Be Focused 

Be Focused is an aromatherapy fragrance I originally created around 2017, and it's a very simple blend of lime, mint, rosemary, and palmarosa.

In addition to smelling great, these essential oils have uplifting, invigorating, and mental-stimulating properties to keep you energized and focused throughout the day.

I selfishly made this one for myself, because I anticipate needing a little boost to get through the end of this semester at school!

If you also need a little boost, you can purchase the Deep Cuts Club fragrance anytime through the month of April 2026 - this 5 ml oil-based roll-on is $30 for a one-time purchase, or $25 when you subscribe.

A sample of May's scent will be included in every order, so you can decide if you want to keep, pause, or cancel your subscription!

I hope you enjoy this one and that it serves you well this month.

Happy April! 

- Stefanie -

I haven't posted here in a while, because, well, does anyone read blogs anymore?

(Actually, I never stopped.) I still enjoy browsing the internet the old-fashioned way, and I think there's value taking the time to explore interesting and beautiful things at your own pace, away from the endless scroll and slop of 2026's internet.

So I'd like to share a few of my favorite Twinkle fragrances for Spring today, in case you're in the mood for a scent refresh.

Personally, I've always loved the idea of building a seasonal scent wardrobe. There are too many delicious fragrances in nature for me to imagine sticking with just one signature scent throughout the year.

I prefer to change it up and try new things, or at least rotate through a handful of old favorites - depending on the occasion, my mood, the weather - anything!

Here at Twinkle Apothecary, Fall fragrances have historically reigned supreme. Cardigan, Dark Woods, and Desert Amber are some of your spicy, woodsy go-tos. Every year around mid-August, I notice a spike in sales as everyone is eager to get cozy. 

But Spring is also a great time to enjoy perfume!

The brighter, longer, warmer days before summer begins offer the best of both worlds - where you can enjoy lighter, zesty, refreshing herbs and florals, or lean into powdery, creamy, soft ambers and woods.

Speaking of the best of both worlds, I'll start with Mandarin Dew:

Main notes: mandarin, orange blossom, mimosa, vanilla, benzoin (amber)

Mandarin dew is bright and citrusy, sweet, warm and soft. It's classy and powdery and sweet but not cloying, with a hint of grassy violet leaf and cilantro to keep things interesting. If you want a sophisticated and bright spring floral that feels rich, substantial, and cozy, this one's a must-try.

Another scent that toes the line between bright and cozy is Rose Cream:

Main notes: Lemon, pink grapefruit, almond, rose, carnation, spices, cedarwood, vetiver 

Rose Cream is a journey. It starts off very bright, fruity and clean, with bitter almond and citrus notes - but there's an undertone of warm spices, coffee, and woods - which keep the rosy floral notes grounded. 

If you're looking for something that's equally sweet, clean, and earthy (yes, your nose can have all of those at once!) I recommend trying Rose Cream.

For something a little less fruity and more green, Crushed Tuberose is a wonderfully romantic option for Spring:

Main notes: thyme, petigrain, tuberose, ylang ylang, rose, vanilla, patchouli, nagarmotha 

For Crushed Tuberose, I intentionally wanted to stay away from citrus notes at the top as I wanted a rich, classic floral that smelled like it was straight from the garden. I chose thyme, for a sharp green note to balance out the velvety rich florals. Then, the base is very rich, earth, sweet, and powdery. This is a good one for cooler spring days, or evenings.

And if you want something a little more light and simple for Spring, there are some great options from the Nostalgia Collection too!

My favorites for spring from the nostalgia collection are Basic (vanilla, orange, lavender, lemon,) Goddess (orange, palmarosa, geranium, patchouil,) Mulholland (bergamot, neroli, jasmine, sandalwood,) and Adore (grapefruit, rose, vanilla, cedarwood.)

These are some of the most popular Twinkle scents, ever since I made my first natural perfume all the way back in 2015. They're light, easy to wear oil-based roll-ons, that are just right for every day.

Of course, I have to mention my to-be-retired spring favorites, although they are disappearing quickly. Orange Blossom, Tea, Cream, and Zest would be nice worn alone or layered together throughout the season.

Last but not least, there's the set-it-and-forget-it perfume subscription option! The new Twinkle Apothecary Deep Cuts Club features a rotating selection all of the retired/archived perfumes in my collection, and they're always seasonally appropriate. If you're interested in building a seasonal scent wardrobe and changing things up, I recommend trying one month for $30, or subscribing to keep them coming for $25. The 5 ml bottles are just enough for a full month of wear.

Be sure to check back here on the blog to learn all about April's Deep Cut Fragrance in just a couple of days!

- Stefanie -

Of course I have a few favorites to share, so read on to see my picks for the season.

Want to try them all?

Just head to the Discovery Sets listing, select "5 samples" ($25) and leave a note in your cart saying you want the summer set.

Oh! And honorable mentions from the archived perfume sample sale include Summer Saturdays, Island Spice, and Goddess. Get them while you can...

Layering fragrances for summer

Zest

Zest is my take on the perfect bright and juicy citrus accord with bergamot, yuzu, and verbena. A spritz or two of this will refresh and lift your spirits any time of day. Wear it alone or over any other layering fragrance. (Really, it goes with everything!)

Sandalwood

I think Sandalwood is the perfect summer base note - warm, creamy, and (coco)nutty. It's substantial and long wearing without feeling too rich or heavy. Wear it alone or pair it with Zest for all of the beach vibes!

Cut Grass

Is there anything more summery than the smell of a freshly mown lawn? Cut Grass is all of the summer nostalgia without the sweaty yard work. Vetiver, violet leaf, geranium, galbanum, and flouve (a French take on sweetgrass) will bring complex, long wearing, and sophisticated green notes to your signature summer scent.

Stand-alone fragrances for summer

Tropic Flora

Tropic Flora is your sexy summer date night option. Rich, luscious white florals (focus on the plumeria!) are well balanced with a zip of pink pepper, green lemongrass, and fruity galangal root at the top, all grounded in a warm, smooth base of sweet vanilla, tonka bean, sandalwood, and vetiver. Yum yum yum.

Jasmine Dirt

If you're more of a green and earthy fragrance lover, Jasmine Dirt may be just the ticket. This one is not for the faint of heart! It goes on sharp and zesty with white grapefruit, black pepper, and shiso leaves. All of the rich jasmine glandiflorum is balanced with clary sage, cannabis, and angelica root, in a dark and dirty patchouli, orris root base.

Surprise Scent Monthly

I can't mention seasonal scents without giving you the hint for July's Surprise Scent! This one is a refreshing, herbal, citrusy summer cocktail of a concoction, which I (or should I say, we?) originally designed for the August 2020 Perfume Junkie Club.

If changing it up seasonally is your thing, I highly recommend getting a pre-paid plan for the Surprise Scent Monthly, especially now while they're 20% off during the 10-year Twinkle anniversary sale! (Code: DECADE)

It's an amazing deal, and the best/funnest way to always keep your rotation fresh. So far this spring/summer, subscribers have enjoyed Wave and Backyard from the Archives... and after July I'll be bringing back some fall and winter favorites for the rest of the year!

But let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet. There's still plenty of time to enjoy all of the light and bright scents of summer!

Can't wait to share them with you,

Stefanie

The June subscription boxes are SO READY.

First, I hope you're all enjoying May's bottle of Wave perfume and Sensitive Deodorant - if you missed it I do have a few of those left over for $20 here!

Personally, I cannot wait wear Wave to the pool all summer...

June's Surprise Scent

And June's Surprise Scent is going to be perfect compliment for the rest of your outdoor summer activities. Think camping trips, barbeque's, and picnics in the park... 

Here's your mood board hint:

Can you guess? I originally made this woodsy, green, earthy scent as a solid for the July 2020 Perfume Junkie Club subscription. I'm so excited to bring it back as a roll-on this time!

Be sure to order it before June 14th at noon central to get a bottle for yourself.

Click here to order the Surprise Scent Monthly for $25 when you subscribe.

June's Off the Menu Box

Not to be outdone, June's Off the Menu box is here to help you get your summer glow on:

Next month's off the menu item is a 1 oz bottle of bronzing oil. If you remember the roll-on shimmer serums I used to make, this is the exact same thing, just in a bigger bottle! This way, you can use it on your face or body. Wherever you want to add a little warm, shimmery color.

It features bronze shimmer powder in a base of fast absorbing and non-pore clogging sunflower seed oil, with a subtle lavender scent.

