Snug Points
Spring Collection
On 26th May 2026, the UK heatwave arrived in full force.
Outside, temperatures climbed to around 35°C. Inside my candle studio, it sat at roughly 27°C – which may not sound unbearable until you’re standing over melted soy wax, pouring candles for hours while surrounded by warm air and essential oils.
I had all the windows open, fans running constantly, and a large homemade iced coffee beside me that I kept refilling throughout the afternoon just to stay somewhat functional.
Even with all that, the heat felt heavy.
That slow, sticky kind of heat that drains your energy and makes it difficult to think clearly.
At one point, while pouring candles, I suddenly noticed something strange.
I felt… better.
Not dramatically cooler, of course – the temperature hadn’t changed – but somehow more refreshed and more comfortable in the heat.
At first, I assumed it was the iced coffee finally kicking in.
I actually filmed part of that candle-making session during the heatwave. If you’d like to see just how warm it was in the lab (and how many iced coffees it took to get through the day), you can watch the Reel on Instagram.
But then it happened again. And again…
Curious, I started smelling each candle blend individually while I worked. One by one, I noticed that certain scents consistently created that same feeling of relief.
The blends were:
The difference was surprisingly noticeable.
Somehow, these particular blends felt lighter, fresher, and almost cooling in the middle of the heatwave.
As someone with a background in chemistry engineering and years of experience formulating essential oil blends, I immediately started wondering why.
So naturally, I went straight to my formulation notes.
And that’s when I spotted the pattern.
The One Ingredient These Blends Had in Common
When I checked the ingredient lists, I realised all four blends contained either peppermint or spearmint essential oil.
That was the moment everything clicked.
Peppermint… Spearmint… They all contain Menthol!
Even though these blends smell very different overall, they all shared one important characteristic: cooling mint compounds.
And then, almost instantly, I remembered something from years earlier while travelling in Thailand.
The Heatwave Memory That Suddenly Made Sense
When I travelled around Thailand, I constantly noticed locals carrying small nasal inhalers called POY-SIAN.
People would casually sniff them throughout the day, especially in hot weather.
At the time, I thought it was simply refreshing or energising.
Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, so I bought one myself.
And honestly, it really did help.
The cooling sensation was surprisingly noticeable in the intense heat and humidity. It made hot air feel easier to handle, especially when walking around outside all day.
Years later, while standing in my candle-making home lab during a UK heatwave, it suddenly all made complete sense.
Most of these inhalers contain menthol alongside peppermint-type aromatic compounds.
That cooling sensation people experience isn’t imaginary.
There’s actual science behind it.
Why Mint Essential Oils Can Feel Cooling
Peppermint and spearmint naturally contain menthol compounds that interact with cold-sensitive receptors in the body called TRPM8 receptors.
These receptors are responsible for detecting cool temperatures.
When menthol activates them, your brain interprets the sensation as cooling – even if the air temperature itself hasn’t changed.
In simple terms, menthol helps your body feel cooler.
That’s why peppermint is often used in:
- Cooling gels
- Muscle balms
- Summer skincare
- Shower products
- Inhalers
- Refreshing aromatherapy blends
Spearmint tends to feel softer and sweeter than peppermint, while peppermint has a sharper, more intense freshness.
But both can create that refreshing sensation that feels especially comforting during hot weather.
While pouring my natural candles that day, I wasn’t reducing the room temperature at all.
But certain aromas were genuinely making the heat feel more manageable.
Why Some Essential Oils Feel Better During Hot Weather
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that fragrance behaves very differently depending on temperature.
During cooler months, people often gravitate towards:
- Rich woods
- Spices
- Vanilla
- Deep resins
But during a heatwave, those same scents can suddenly feel overwhelming.
Fresh, citrusy, herbal, and mint-based aromas, like those in the Lime & Tea Tree collection, tend to feel far more comfortable in warm environments because they create a sense of brightness and airiness.
That’s exactly what I experienced while working with these blends.
And interestingly, it wasn’t only the peppermint and spearmint contributing to the feeling.
The supporting oils played a huge role too.
The Other Essential Oils That Helped Me Feel Better
Citrus Oils: Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit & Sweet Orange
Citrus oils instantly make a space feel fresher.
Lime and grapefruit especially have a crisp sharpness that cuts through heavy, stagnant air beautifully.
Sweet orange adds warmth without becoming overpowering, while lemon brings clarity and brightness.
Psychologically, citrus scents often feel:
- Cleaner
- Lighter
- More energising
- More breathable
During hot weather, that effect becomes incredibly noticeable.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass is one of my favourite oils for summer.
It has a vibrant, crisp, almost sparkling quality that naturally suits warm weather.
It’s commonly used in tropical climates for a reason – it smells refreshing without feeling overly sweet.
In hot conditions, lemongrass can make a room feel mentally “lighter,” even when the temperature remains high.
Why Heatwaves Can Make Fragrance Feel Stronger
One thing many people notice during very hot weather is that fragrances suddenly seem more intense.
That’s because heat increases evaporation.
Essential oils diffuse more quickly into the air, which can make scents feel:
- Stronger
- Sharper
- More noticeable
This is also why synthetic fragrances can sometimes feel overwhelming during heatwaves.
Heavy artificial scents often become cloying in warm temperatures.
Natural essential oil blends tend to feel softer and more breathable because they contain the complex aromatic compounds naturally found in plants.
That doesn’t mean every essential oil works well in summer though.
Personally, during hot weather I naturally gravitate towards:
- Mint
- Citrus
- Herbal oils
- Green notes
- Fresh florals
They simply feel more comfortable to live with.
Sometimes Your Body Notices Things Before You Do
That day reminded me how powerful scent can be.
Not in an exaggerated way.
Not as a miracle cure.
But in the subtle ways fragrance influences how we experience our surroundings, emotions, and even temperature.
While I was standing in my home lab pouring candles during one of the hottest days of the year, my body noticed something before my brain fully understood it. And my brain brought warm memories from one of the best holidays I’ve ever had.
Certain essential oils simply made the heat feel easier to handle.
Now, whenever summer arrives, I pay far more attention to the fragrances I surround myself with.
Because sometimes the smallest sensory details – a cool glass of iced coffee, fresh air through an open window, or the scent of peppermint drifting through the room – can completely change how a day feels.
And honestly, during a heatwave, those little moments matter more than ever.
Stay Cosy,
Rita
