My obsession with lavender started sometime last year. I picked up a bunch of the purple plant from my local farmer's market and have been in love with its calming presence ever since. So much so that I’ve incorporated the ingredient into almost ever aspect of my beauty routine at one point or another; all lavender, all the time.
Take my adoration with a grain of salt if you want, but I tapped Jeannette Graf, MD, dermatologist, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York to confirm my love. “Lavender is probably one of the best known and most used of all the essential oils,” she tells us. “It's got anti-inflammatory, soothing, and healing properties.” She notes that it’s particularly good for people with oily, acneic, and sensitive skin as it helps tighten pores and is very calming.
Perhaps the best part about the all-star ingredient: It works for basically everyone, Dr. Graf tells us. “The only people who shouldn't use it are ones that are specifically sensitive and have tested out allergically to lavender. Other than that, there really is no reason to not use it,” she tells us. Doctor's orders, people.
To help you get lavendered up from head to toe—quite literally—we’ve rounded up some of our favorite beauty products that incorporate the ingredient, ahead. Carve out time for some R&R this week, why don’t ya.
Spray this on your pillow and in the general area of your bed about 15 minutes before going to sleep, and I promise you will have the deepest, soundest slumber ever.
Le Couvent Des Minimes, 'Eau Sereine Relaxing Pillow Mist,' $18, available at Ulta.
The atmospheric aroma of lavender will provide you with an immediate chill.
Lather, Lavender Candle, $10, available at Lather.
The combination of aloe and lavender makes this face wash the perfect option for anyone looking for a clearer, less oily, and more balanced complexion.
Cosmos, Face Wash, $32, available at Cosmos.
Fill your tub up with bubbly goodness and light that lavender candle you’ve already added to the cart, while you’re at it. (Stress, what stress?)
Kiehl's, Lavender Foaming-Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe, $30, available at Kiehl's.
This oil can be used as a pre-poo treatment or to add some extra shine (and pleasant smells!) to your hair after washing.
Christophe Robin, Moisturizing Hair Oil With Lavender, $47, available at Sephora.
Lavender is just one of many oils that make up Mun’s body serum (olive, rosehip, and neroli are some others), but the blissful scent of the purple plant overrides the others.
Mun, No. 7 Ayour Body Toning Serum, $74, available at Mun.
Beach weather might be behind us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fake the effect on your hair with a texturizing spray. The combination of lavender and sage will transport you to calmer, carefree days.
Herbivore Botanicals, Sea Mist Texturizing Salt Spray in Lavender, $20, available at Herbivore Botanicals.
This bad boy is thick, creamy, and well worth your money. I put it on right before going to bed and wake up with super-hydrated hands (key during winter).
Lollia, 'Relax No. 08 Lavender & Honey Hand Cream,' $21.54, available at Amazon.
You’ll never want to use another lotion after discovering the wonders of body mousse.
Osmia Organics, Lavender Body Mousse, $42, available at Osmia Organics.
Jojoba, sunflower, argan, and a slew of other oils join our star lavender on this ingredient list. Don’t let the price tag scare you off, you only need to use a couple of drops per use. It will last you a lifetime and will more than repay you with great, moisturized skin.
Rodin Olio Lusso, Lavender Face Oil, $170, available at Rodin Olio Lusso.
If you’re a DIY fan, pick up a lavender essential oil of your choice and get to work. Dr. Graf notes to never use an essential oil on its own. “It's in its purest essential oil form, it's much too strong… You have to mix it with a carrier oil,” she says. “Jojoba's probably the easiest one to use because it doesn't have a smell and it mixes well with pretty much everything.”
She also says buying a diffuser and putting in a couple of drops of essential oil is a great option.
S.W. Basics, Lavender Essential Oil, $14, available at S.W. Basics.
This sheet mask is infused with lavender essence and includes real-life petals suspended inside to make sure your skin is getting nourishment directly from the source.
SkinFood, Real Tea Gel Mask in Lavender, $7, available at SkinFood.
While you’re sheet masking your face, throw these bad boys on your feet for some double hydrating action.
Sephora Collection, Foot Mask in Lavender, $5, available at Sephora.
Dr. Teal's Epsom salts have never let me down. I turn to the lavender when my muscles—and my mind—need serious soothing.
Dr. Teal's, Epsom Salts, $10.66, available at Amazon.
You didn’t think this list would be complete without a lavender body wash, did you? Dr. Bronner's is effective without being too overwhelming fragrance wise.
Dr. Bronners, Pure Castille Soap In Lavender, $10.79, available at Target.