The color looks a little intense in the bottle, but it actually goes on really light. You can layer it with the bronze shimmer balm or powder to increase the color. It's also great for shoulders, collar bones, and legs. Mix it into your favorite moisturizer or layer it on top!

Just like the Surprise Scent, you'll need to place your order by June 14th at noon if you want a bottle. There will not be leftovers for these because I make them one at a time.

Click here to order June's Off the Menu box for just $20 when you subscribe.

These limited edition twinkle treats will ship on Monday, June 16th.

But I suggest ordering them this month so you can take advantage of May's special offer for 20% off orders $50+ with the code: MAYDAY!

Can't wait to make them for you,

Stefanie

I hope you're all enjoying April's Off the Menu Spring Serum and Florcore solid perfume!

Didn't get one? Well... they're all gone. I didn't make enough to have leftovers this time. So sorry!

But if you're curious about what's in the May 2025 subscription boxes I've got the details on these limited edition goodies below.

First, here's your Surprise Scent mood board hint:

This is a light, bright, warm, and beachy seasonal scent from 2018, which will be in a 5 ml spray bottle.

That's right - I'm jumping right ahead to summer this year, because there are SO many yummy summery scents in the archives that I want to share.

The Surprise Scent Monthly is $30 for a one-time purchase, $25 for a monthly recurring subscription, and as low as $20/bottle for a one-year pre-paid plan.

Be sure to order yours by May 14th at noon central to get on the list. They'll ship on Thursday, May 15th!

Click here to order the Surprise Scent Monthly.

Now, for May's Off the Menu item:

May's Off the Menu exclusive item is a full size (2 oz) tube of sensitive deodorant. This new, baking soda free formula has a light, refreshing herbal fragrance that will keep you feeling fresh and comfy as we head into summer!

This is very similar to the sensitive-formula deodorants I used to make before rebranding and going down to one signature formula in 2022.

I love my current, not off-the-menu deodorant because it's so effective and pretty smelling, but some people are too sensitive to baking soda to use it, and/or just aren't that into rose. So for you extra-sensitive types, I made you this baking soda-free, sandalwood powder-free, and floral-free formula, only available in May's box.

It's scented with a light, clean herbal blend of juniper leaf, tea tree, and lavender essential oils, for something fresh and different. Even if you can use deodorant with baking soda, sometimes it's nice to have an alternative option for light-activity days, so I hope all of my subscribers will enjoy this one!

Just like the Surprise Scent Monthly, the cut-off to order May's Off the Menu Monthly subscription is May 14th at noon central, and they'll ship on the 15th. It's $25 for a one-time purchase, $20 for a recurring monthly subscription, and as low as $18 per month for a one-year pre-paid plan.

Click here to order Off the Menu

And did you know that you can also stack your Twinkle Star Rewards coupons with subscription orders?

Just checking!

I'm so looking forward to making these exclusive monthly treats for you in a few weeks. I hope you'll consider signing up for a subscription so you don't miss a thing!

Until then, enjoy the rest of April,

Stefanie

There's a perfectly springy natural perfume for everyone here at Twinkle Apothecary, and I'd like to share a few of my favorites with you in this post.

First, the obligatory mobile video overview:

The florals...

Obviously, spring is all about flowers blooming! My favorite types of floral scents for spring are also delicate, soft, and a little bit cozy. That element of coziness is the perfect compliment for the fluctuating weather, especially on those days when it's not quite as warm as you'd like it to be!

Mandarin Dew

Mandarin Dew goes on very bright and tart with refreshing mandarin and blood orange essential oils backed by a tiny hint of sharp green cilantro. The heart of this scent is sweet and soft powdery white florals (orange blossom, plumeria, mimosa,) which fade into a creamy, warm, vanilla-sandalwood base.

This scent is such a mood lifter! It's very bright and happy and sweet without being too much. It's soft and not overpowering, but the base notes wear for a very long time on the skin. Definitely try a sample and consider adding this newest stand-alone fragrance to your rotation.

Crushed Tuberose

Talk about soft! Crushed Tuberose has become one of my personal go-to fragrances over the past year. It goes on with a whisper of sharp green petitgrain and thyme, while the classic sweet florals (tuberose, rose, ylang ylang) really take the spotlight. The base is earthy, grounding, and sweet, with notes of vanilla and nagarmotha (think patchouli, but even more smooth.)

It's such a classic, sophisticated scent, and if you haven't already tried it, what are you waiting for?!

Rose Cream

Rose Cream is a beautiful spring transition fragrance because it encompasses the best of everything - fruit, flowers, spice, and smooth woody notes. It goes on bright and sweet with lemon, ruby red grapefruit, and bitter almond extract, and the heart is warm, soft flowers (rose, carnation,) that don't overpower. There's a hint of spicy nutmeg, cardamom, and coffee bean to warm things up further, all in a smoothly sweet base of vetiver, tonka bean, and cedarwood.

This is one of the more popular stand-alone fragrances in the Twinkle collection, and for good reason. Even if you think you're not a rose perfume person, I bet this one will change your mind!

Scents that aren't all about flowers...

Really not a floral perfume person? No worries! You can still embrace the beauty of the season by leaning into all of those moody, rainy days with a fragrance on the earthier, mossier side of the scent spectrum. Here are a couple of my non-floral favorites for this time of year:

Lavender Mist

Lavender mist smells like a misty, foggy, mystical, mysterious kind of forest. It combines fresh, sharp herbal notes (bay laurel, lavender,) with radiant black spruce needles. The base is an earthy, rich blend of woods (cedar, sandalwood,) with tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss.  

Lavender is the star of the show here, but there's nothing basic about it. You'll want to keep this one on hand for a rainy day!

Forest Blossom

Don't let the word "blossom" fool you - the floral notes (orange blossom, jasmine,) actually take a back seat to the more earthy, mossy notes this fragrance blend. It reads more green, with petitgrain and black spruce, while the florals serve the transition into the rich, sweet, earthy base of tonka bean, oakmoss, and patchouli. Fenugreek ties everything together in a warm and nutty surprise plot twist.

If you need a little spring forest bathing to reset your nervous system, this is the one to reach for.

Spring Layering Fragrances

Now, of course the beauty of the layering fragrance is that you can use them to create ANY kind of scent combo that you want - but to give you some ideas, I've listed my favorites for spring in the graphic above!

Choose one or more top-to-middle notes:

Citrusy Zest,

Herbal, earthy Tea,

Delicate Orange Blossom,

Sweet, jasmine-y Nectar,

Classic Rose,

Fresh Lavender,

and layer them with one or more base notes:

Warm Sandalwood,

Sweet Cream,

Rich Earth,

Cool Soft Musk

For the DIY/I-can-never-decide-what-I-want-to-smell-like-so-I'll-just-take-one-of-everything natural perfume lovers (I'm one too!) I recommend getting a Layering Fragrance Bundle for an instant perfume wardrobe at a great price, especially right now during the spring sale!

For instance, a bundle of six layering perfumes is normally $165 ($27.50/bottle) but with the code SPRING25 for 25% off, it's $123.75, which is $20.63/bottle!

Build Your Own

Or, if you don't have room for all of those bottles, let me use your favorite 2-4 layering fragrances to create a custom perfume for you via the Build Your Own Scent listing. ($40, or $30 right now with the code SPRING25)

If you're not sure what you might like, I recommend one of my ready to go Build Your Own blends!

There's Creamsicle

(Zest, Orange Blossom, Cream)

Rose Santal

(Rose, Sandalwood)

and Clean Slate

(Lavender, Soft Musk, Sandalwood)

All of which would be lovely on their own or layered with your other favorites for spring.

Honorable mention: April's Surprise Scent!

The Surprise Scent Monthly subscription is always the place to get a seasonally appropriate perfume from the archives, and April's surprise is no exception. This month's fresh, classic floral scent will be a solid in a biodegradable tube, and you can wear it with any of the layering fragrances listed above!

Pick up a one-time-purchase to get April's scent for just $22.50 right now during the spring sale, or buy a bundle to keep receiving a fresh new perfume every single month.

Click to order by 4/14/25 at noon CST

No matter which scent you pick, I hope you have a beautiful season!

Take care,

Stefanie

so if you're feeling like your routine needs a bit of a refresh, here are some of my favorite little skincare extras to consider.

