As the pandemic continues to surprise us with stealthy new variants and our society continues to shed any pretense of civility, there are days when I rely more than ever on some scented product or other to get me going. It’s a less harmful form of self-medication than many others, I suppose.

Here are a few aromatic distractions that have recently made an appearance on my bathroom counter or dressing table.

Korres Apothecary Rose Night-Brightening Sleeping Facial: I received a jar of this intensive moisturizer as a gift with purchase, and I like it so much that I might actually purchase it when I need more. It’s recommended for “tired and depleted” skin and it’s definitely an overnight product—it’s not greasy or heavy-feeling, but it’s on the thicker side. As advertised, it makes my skin feel smoother and more resilient overnight, and even better, it has a soft tea-rose scent. Rose-haters won’t want to be bothered with this, but rose-lovers will find the fragrance an added attraction.

Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm in Pomegranate: This was an impulse purchase at C. O. Bigelow. I can always use sun protection, after all; plus, the price was right, and the gorilla made me smile. This lip balm’s sugary scent and flavor suggest pomegranate Jolly Ranchers (if there were such a thing) rather than actual fruit. Unfortunately (for me), this balm has turned out to be too slippery to use under lipstick, but on its own it’s a fun product.

Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray: My hair is particularly ornery this summer, for reasons I’m trying to identify. (The humidity? Or maybe there’s been a change in our local water? Or perhaps it’s just time for me to try a new shampoo?) I’m hoping this multi-purpose product will calm things down somewhat. I’ve begun using it as a leave-in conditioner and sometimes as a finishing spray, and so far, my hair does feel softer and more pliable. The fruity guava scent cheers me up while I’m getting ready in the morning but isn’t strong enough to linger all day, so it’s just right, in my opinion.

Bath & Body Works Rose Tangerine Tea Moisturizing Body Lotion: I picked up one of these lotions during a recent B&BW sale—I blame Victoria “EauMG” for getting me hooked again—and I do not regret this purchase at all. The lotion’s consistency is just right for warm weather use, light and quick-absorbing but effective, and the scent is a fantasy version of peach tea with rose petals that, again, brightens my mood but isn’t overkill. It also happens to layer well with many of my favorite summer perfumes. Oh, and the bottle is glass, not plastic—very nice.

Rituel de Fille Luminous Elixir Three Drop Foundation: Here’s something far more esoteric—a new tinted serum from one of my favorite indie beauty brands. It’s worth checking out if you’re interested in a “green” skincare-makeup product that offers sheer coverage with plenty of moisture. (I bought a small bottle of this product during a recent “lab sample” run; it will have an official release later this year.) Luminous Elixir is also something to try if you’ve always wished you had makeup that smelled like frankincense rather than flowers or vanilla. Yes, actual frankincense. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Have you recently tried any skincare or body products that made a memorable scent-impression on you? Please share in the comments!