The summer holidays are well and truly over and it’s all school runs, homework, packed lunches and in my case, a feeling of raised blood pressure as I scrape god-knows-what off a tie at 7.30am while trying to make hummus sandwiches with the other hand. Can anyone relate?

This week has been a lot easier though as I’ve been road-testing some stress busting products. In the past I might have used Shiraz, and I’m not saying I’m averse, but I do find that a little bit of aromatherapy works too – and doesn’t leave you with purple teeth of a morning.

On the school run, I take Aveda’s Stress-Fix Concentrate (£22) in my pocket and sniff it like a maniac when I can’t find a parking space near the school gates. You can rub it on pulse points too, or massage into tense shoulders and I love the posh, herbal smell. It makes me smile at traffic wardens. OK, not smile, just not shout.

Back home, I love a candle, especially as my house often smells of either nappies or salmon. Or both. Cowshed Grumpy Cow Uplifting Room Candle (£30) is the perfect morning uplifter, and I adore the way that the grapefruit oil cuts through last night’s kitchen smells and zings me into an awake – but not at all irritable – state of mind. No nasty paraffin or petroleum in it either.

I don’t normally have long enough for a bath in the morning but at night, Neom Tranquillity Bath Foam (£20) is perfect for chilling our pre-bedtime and making sure you don’t lie there mulling over all the things you need to do the next day (or is that just me?). Gorgeously lavendery with a hint of herby basil.

In the morning before a shower, I love Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Mind Bath & Shower Oil (£39). It might seem a bit odd rubbing in an oil before you shower, but this is just gorgeous and such a quick way to feel like you’re at a spa when you’re really just hoping Bob The Builder will keep them occupied for the full ten minutes.

 Finally, something for your face: de Mamiel Autumn Facial Oil (£60), which not only contains essential oils renowned for their moisturising and anti-wrinkle qualities, but also flower essences to encourage calmness and happiness as summer’s energy packs up for the winter and nights draw in. Genius.

For ideas on what to put on the Christmas wish list have a look at our Luxe Beauty Gallery.