The original Twinkle extra, Eye Serum:

Sample: $5 - 5 ml: $15 - 10 ml: $30

Hopefully you've adjusted to daylight savings by now, but if you're still dragging after spring break, this could be the special little something you're looking for. Lemme tell you, I once tried to go without eye serum for a few weeks because I wanted to minimize my collection and thought that dabbing on some facial oil would be enough - boy was I wrong. Eye serum really does make a difference. If you haven't tried it, give it a shot! It will decrease puffiness, soften fine lines, and make you look way more bright-eyed and bushy tailed than you actually feel.

The extra-credit extra, Vitamin C:

5 gm biodegradable shaker tube: $14

Speaking of effective products, I started incorporating a DIY vitamin C serum (using Oil and Rose Hydrosol - check the product listing for instructions) into my nightly routine about 4-5 years ago and it worked so many wonders for my skin that I couldn't not share it with you! The tiny little bit of extra effort required to mix it up at the sink will feel 100% worth it when you see how quickly it works to brighten and repair your skin. If you only try one extra thing for spring, make it this! 

Make a bespoke spring moisturizer with Carrier Oils

$7-$26

Whether you want a lighter face and body oil for warmer weather or want to treat a specific skin concern, adding a new carrier oil to your routine could be just the boost your skin needs right now. You can add these to your regular oil, mix them into your butter, or layer them on as a final step to your nightly routine. 

You really can't go wrong, but some of my favorite oils for spring are rosehip - which is high in omega-6 and great for evening skin tone, grapeseed - which is rich in polyphenols to repair free radical damage, and blueberry - which is high in vitamin E, super lightweight, and has a fun fruity scent that's sure to brighten your day! 

Easiest way to refresh your routine: add a cleanser boost

Samples: $4 - Full size: $20

Do you always get your Twinkle cleanser base straight-up? Or do you always have me mix in just one of these beneficial boosts? If so, getting a bottle of either the exfoliating or pore refining boost on the side to DIY at home is a super easy way to give your skin extra special treatment. Both of these boosts have skin repairing and brightening properties that your skin will soak right up, and both will leave you feeling super soft and glowy. Win-win!

Be extra-extra with Toner & Hydrosol

2 oz: $14-20 - 8 oz: $36-56

If you're just using one or the other (toner OR hydrosol) try incorporating both into your routine for even more botanical goodness! You could use rose or lavender hydrosol in the mornings to start your day with extra hydration, and save the more astringent toner for nighttime to make sure your pores are extra clean. Or, you could use both at the same time - toner after cleansing, then a spritz of hydrosol before applying your facial oil (this is an excellent way to balance skin that's both dry and acne prone!) 

Or, if you insist on keeping it minimal, try switching it up from your usual go-to. Maybe lavender instead of rose, or adding your favorite essential oil instead of the acne or rejuvenating blends. Little baby tweaks like this are easy for (even your sensitive) skin to adapt to if you're in the mood to change things up a bit.

Take advantage of a limited-edition mood boost with Neroli Rose Balm

$25

I love this soothing, blush pink, floral-vanilla scented lip balm-slash-everything moisturizer from February's Off the Menu box so much that I made an extra batch to share with everyone this season, and there are still a few left!

Of course the original lavender-chamomile Balm is still my ride or die, but this limited edition version feels like such a fancy upgrade and makes me smile every time I use it. It's just fun to change it up sometimes, you know? This balm is lovely on lips, hands, cuticles, or anywhere you need a skin-softening salve. I hope you can grab one before they disappear...

DON'T skip moisturizer just because it's getting warmer, DO give your face a subtly matte finish with Setting Powder

Sample: $4 - Jar or Shaker Tube: $20 - Refill bag: $38

As someone who has naturally oily skin, I can't live without my Setting Powder, so it always surprises me to learn how many of my customers are missing out on this natural makeup necessity! This is how I keep my Eye Tint from smudging, set my Shimmer Balms, and give my skin that perfectly dewy-blurred finish after applying my Filter Balm. What more can I say? Except that Spring is the perfect time to give it a go!

And if you're reading this thinking, "Okay, sounds great and all but I don't even know where to START with my skincare routine, much less add to it..." Easy. Start with the Starter Skincare Set.

$55

Use these basics (cleanse, tone, moisturize,) consistently for a few weeks and then you might be ready for some fun upgrades.

Also be sure to check out more about why these products work here on the blog:

What is Microbiome Friendly Skincare?

How to Oil Cleanse

Simple Skincare Routines for Morning and Night

Scroll down to shop skincare, and take care of yourself this season!

Stefanie

On the 15th of every month I send exclusive Twinkle treats out into the world with two different monthly subscription boxes? 

First, there's the Off the Menu box, which features full-size body, hair, skincare, or makeup items that aren't found in my regular collection.

The contents of this box can be anything - something totally new that I just dreamed up for the month, something I used to make that's been retired, or a custom twist on a Twinkle favorite product. 

(More on this month's box below...)

As you can see, the Off the Menu box is NOT a surprise, I always reveal the contents of the next month's box one month in advance. This way, if you're subscribing month-to-month you can choose to cancel, pause, or skip* if it's something you don't need or want.

The Off the Menu box is also a great deal...

It's $25 if you choose to buy just one box without subscribing, $20 for a month-to-month subscription, and the pre-paid plans come out to between $19-18 per month for these exclusive, full-size products. And a couple of free samples are always included in the box, of course! The typical retail value for the products in each month's box is usually around $30 or more.

Who it's for...

This box is a great option for anyone who likes to change it up, try new things, keep life exciting with fancy-yet-healthy little monthly treats, or for anyone who wants to support my creativity as an artisan to partake in whatever all-natural handmade goodies I dream up each month!

Occasionally I have leftover Off the Menu products that I'll list online for anyone to purchase, but that's never something I can guarantee - so be sure to keep an eye on this monthly box to grab whatever catches your eye! (Scroll down for more info about April 2025's Off the Menu item.)

Then, there's the Surprise Scent Monthly Subscription...

As the name suggests, this subscription signs you up to receive a surprise 5 ml perfume each month!

The scents featured in the Surprise Scent Monthly box are from the Twinkle Apothecary perfume archives, which means they're exclusive, retired scents from my collection that are no longer available to purchase. They can be a roll-on, spray, or solid. I try to change it up and send a variety of everything throughout the year.

The Surprise Scent Monthly subscription is for...

The natural perfume lover who also loves variety and is open to trying new things. It's extra fun for people who have followed Twinkle Apothecary for a long time and are familiar with these old favorite fragrances.

(Fun fact: I've made so many natural perfumes over the past decade that I can go about 5 years without having to repeat any monthly perfumes for this subscription!)

If you're intrigued but not always adventurous with your scent preferences, keep an eye on the monthly hint (always posted on the product page at 12:01 pm on the 14th of the month before it ships!) and just pick up any scent that interests you as a one-time purchase. 

I also post a visual mood-board hint here on the blog so no one misses it. (Scroll down for more about April 2025's Surprise Scent.)

You get savings for surprises...

The Surprise Scent Monthly fragrances are $30 for a one-time purchase, which is $5 less than the 5 ml fragrances in my regular collection. Signing up for the month-to-month subscription is $25, which saves you an additional $5! A 3,6, or 12 month pre-paid plan comes out to $23-$20 a bottle. So it's for natural perfume lovers who also love a bargain!

Now that you know the deal, let's talk April!

April 2025's Off the Menu item is the retired Spring Serum. (1 oz bottle)

I originally created this lightweight seasonal facial oil around 2018 for my first Twinkle subscription box, and I thought it'd be perfect to bring back this year following March's Off the Menu item - the retired Exfoliating Cleanser & Mask!

This product is great for all skin types, and especially for anyone who wants a little brightening boost as we head into spring. It contains: 

Kalahari melon seed oil which is derived from a cousin of watermelon, and is sometimes referred to as "wild watermelon." It's lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-pore clogging, and great for all skin types. It's said to dissolve excess sebum while increasing the skin's elasticity, and is an excellent choice for oil cleansing. It's rich in omega 6 & 9 fatty acids to repair and regenerate the skin, as well as antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E.

Grapeseed oil, a deeply penetrating and fast-absorbing oil that has a nice glide. In addition to nourishing fatty-acids and high levels of vitamin E, C, and D, grapeseed oil is said to be rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which help repair free-radical damage, even skin tone, and are also said to lend grapeseed oil toning and antimicrobial properties. Grapeseed oil is excellent choice for both dry/mature and acne prone skin.

