to “press play” on whatever TV series we’re currently watching.
The concept of mood-boosting beauty isn’t a new one.
Often referred to as ‘Sensehacking’, we often talk about scent's impact on our cognitive and emotional wellbeing (ICYMI, here’s a previous Beauty IQ!).
However, we often neglect the potential of the other senses—sight, touch, taste, and sound—to enhance our beauty rituals and overall wellness.
Imagine if we had products that tapped into the whole suite.
My guess, we’d probably all be much calmer, well-rested, happier humans.
And if not, at least we tried, hey?
Speaking of trying, I’ve tried a few beauty products lately that promote wellness.
In light of Adore Beauty’s State of Beauty report late last year that revealed heightened stress and anxiety levels among 69% of our community members, I thought you might find them useful.
So, dear Beauty IQ readers, take a moment to explore. You've earned it.
Smell: Functional Fragrances.
Scent is a very personal experience.
Certain fragrance notes, such as powdery iris, creamy musks, velvety woods, vanilla, and salty or sweet accords commonly found in skin scents, have broad appeal.
For the most part though, fragrances land differently for different people.
One person’s yuck can be another’s yum–but that’s what makes it so interesting!
Additionally, some fragrance notes are believed to offer health benefits according to science.
For example, woody scents are often associated with grounding effects and a sense of calmness, while citrus notes like bergamot, orange, and lime can uplift and stimulate energy levels.
Speaking of grounding, one fragrance immediately comes to mind: the Black Blaze Bush Walk Diffuser - 100ml.
It reminds me of growing up on the Central Coast, where the bush meets the sea. And lounging around under sprawling eucalyptus trees and picnics on lush green grass.
Another scent that inspires nostalgia is Viktor & Rolf Bonbon EDP 50ml.
Instead of the great outdoors, it reminds me of the pick ‘n’ mix section at the cinema that my friends and I would routinely raid during school holidays.
Feel: Tactile Textures.
Regardless if your love language is physical touch or not, there are certain textures I think we can all agree that feel amazing.
The first and probably the most obvious, at least in the world of beauty, is silk.
Beyond its luxurious feel on the skin, the natural fibre offers numerous benefits for both skin and hair.
Unlike porous materials such as cotton and linen, silk doesn’t strip moisture from your skin while you sleep, crucial for maintaining hydration levels.
Instead, it adjusts to your body's temperature, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather – making it an excellent choice year-round, especially for those prone to feeling hot or cold or experiencing hot flashes.
Due to its friction-free nature, silk can also contribute to the health of your hair and skin by minimising pulling or tugging, unlike cotton pillowcases, which can lead to hair frizz and creases that may develop into wrinkles.
My go-to choice for a silk pillowcase is the Shhh Silk Silk Pillowcase Queen Size or, for a more affordable, satin alternative, the Kitsch Satin Pillowcase Standard.
Taste: Flavour-Packed Favourites.
Taste is probably the last thing that comes to mind when you think about beauty.
Besides the obvious inner beauty essentials (my pick is The Beauty Chef Glow Inner Beauty Essential 150g, a berry blend to help support gut health, skin health and general wellbeing).
However, we can't ignore the lip-smacking appeal of a certain cult product: the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 20g.
Beyond its deeply hydrating, moisture-sealing capabilities, it’s a dream to apply.
One of the main reasons I go through them as fast as I do is because they’re so damn delectable. Not that I’m eating the mask necessarily, but I’d be lying if I said I’ve never been tempted to.
And with six different flavours currently available, there’s something for every taste palette.
I’m currently working through the limited-edition Cotton Candy flavour, but my pick out of the core collection is Gummy Bear.
Hear: Sensory Sounds.
You may have noticed beauty ASMR increasingly popping up on your social feeds.
Love it or loathe it, there's a purpose behind the whispered voiceovers, fingernail tapping, and makeup brush strokes.
Studies have shown that ASMR (“Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response”) can lower blood pressure, alleviate headaches, soothe anxiety, and promote better sleep.
It’s also just incredibly satisfying to watch.
Another source of pleasure-inducing sound is the crackling of a candle with a wooden wick.
Like the Black Blaze Rainforest Sunlight Candle - 200g, which instantly teleports you beneath the lush green canopy of Australian rainforests.
Alternatively, if you seek to detach from your surroundings, consider investing in an LED light therapy tool.
I recently got my hands on the Kahlia Skin LED Light Therapy Dome and was pleasantly surprised by how it compelled me to disconnect from the outside world during the 15-minute prescribed treatment.
Sometimes, I’ll pair it with a podcast or playlist to unwind, especially when I find it challenging to quiet my mind.
See: Dopamine Decor.
The idea of "Dopamine Dressing" emerged post-pandemic as we all sought clothing to uplift our spirits after months of WFH athleisure.
The same can be said for beauty.
We've all encountered products that enhance not only our bodies but also our living spaces – whether it's a luxurious perfume bottle or a thoughtfully designed haircare collection.
One brand that excels at aesthetically pleasing products is Maison Balzac.
Their range of home and fragrance accessories strikes a balance between playfulness and sophistication, infusing any space with inspiration.
The Maison Balzac J'Ai Soif Carafe Set Teal is a staple in my home.
It serves as a reminder to stay hydrated while being the perfect piece for my bedside table.
Tips That Will Cost You Nothing.
Products aside, there are a few habits you can adopt to support your wellbeing.
1. Sky before screens:
Morning light exposure helps to trigger your body’s natural response to sunlight, causing it to release cortisol (the "wake up" hormone) into your system to signal the start of a new day.
2. Cold showers:
I’ll admit I’m not great at this one, but I’ve witnessed first-hand the benefits it offers through my partner, who has finished his shower with a blast of cold water every day for the last three or so years.
Studies have shown that cold water may stimulate blood flow, boost mood, promote healthier skin and hair, and more.
3. Journaling:
This last one goes without saying.
I’ve been journaling on and off for most of my adult life, and have always found it useful for reflecting on the day that was; celebrating the successes and unpacking the challenges.
It’s also a nice reminder to practice gratitude which can have a profound impact on your mood, outlook, and overall wellbeing.
Looking for other products that support your wellbeing? Read these Beauty IQ articles:
