Beauty flash: essential oils pull double-duty for time-poor mums. Here’s 3 to try:

If you thought aromatherapy was all patchouli and joss sticks, it’s time to think again. These days there’s an essential oil blend to address everything from muscle tension to morning brain and the right one can turn your bath or shower into a luxury spa experience to be enjoyed daily.

The splurge

This set of 9 uplifting blends by Aromatherapy Associates is the perfect introduction. Choose from Relax and De-Stress, designed to leave you soothed and tranquil, or Revive to stimulate the mind and senses. Three Support blends are also included, created to counter environmental stresses, ease breathing and calm sensitive skin. €40 from Net-A-Porter.com

The saviour

Designed to give you a relaxing and rejuvenating deep sleep, this works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray releases relaxing lavender, vetivert and wild camomile oils to calm the mind and help you drop off. Team it with the brand’s uber hydrating Provencal Lavender Deep Sleep Night Oil, which you slather on before bedtime to relieve tension in the body and prepare you for a peaceful, deep sleep. €36.82 (for both) from LookFantastic.com 

The secret weapon 

Aromachologie Alchemy for tired muscles and fatigue is L’Occitane’s signature blend of mint, pine and rosemary essential oils. Massage it directly onto skin, or add to your bath and wallow away your worries in nourishing grapeseed, apricot, borage and sallow. €16.50, L’Occitane