Evening primrose seed oil, which has a luscious but light texture, with serious skin-softening properties, due to to its high amounts of omega 6 (gamma linoleic acid, or GLA.) The anti-inflammatory properties of GLA are said to help reduce redness, making evening primrose an excellent choice for dry, sensitive, and mature skin.

Essential oils of carrot seed, geranium, and neroli, which have skin-repairing, radiance boosting, and oil- balancing properties.

Of course all of these ingredients are also in my permanent collection facial oil with the rejuvenating blend, which is available anytime, but this serum has a slightly lighter texture with more "slip" and will be a nice seasonal addition to your skincare routine if you're looking to change things up a bit.

I hope you can sign up to get one if it sounds like something your skin needs for Spring!

April's Surprise Scent is all flowers:

And it's going to be a solid perfume, in a biodegradable tube!

This classically beautiful floral accord from the Twinkle Signature Fragrance collection (circa 2015-2016,) is perfect for layering with just about any of my current layering fragrances, so you can use this month's scent to put your own spin on a springy perfume that's just right for you!

How to order

The Off the Menu and Surprise Scent subscriptions can be ordered any time from the respective product pages.

The cut-off date to order is by the 14th at noon CST every month. 

After the cut off at noon on the 14th, once I see how many people have ordered for the month, I make the products, then I ship them out on the 15th, or the next business day if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday.

Because I only make enough for the people who have ordered, you MUST place your order before noon on the 14th to get on the list for each month's exclusive products.

At 12:00 pm on the 14th everything switches over - I reveal what's in the next month's box (or drop a hint for the Surprise Scent,) and begin taking orders for that until 11:59 am on the 14th of the next month!

Example: To sign up for April's Subscription box, you can order anytime between March 14th at 12:00 pm - April 14th at 11:59 am.

Ordering on April 14th at 12:00 pm or after will sign you up for the May box.

It may only be March, but this year is FLYING BY so I suggest placing your order ASAP to make sure you don't miss this month's boxes. Consider a pre-paid plan to qualify for free shipping and never miss a thing!

As always, I'm looking forward to making everything for you!

Stefanie

*To cancel, pause, or skip your month-to-month subscription, log into your customer account and click on the "my subscriptions" button. You will see a list of your active subscriptions - just click on the one you want to edit and, um, read the directions on the screen. You'll be charged for your box on the same day of the month (at the exact same time) that you placed your original order. (This date and time can be edited in your subscription portal. As long as you set the charge to go through before noon central on the 14th you'll be on the list for the next box!) 

To skip, pause, or cancel without being charged you'll need to do this BEFORE your monthly charge date, but if you forget, just email me anytime before the 14th at noon to be refunded. Obviously I cannot refund you after noon on the 14th if I have already made, and/or shipped your product!

Managing subscriptions purchased from a small, one-person brand without 24/7 customer support does require a small modicum of responsibility on your end, so if you can't be bothered to keep track, then the slightly more expensive, one-time purchase option is the better option for you. Thanks again for subscribing responsibly and I hope you enjoy your exclusive Twinkle goodies!

Here's your mood board hint:

If you're ready to put this winter behind you, March's scent is here to carry you into spring!

This is one of the first four perfumes I ever created, way back in 2015. It's simple, but classic and oh-so-lovely. One of my personal forever favorites!

This one will be an oil based roll-on.

To get a bottle, order the Surprise Scent Monthly any time before Friday, March 14th at noon central. Because the 15th is on a Saturday this month, these will ship on Monday, March 17th.

And don't forget - now that the Perfume Archives are permanently retired, this is your only opportunity to get a bottle of this Twinkle classic for a long while.

You can make a one time purchase to order just this bottle for $30, sign up for a recurring monthly subscription to get this and every month's perfume for $25, or buy a 3, 6, or 12 month pre-paid plan for even more savings!

Click here to order the Surprise Scent before March 14th.

I can't wait to make one for you!

- Stefanie -

We made it through January and it's already time to order February's Surprise Scent! 

This one is just so, so yummy. Here's your hint: 

I absolutely LOVE this sweet, spicy, and floral gourmand fragrance that I originally created for the Perfume Junkie Club in 2020!

Is your mouth watering like mine?

If so, be sure to place your order for the Surprise Scent Monthly by next Friday, (Valentine's Day!) the 14th, at noon central. They'll ship on February 18th, after the President's Day holiday.

Now that the Perfume Archives are permanently retired, the Surprise Scent subscription is the ONLY place to get a bottle of this one for a while.

I highly suggest taking advantage of this month's special offer to get 20% off of all perfume with the code: OhLaLa

Click here to apply this coupon code to your order!

This code works on subscriptions too, so you can get a 3, 6, or 12 month pre-paid package of the Surprise Scent Monthly to make sure you never miss these retired favorite fragrances!

Order the Surprise Scent Monthly by February 14th, here.

Can't wait to make a batch of this for you!

Stefanie

This is your official notice that after January 2025, I'll be closing the Perfume Archives and saying goodbye (kind of!) to all of the vintage Twinkle perfumes from 2015-2022.

Now, hold on...

Before you assemble with your tar and feathers and crudely-fashioned torches, take a deep breath and hear me out.

First, note that I said (kind of!) above:

I will still be making a perfume from the archives to share with you every month via the Surprise Scent Monthly subscription.

I'll cycle through all of the archived scents seasonally, so keep an eye out for the monthly mood board hint on the blog to snag your favorite whenever it comes around. 

Don't forget that this way, you can get a 5 ml bottle for $5-$15 dollars cheaper (!!)

I also plan to use the archived fragrances in plenty of body care items for the Off the Menu Monthly subscription, so keep an eye on that for limited edition creations scented with your old favorites.

Second, here's why:

It's been TEN YEARS, which I happen to think is a good long run for fragrances I designed before I even knew how to make perfume.

So much has changed in our world since then. (Pretty much everything?)

On the business end:

Supply chains have never recovered from the pandemic. Prices for these precious ingredients keep going up and up, so it's getting harder for me to keep everything I need to make these scents in stock all of the time. And who even knows how much more difficult it will be for small businesses (many of my suppliers are also small!) to keep up considering the threat of increasing tariffs on these globally sourced ingredients...

I don't want to get into politics here, (or anywhere really,) but it's pretty clear that the moment for Nasty Woman perfume has passed. Even Madam VP. I suppose life moves on, right? But thankfully the opportunity to create something even more beautiful and healing remains.

Truthfully, I've been wanted to make this change for a while. (I even tried once but apparently it was too upsetting. However, I'm optimistic that we've grown out of our angry mob era by now.) I was also afraid because the Perfume Archives are still one of my selling top products by units sold. But after looking into the numbers I realized that while I do sell A LOT of samples from the archives, you rarely come back to buy full-size bottles.

I know that many people prefer to change it up and just sample different scents forever, but that's not an ideal situation for my business. Since you DO buy plenty of full size bottles from my permanent collection, it makes more sense from both a business and creative standpoint to put my time and effort into those fragrances instead.

On the creative side of things:

I want to focus on making more substantial stand-alone fragrances to share with you going forward, and it's hard to work on elevating my craft while I'm stopping (and using up my ingredients) to individually hand-blend 1 ml samples of some obscure thing I made eight years ago. It's not that that obscure fragrance isn't delightful, it's that there simply isn't time for one person to make both.

I don't think you'll be disappointed. I will be un-archiving the fragrances I feel do stand alone. And many of my ideas for new scents are based off of perfumes from the archives! (Like... I want to make Mulholland, but more ethereal and delicate... or, I want to make Date Night, but even more rich and sensual... and on and on it goes in my mind...)

I've already started this project by releasing Smoked Orange (formerly No. 10,) and Tobacco Snow (formerly No. 2,) which happen to be gloriously complex and perfectly unisex, not to mention absolutely beautiful to wear in this cold January air.

I know change can be hard, but it's also an opportunity for growth and exploration and new scent adventures!

Perhaps it will help to think of it this way: when I was 13 I thought that Sun Ripened Raspberry from Bath and Body Works was the height of sophistication. Was I still wearing it at 23? Heck no. (Were they even still making it?) If I had worn the same little body splash every day of my life, I probably never would have had the idea to start making my own perfume!

That's not a drag on Bath and Body Works, or my beginner work, or your taste if you happen to love one of my old perfumes so much that you want to wear it every day. (I love YOU so much for that!)

I'm just saying, I think we can all agree that this has been quite the olfactory adventure so far, and I hope you'll join me for many more to come.

Third, don't forget that you still have the option to recreate your favorite oldie-but-goodie.

This is one of the reasons why I love the Layering Fragrances!

You can wear these in a deconstructed way by collecting the bottles individually, or, I will blend them up for you via the Build Your Own Scent listing. These designs are easier for me to hand-blend for you on demand because I always have the Layering Fragrances in stock.

Here's a lil' cheat-sheet:

Did you know that I also share the actual recipes for these fragrance blends on Patreon?!

Right now, you can buy the recipe for Goddess and Nasty Woman there for $5. Then, you can make as much as you want, forever and ever. I plan to keep sharing more of these simple recipes in the future, so I hope you'll join me there to learn yourself a new craft sometime.

Meanwhile, I suggest taking advantage of January's special offer to take 25% off orders $150+ to get yourself a great big bottle of your favorite.

The code is Goals25

(Sorry, but I've already disabled the sample size because ain't nobody got time to make $150 worth of those for each of you...)

Click here to explore the archives before the month is over!

Thanks for staying up to date, and I'll see you back here with the hint for February's Surprise Scent soon!

Stefanie

It's already almost time to order January's Surprise Scent, so here's your mood board hint: 

 January's scent is an oldie but a goodie - a soft, refreshing, herbal, amber-y musk from the Signature Fragrance Collection - in a 5 ml roll-on bottle.

 If you'd like to treat yourself to this soothing, all-natural fragrance this winter, be sure to place your order by Tuesday, January 14th at noon central. They ship on the 15th!

Click to order January's Surprise Scent

Signing up for a Surprise Scent Monthly subscription is such a fun way to experience the Twinkle Perfume Archives at a discounted price for the 5 ml bottles, but of course you're also welcome to order any of these scents separately (if you can guess what they are!) from the archives anytime for $35.

Click to explore the Twinkle Apothecary Perfume Archives

Either way, I'm looking forward to making this one for you!

Stefanie

There's just a little over a week left to order December's Surprise Scent, so here's your mood board hint: 

This one is a very unique, sweet, ethereal, woodsy fragrance that's definitely not your typical holiday perfume. I designed this one back in 2019 and I'm so happy to share it with you again now, 5 years later.

This scent will be an alcohol based spray. Order anytime before December 14th at noon central to get on the list. They'll ship on Monday, December 16th - just in time for Christmas!

Pro-tip - a prepaid package of 3, 6, or 12 months of Surprise Scents is a super fun gift for any natural perfume lover. Start this December and renew it next year!

Click to order the Surprise Scent Monthly subscription

Or, if surprise subscriptions aren't your thing, you can order this scent from the Perfume Archives anytime.

I'm looking forward to making this scent for you, and, for all of the surprise scents to come in 2025!

Stefanie

The only thing I love more than picking out gifts is getting to play Santa for you all during this time of year. Nothing makes me happier than being busy in the studio knowing that my handmade creations get to play a part in your celebrations.

If you're stumped on how to give your favorite sustainable, natural self care and beauty items to friends and family this year, I've got some easy ideas in this post, plus lots of special discounts so you can save while sharing the love.

Natural Fragrances 

So many people think it's taboo to gift perfume. And I suppose that for mainstream fragrances, it can be difficult! But natural scents are lighter, and less overpowering.

I especially love the layering fragrances for gifting...

 These are sheer, easy to wear, and can even be layered with their usual signature fragrance. Anyone who loves perfume (I know you know someone!) would enjoy adding a couple of these to their fragrance wardrobe.

Super safe bets are Lavender, Cream, and Orange Blossom.

(Get a bundle of all three here!)

A bundle of 2 mini roll-ons like the ones pictured above is on sale through December 2nd for $32.40 (regularly $36.)

Seasonal Scents

Speaking of super safe bets, a limited edition seasonal scent is an easy way to introduce someone to a new natural perfume. They're not meant to replace anyone's favorite fragrance, they're simply a fun addition to any perfume lover's collection!

This year we've got two new ones that they definitely haven't tried yet: Sugar Plum Fairy for anyone who loves sweet but fresh florals, and Cashmere Cardigan for the cozy, rich, woodsy scent lovers.

 There are also all of these, available from the Perfume Archives:

Winter Hand Care

Do you know anyone who doesn't complain about dry, cracked hands in the winter? They will be so grateful for a purse sized Light Lotion, Butter, Balm, Cuticle Oil, or a bundle of everything this year!

These all have a subtle, neutral scent that's perfect for any gender.

Winter Lip Care

Same idea here - everyone's lips need extra moisture when the air outside is dry and cold!

I suggest building a bundle of Lip Scrub, Lip Oil, and Balm for a lovely and luxurious gift in the $30 range.

Sustainable Seasonal Makeup

 This year's limited edition Shimmer Balms are a fun way to introduce any makeup lover to something more natural and sustainable, and they'll work for a wide range of skin tones too! ($20 for the bundle.)

 A Unique Host Gift

Don't forget to bring something special for whoever is hosting dinner! These new Room and Linen Sprays are a refreshing and pretty alternative to basic candles.

Gifting a home fragrance is even easier than gifting perfume. Much lower stakes, but every bit as thoughtful!

A Pro-Tip

Be sure to let the recipient know that they can scan the QR code on the bottle for full product information and instructions. And also to order more when they run out! ;)

Holiday Specials 2024 

Currently, the entire store is on sale for 10% - 20% off with no coupon code required through December 2nd.

On top of those already marked down prices, you can take an additional 15% off 3 or more items from the Gift Ideas Collection with the code BYOBUNDLE15 through December 15th!

You can use your Twinkle Star Rewards coupons to save even more if you've got one with a bigger discount saved up, of course.

Last but not least, everyone is earning double points for every $1 spent through the end of the year. This way you can start 2025 off with even more savings on your favorite healthy products!

But be sure to place your order for any items that need to arrive in time for Christmas by December 15th. This gives me a chance to make everything and get it mailed to you in time.

Thank you so much for sharing my products this year. I can't wait to make them for you!

Stefanie

This sweet and spicy gourmand floral fragrance will be packaged as a solid perfume, in a biodegradable tube.

To get this scent for the special surprise subscription price, be sure to place your order by November 14th at noon central time!

Click to order November's Surprise Scent

Otherwise, you can order it from the Perfume Archives anytime.

Can't wait to share this grounding, comforting, uplifting scent with you!

Stefanie

Let's talk layering...

I get so many questions about the layering fragrances, and I'm not sure I do a great job of explaining how they work because in my mind, it's an anything goes type of thing!

And really, that's true. You can wear any scent combo you want, and you can apply your perfume in any way that works for you. Wearing two or more of these sheer, buildable fragrances is just a fun way to get creative with scent.

I made the below guidelines in case you're not sure where to start, but keep scrolling to go over a few more FAQs that wouldn't fit in this horrendous all-text "graphic." (Yeesh, sorry!)

Q: How do I know which scents go together?

A: Trust me, they can all go together, depending on your taste. I suggest trying samples and experimenting with layering your favorite, top 2-3 scents to see how they interact with each other on your skin. (It's always interesting and the results are often unexpected!)

There are also "layer it with" suggestions on each of the product pages if you're looking for some inspiration.

Q: Can I layer them with other fragrances?

A: Of course! I like to think that my stand-alone fragrances don't need any extra flair, but feel free to add your own twist. Many of the fragrances in the Perfume Archives are perfect for layering - especially the simple, four note blends in the "signature fragrance" category.

For example, this lovely floral scent is dying to be worn with Cream. Or Amber, or Sandalwood, or Earth, or Ballet Slippers...!

Q: Why should I layer my fragrances?

A: You don't have to! I love offering these mix-and-match scents because I can never make up my own mind about what to wear, and I've always thought the idea of having a collection of simple fragrances that can be worn alone or together for different effects sounded kind of dreamy.

But no worries if it's not your thing! Really, don't worry about it. There are plenty of stand-alone fragrance options to choose from here.

Q: What if I apply the top note first and a base note on top?

A: How dare you?! (KIDDING!)

Please, break the rules. Do it however you want. You absolutely cannot mess this up. The worst that will happen is that you add another spritz of the top note fragrance. Or, if you really get crazy you may end up washing something off.

But that's not likely. Besides, many of these are light enough that they'll fade in a bit and you can just put something else on. Enjoying natural perfume is more about the moment, and your intention to add something delightful to your day.

Speaking of delightful, let me share a few of my favorite combos with you...

Pick any two 3 ml layering fragrances for $36 here.

These two tiny little perfumes really pack a punch. I absolutely love how Rose wears over my newest layering fragrance, Ballet Slippers. It seems so simple, but the effect is WOWZA!

Nectar and Cream are one of my all time favorite pairings. Add a spritz of Orange Blossom for an extra juicy, citrusy lift. (And loads of pizzazz!)

Get three 5 ml bottles for $88, here.

I call this one: The Sugar Plum Fairy.

Get it?

Also, feel free to give your perfume combos little nicknames.

Have I mentioned that Rose goes with everything?

There are so many options that I could do this all day, but wouldn't it be much more fun if you tried them on yourself?

It's easy to get started with my new Layering Fragrance Bundles!

Click to get a sample of all 15 fragrances for $80.

Or, 2-6 3 ml roll on bottles.

Or, 2-6 5 ml bottles! 

You can save up to 20% by choosing a bundle! Add a rewards coupon to that and you might just be able to collect them all.

Until I make more, of course!

Then you'll really need a bundle...

In the meantime, happy experimenting!

Stefanie

It's almost time to ship October's Surprise Scent, so here's your mood board hint: 

 This one is deep, dark, moody, earthy, spicy, and perfect for an autumn night out.

It'll come in an oil-based roll-on, which I always think makes bold scents feel more wearable!

To get on the list for this scent, place your order by Monday, October 14th at noon central. 

Although, I highly recommend placing your order before Tuesday, October 8th so you can take advantage of the 9th Anniversary Sale for a 30% discount - that'll make a one time purchase just $21, OR, you can order a whole year of perfumes for just $14.50 a bottle!

Click here to order ASAP.

(And use the code YEAR9 for 30% off!)

Can't wait to make it for you!

Stefanie

I'm not here to sell you new things just because the seasons are changing.

Only you can know if there's something that isn't currently working in your skincare routine.

When I first started making and sharing my skincare products with you back in 2015, my intention was to create one simple set of products that would holistically balance and heal every skin type, no matter the season.

This intention hasn't changed. 

In fact, any changes I've made to my skincare collection in recent years have been an effort to get even closer to my original goal of offering the most simple, sustainable routine with a basic set of products that work for everyone.

My skincare advice never changes.

No matter the season.

No matter your skin type.

No matter your individual skin concerns.

I will always tell you to cleanse, tone, and moisturize daily using natural, skin-barrier supportive products, which can all be found in the Starter Skincare Set.

Starter Skincare Set ($55)

Literally, every single person who comes to me for advice gets the exact same response. 

Start there, be consistent with it, and report back in a couple of weeks.

via GIPHY

I'm not giving you general advice because I'm a mean person who doesn't care about your special needs, I'm giving you all the same advice because it REALLY IS THAT SIMPLE, despite how complicated other brands try to make it seem.

For more information about how these products support your skin barrier no matter your skin "type," I recommend reading the following article:

What is Microbiome Friendly Skincare?

If you are already following my advice, you probably don't need to change a thing for fall. These products are good year round.

So, how's your routine going?

If it works for you, if your skin feels balanced and moisturized with minimal breakouts, great. Carry on!

But if your skin is having issues, now might be a good time to make a few tweaks to your routine.

So let's talk about the most common issue that comes up as we transition into colder months - dryness.

Combating dry skin in the fall

There's less moisture in the air during the colder months, so naturally, it becomes more difficult for your skin to retain moisture during the fall and winter.

via GIPHY

The obvious solution is to moisturize so you can enjoy the season like Mariah here, but I'll get to that in a bit -

because the first and most important thing you can to to combat dry skin is to mind how you wash your face.

Washing your face in the fall

Washing your face with soap, or any kind of foaming, sudsing cleanser - actually, I'll take it a step further and include ANY kind of liquid cleanser that doesn't specifically say it's pH balanced for the face - will weaken your skin barrier.

These kinds of cleansers are too alkaline for your facial skin. They essentially wipe out all of the protective oil that your skin produces naturally, which makes your skin prone to transepidermal water loss, aka dryness, which it then tries to make up for with an over-production of oil. They also destroy all of the good microbes and bacteria that live in your skin barrier layer to fight off acne, consume dead skin cells, and keep everything in balance.

So they're no good for dry or oily/acne prone skin, but they're especially bad for dry skin in the colder months.

Choosing a pH neutral cleanser, such as a powder or oil based cleanser, is the best thing you can do to balance your skin, no matter your skin type or the season.

Obviously, I recommend my powder cleanser and oil, but if you want to use another liquid - water or cream based cleanser - make sure it's pH balanced to around 4.7-5.75. If it doesn't say, skip it.

While we're on the subject of cleansing, let's talk about exfoliating.

You may need to exfoliate less in the fall

Over-scrubbing is just as bad as using a too-alkaline cleanser.

If you have dry skin it's tempting to scrub off all of the flakes, but too much exfoliation can also damage your skin barrier, leading to more dryness.

Try to stick to exfoliating once a week, or less. Get the exfoliating boost on the side, and stick with the ultra-gentle cleansing base for most nights.

The idea, no matter the season, is to remove dirt and makeup/product build up/dead skin cells from your pores as gently as possible, so that your protective barrier layer remains intact.

This (your intact skin barrier) is how your skin thrives, whether it's 100 degrees or 0, regardless of whether you tend to be dry or oily and acne prone.

Now that we've covered cleansing and exfoliating, let's talk toner.

You should really do that, always.

But if you notice that your skin is drier during the fall and winter, 

you may want to add a hydrosol to your routine.

A spritz of alcohol-free rose or lavender hydrosol is a great way to add hydration to your skin. However, there's a catch -

you need to follow it with a moisturizer.

If you simply spritz and go, the evaporation of the liquid will pull more moisture away from your skin, which will make you feel even more parched.

But a mist of hydrosol followed by a few drops of facial oil/and or butter is going to make you feel so juicy and glowy!

It sounds like such a silly little extra thing, but it really does make a difference.

If your skin is dry, it's definitely something to consider adding to your routine this fall.

Now, let's talk moisturizing.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

via GIPHY

  It seems so obvious, and yet so many of you still don't do it. Why?!

 I'm kidding - I get it. You slacked on moisturizing over the summer because you could get away with less in the humidity, you're trying to save money, you're worried about clogging your pores...

But it's time to start moisturizing regularly now, before the temperatures drop.

There are so many options for facial moisturizers in the world, but I recommend starting with oil. 

 A plant based facial oil will not only replenish your skin's natural oil to help it retain moisture, but it also contains antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to repair your skin and strengthen your skin barrier.

Again, a strong skin barrier = happy, supple, naturally moisturized skin.

If you've never moisturized with oil before, it may feel like too much at first, but after a week or two your skin will come into balance and start soaking it up!

And if you're worried about putting oil on your face, I recommend testing the waters with a lightweight carrier oil - hemp, grapeseed, rosehip, or jojoba are all great options for beginners.

Then, you can add a richer moisturizer on top!

Yes, you can.

Even you, with the oily and acne prone skin.

The shea butter in Butter, and the shea + mango butters + candelilla wax in Filter Balm are non-pore clogging, and they work to form a protective barrier layer to lock in all of the skin-repairing goodness from your hydrosol and facial oil.

I know what you're probably thinking...

via GIPHY

No, I'm not!

It may seem like a fancy extra in the summer, but I promise that it's not extra in the fall and winter when the air is much more dry. This time of year, it's a necessity.

For your body too! Over the years I've learned that lots of people never moisturize their bodies, and then they come to me wondering what to do about their dry, itchy arms and legs once the weather turns cold. Well, your body wants to be moisturized too. Start now, and you'll stay comfy!

Finally, be sure to 

protect your lips in the fall.

Your lips don't produce oil or have their own barrier layer, so it's important to keep them well moisturized in the fall and winter. 

A simple swipe of Balm as you head out into the cold air, then another at bedtime is probably all you need, 

but if you forget and end up with chapped lips, exfoliating them often is perfectly appropriate! 

 Lip Scrub combined with my roll-on blueberry Lip Oil is a great duo for keeping your lips in shape, but you could also gently rub your lips with a damp washcloth if you want to keep it simple.

Just be sure to immediately follow any scrub with more moisturizer.

Lip Oil, Butter and Balm are all great for repairing chapped lips after exfoliating. I recommend experimenting with a mix of all three to find what works for you.

 And that's it!

I hope you've picked up a few new tips to keep in mind as we head into fall.

Cheers to another season of balanced skin!

Stefanie

This warm, rosy, grounding fragrance from the Twinkle Apothecary signature fragrance collection first made its debut all the way back in 2016, but it's still one of my absolute favorites. I think it's a perfect fall transition scent to enjoy while there are still some warm, summery days ahead of us!

This one will be a 5 ml spray bottle. If you'd like to get on the list for this oldie but goodie at the special surprise subscription price be sure to place your order for the Surprise Scent Monthly by Saturday, September 14th at noon central. They ship out on Monday, September 16th!

Click here to order this month's Surprise Scent

No worries if you miss the deadline though - you can also order it anytime from the Perfume Archives for $35!

Looking forward to making this one for you as always, 

Stefanie

Back to school isn't just for kids. Getting back into a routine after the ease of summer and vacation time is a big transition for everyone!

Here's what I recommend to make getting back up and at 'em a little easier.

First, get restocked.

Do you have everything you need to keep your skin on track with a simple routine that'll put you to bed at night and get you out the door quickly in the mornings? If you're a little low on your Twinkle standbys or are eeking out the last drops of the travel size products you took with you on vacation, now is the time to invest in fresh set of big bottles. 

The Full Size Skincare Set ($180) is basically the adult equivalent of getting a brand new pair of sneakers, with a snazzy backpack and lunch box to match. And, it's a good value as buying these items separately would cost $195 or more. Use your Twinkle Rewards coupons for even more savings and you'll be all set for months!

Mornings

Eye Serum ($15) will make you look like a morning person, even if you're definitely not. Apply it first thing out of bed to quickly de-puff and brighten so you can get on with your day!

If you need help feeling like a morning person, consider adding some aromatherapy to your morning routine. A spritz of citrusy Zest, or an Essential Oil Roller ($14-$24) in something zippy like grapefruit, bergamot, peppermint, or eucalyptus will wake up your senses before your first sip of coffee. Keep a bottle on your nightstand so you remember to reach for it when your alarm goes off!

 Getting Ready In A Flash

When there's no time to wash and dry, a sprinkle of Dry Shampoo ($20) in your favorite Twinkle fragrance will refresh and add volume to your hair. 

Backpack Essentials 

Never leave home without a tube of Balm ($10-$25)! Not only will it keep your lips comfy throughout the day, but it can be your hand lotion or even an emergency salve when you're on the go.

A 1 oz bottle of Hand Sanitizer ($15) fits easily in any bag and will keep you safe from the onslaught of back to school germs floating about. It's gentle on your hands, and the light, refreshing functional scent is so much better than any store bought glop from a plastic tube.

Early Bedtime Luxuries

If you struggle to put yourself to bed on time, applying a calming, grounding natural fragrance like Sandalwood or Lavender will help you unwind. A bedtime perfume feels like such a luxurious treat that you'll actually look forward to getting cozy under the covers. For an even more luxurious upgrade, put them together in a custom scent! (Build Your Own Scent: $40)

Essential Oil Rollers in lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, vetiver, atlas cedar, and patchouli are also wonderful options for bedtime aromatherapy...

Then, it'll be time to get up and repeat your lovely little routine again. And again. And again.

Until next summer!

But I'm looking forward to supplying you with the healthy goods to keep you going along the way.

Take care,

Stefanie

Ok, so it's less of a hint and more of a dead giveaway, but oh well!

I don't want anyone to miss the chance to get a roll-on bottle of this cooling, refreshing, grounding functional fragrance at the special subscription price.

Remember - if you're a natural perfume lover on a budget, the Surprise Scent Monthly subscription fragrances cost $10 - $15 less than buying the same scents from the Perfume Archives listing!

So click the link below to order the August scent anytime before the 14th at noon central.

Order the Surprise Scent Monthly

I can't wait to make it for you!

Stefanie

Not much to say except, it's hot out there. So here's how to stay cool, 

Twinkle Apothecary style: 

Armpits

Deodorant doesn't have to be your only option. Try layering it with a salt stone and/or Body & Foot Powder (now available in a million custom scents) for extra protection.

Refresh with Toner or Hydrosol as needed.

Hair

The Twinkle Apothecary approach to skincare is actually pretty simple. When you use high quality, nutrient dense plant-based ingredients, there's no need to get too fancy! These products work because they allow your skin to do what it's meant to do - balance and heal itself. 

As much as I LOVE making and sharing products that help heal your skin, I've struggled to write and share about skincare lately - probably because after nine years in the game (and being perfectly happy with my own very routine routine all the while,) I feel like I've already said everything I have to say on the subject. So, I've linked to other blogs I've already written about skincare at the end of this post. Be sure to read them and/or save this post for later if you'd like more information about how these minimally processed products work.

Today, I'd like to share a nice, basic, all-natural skincare routine - which is based on my personal routine - but with a lot of options to make it your own, because only you know what your skin needs on any given day.

I recommend the starter skincare set ($55) to get your natural skincare journey going. These four products are all you need to get a good idea of how your skin will respond. Follow the steps below and stick with it for at least a couple of weeks to see full results!

Now, the following may seem like a lot of information, but I'm sharing it because I want you to feel empowered to do your own thing. Don't get overwhelmed! Try it out, take what you need and leave what you don't - I promise you cannot mess this up!

Morning Skincare

 Eye serum is the very first thing I do, every single morning. I tried skipping it for a few weeks a couple of years ago to see if I could minimize my routine further, but I found that it really does make a difference in de-puffing and waking up my eyes in the mornings. If you don't want any extra bells and whistles feel free to leave it out, or, to use it at the middle or end of your routine instead. Test it out and see what works best for you!

If you've gone to bed with clean skin, your face doesn't need much the next morning. Oil cleansing is a gentle and moisturizing way to remove any dirt or oil that could have become trapped in your pores overnight. I mostly use it as an excuse to gua sha, which seriously perks up my face. Sometimes instead of wiping the oil off with a wash cloth I just rinse it off in the shower, or, wipe it off with a cloth dampened with toner. I usually use my rejuvenating blend oil, but you may prefer a carrier oil like grapeseed, jojoba, or argan, or, a mix of both/everything. Of course you're welcome to powder cleanse instead. Try both and see what you prefer!

This step may sound like the one you can easily pass on, but don't! Acne prone skin will see serious improvements from the witch hazel based toner, while dry skin will drink up the rose or lavender hydrosol. Either way, leave your skin damp while moving onto the next step to lock in the hydration...

Yes, everyone - no matter their skin type - can and should moisturize with oil. If you are new to facial oil, it may feel like too much at first. Give it a couple of weeks, and your skin will be drinking it up! You can stop with oil, you can follow the oil with butter or filter balm, or you can mix any of this into your foundation. You will see softer, more evenly-toned skin, and amazingly - for my fellow oily skin types - your skin will become more balanced as it will no longer need to overproduce its own oil.

Honorable mention step #5: acne spot treatment. Roll this on at the end of your routine and let it dry before applying your makeup!

Ditto that for nighttime too...

Nighttime Skincare

Again, oil cleansing is a great first step at nighttime for removing makeup. Whether you wear eye tint or a conventional mascara, this is 100% the most gentle way to take it off! If you didn't wear makeup you can skip this step. Or, you can choose to skip the following step two and only oil cleanse. But don't underestimate the power of an occasional "double cleanse," especially if you're someone with easily clogged pores.

 This is the step that truly elevates your nighttime routine - the powder cleanse/face mask treatment portion of the evening! Powder cleansers may seem complicated and messy at first, but this blend of oats, clay, and aloe effectively cleanses while protecting your skin barrier, unlike most foaming liquid/cream cleansers and soaps.

Here's what I keep at home: a big bottle of the cleanser base, with small bottles of the pore-refining and exfoliating boosts to mix in at the sink, depending on what I think my skin needs that day. Most nights, I just use the base on its own. I probably use the pore-refining boost once or twice a week, and the exfoliating boost about once a month or so? That said, most of my customers buy the cleanser pre-mixed with the boost of their choice. Either way works. I'm happy to offer options for everyone!  

For the billionth time I say - do not skip toner. I sometimes like to think of toner as a second (or third, if you're double cleansing) cleansing step. The idea is to go to bed with your skin sparkling clean, and toner helps remove any extra debris lurking in your pores. It brings your skin back to its preferred acidic state after cleansing. It adds a boost of hydration if you're dry. It really does make a difference. 

Now that your skin is sparkling clean, it's time to add back some repairing moisture. A few drops of oil, followed by butter to seal it all in overnight. Of course, you're welcome to stop with oil. You're welcome to use butter instead of oil. You're welcome to use filter balm at night instead of butter! The point is to moisturize. I always like to follow with a facial rolling session, which I find helps everything soak in nicely. And of course, acne spot treatment if necessary.

And that's the official-yet-customizable and completely natural Twinkle Apothecary skincare routine!

To learn more about why this works so well, check out the following posts:

What is Microbiome Friendly Skincare?

How to Do Skin Care

Simple Skin Care Routines for Morning and Night

How to Oil Cleanse

4 Reasons to Fall in Love with Powder Cleanser

Time to sign up for July's Surprise Scent. 

There are 10 days left to order, so here's a mood board hint:

It's just a sweet and simple little mini vacation in a bottle. :) I designed this one for the Perfume Junkie Club way back in 2019. This time it's going to be a spray. Any guesses?

Well, you don't have to wait long to find out!

Place your order for the Surprise Scent Monthly by Sunday, July 14th at noon central to get a bottle. A one-time purchase is $30, the monthly subscription is $25, or you can do a pre-paid plan for as low as $20 a bottle!

Or, if you miss it, you can order one from the Perfume Archives anytime for $35. 

Either way, you're going to smell amazing!

Looking forward to making this one for you,

Stefanie

Because there are so many delicious options here at Twinkle Apothecary, I've sorted them into different categories for this post.

There are summer perfumes that smell like a vacation,

summer perfumes for backyard hangouts,

and refreshing summer scents that are perfect for cooling things down.

So no matter what you're up to this season, I think we can find a natural perfume to match!

First, perfumes that smell like a vacation.

These are my favorite warm, sweet, sometimes spicy, tropical florals.

Whether you're looking for something to capture the mood of your favorite getaway, or something to make you feel like you're on the beach when you're actually stuck at your desk, you can't go wrong with any of these warm weather treats.

Tropic Flora, Island Spice, Wave, Summer Saturdays, and Le Bikini all have a similar vibe, but they each have a little something special about them that will make you want to sample and collect them all. Personally, I just love a sweet, warm, sandalwood-y floral, so these are some of my top favorites that I want to wear all year long!

Summer scents for a backyard party...

As much as I love a sweet tropical floral, I also want my scent to match my current atmosphere. When I'm out at the park or grilling veggies in the backyard, I always reach for a green, grassy, herbal, or woodsy scent like the ones in this video:

If you want to feel like a picnic, check out (new!) Cut Grass, Dolce Vita, Goddess, Backyard, and Dope Queen.

As a sneaky little bonus, these are also made with essential oils that have natural mosquito repelling properties! I included Dope Queen in this collection because it seriously soothes the itch and swelling when I do get a bite. Summer necessity.

Refreshing Summer Fragrances To Cool Things Down.

Think it's too hot to wear perfume? NEVER, I SAY! You just need something refreshing, zesty, light, cooling, and maybe a little bit boozy. 

Orange Blossom Water, Mamacita, Pompette, Tonic, and Cat Buttons are the most thirst-quenching fragrances in my collection. Just don't actually drink them, although I do understand if you're tempted...

Most of these summery scents can be found in the Perfume Archives, but I recommend scrolling down to see the full collection. You may just find something you love to wear year-round!

Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your summer!

Stefanie

There are just 10 days left to sign up for this month's surprise scent, so here's your mood board hint: 

Any guesses?

I chose this scent from the archives for June because it's fresh and light, with zesty, fruity notes that are reminiscent of a refreshing summer cocktail. It's a nice little pick-me-up when worn alone, but also layers well with a more substantial base note layering fragrance, like amber, sandalwood, or cream if you want to add a little oomph. 

If you want to get on the list to get this one at the special subscription price ($20-$30 depending on what plan you choose,) be sure to place your order by June 14th at noon central. 

Click here to order the Surprise Scent Monthly

No worries if you miss it though, you can order this scent anytime from the perfume archives listing for $35, here!

Can't wait to share this one with you!

Stefanie

This one is *classic* Twinkle...

One of the first four fragrances I ever designed, from way back in 2015.

It's light, it's fresh, it's creamy, it's sweet, it's... well, it's exactly as pictured.

And this one is going to be in a spray bottle, for the ultimate in warm-weather refreshment!

Signing up for the surprise subscription get's you a discount, but you've got to place your order by May 14th at noon central.

Click here to order the Surprise Scent Monthly

If you miss it, no worries - you can order it for $35 anytime from the perfume archives!

 Looking forward to making this one for you soon,

Stefanie

This means that it's time for a mood board hint: 

This warm, sweet, spicy/earthy tropical floral was originally from the Twinkle Apothecary Signature Fragrance collection.

This time, it's going to be a solid perfume, packaged in a biodegradable paperboard push-up tube, with a little extra flourish of virgin coconut oil, and a scented floral wax at the base.

That's right... I'm going all out to usher in the warmth and sunshine this spring!

I hope you can join me by signing up to get this month's scent - you have until noon central on Sunday, April 14th to order the Surprise Scent Monthly.

It's $30 for a one-time purchase, $25 for a month-to-month subscription, or as low as $20 for a pre-paid plan. They ship on Monday, April 15th.

Click here to order this month's Surprise Scent.

If you miss it, you can order this scent anytime for $35 from the Perfume Archives!

I'm looking forward to making this one for you,

Stefanie

2024 is flying by, and there are just 9 more days to sign up for March's Surprise Scent!

It's time to give you a mood board hint:

If you are familiar (or were familiar) with the original Twinkle Apothecary skincare (specifically the facial oil and toning mist) circa 2016-2022, then you are probably also familiar with this scent! 

Or, if you ever came into my Oklahoma City retail store when it was open - this is most likely what it smelled like. This uplifting scent is very nostalgic for me!

It's a sunny, refreshing, green floral with a light woody base, and this time it's going to be in a 5 ml oil based roll-on bottle.

You have until Thursday, March 14th at noon central to order the Surprise Scent Monthly to get on the list for this one at the special subscription price.

Click to order the Surprise Scent for March ($20-30)

Otherwise, you can order it anytime from the Perfume Archives for $35!

I'm so excited to revisit this one with you. Hope to see you on the list!

Stefanie

Happy (almost?!) Spring! 

If you're currently feeling the urge to switch out your heavy, rich, spicy winter fragrances for something to match the upcoming season, I've got some of my springiest favorites to share with you in this post. 

Spring has a lot of different moods, but regardless of what the weather is doing, I'm usually wanting to wear something light, uplifting, sunny, sweet, and fresh. And of course I love flowers, (what kind of a perfumer would I be if I didn't?) so I made this little video compilation showcasing my favorite fresh florals for spring:

Each of these -

bloom, mulholland, florcore, sorbet, nag champa, pink mafia, tuberose vert, fancy face, and no. 7 -

can be ordered from the perfume archives.

For more ideas and options, I recommend checking out this post from spring '23 for an even wider variety of good smelly things to match the moment.

Or, try layering your perfumes!

Spring alway feels like the perfect time to try something new, so I recommend experimenting with my layering fragrances this time of year to find something that feels totally fresh and unique.

There are A LOT of different options and there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to finding something that you like to wear together, but I did come up with some classic spring combos to use as a starting point: 

For something sweet and happy, orange blossom, nectar, and cream is a classic spring composition. Zest, rose, and sandalwood feels warm, grounding, and sophisticated. If you're not big on florals, I'd recommend layering tea, lavender, and soft musk for something herbal and refreshing!

You could pare it down by picking your favorite two scents, or combine them all together - and of course I'd be more than happy to make a custom blend of your favorite 2-4 spring scents if you choose to purchase the build your own scent option.

Or -

you might be interested to know that I have new, 3 ml roll-on bottles in store for $20 each, so this might be a sign that it's finally time for you to collect them all!

I thought these little guys would be perfect for travel, gifting, or, just the right size for anyone who likes to change up their fragrance often. 

And who here doesn't like playing around with trying new natural perfumes?

So scroll down to explore all of your options, and I wish you many bright, sunny, warm days ahead, along with the perfect new scent to match! 

Stefanie 

PS - if you want something truly unique for spring, I'd recommend sweet lavender, orange grove, tea rose, or lavender bud from this collection of solid perfumes in repurposed vintage containers: 

Click here to order Vintage Solid Perfumes