Secrets in Bloom: Rituals from My Garden & Vanity
Every so often, I send love notes in the form of a newsletter to the Aurora Sage inner circle; full of sensory rituals, seasonal obsessions, special discount codes, and secrets I don’t always share publicly. In my most recent newsletter, I unveiled a few of my spring favorites… and I thought I’d offer a glimpse here too — just a taste, a petal or two from the garden.
If you’d like to receive the full bloom next time (including exclusive rituals, playlist links, and unreleased behind-the-scenes moments) you can sign up [here]. The most beautiful things are often kept a little hidden.
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1. Scenting My Skin Like a Garden in Bloom
La Trinité has become my second skin. The rollerball makes it easy to anoint myself daily — behind the ears, inside the elbows, the ends of my hair. It’s jasmine, gardenia, and citrus blossom… but it’s also confidence, softness, and quiet power. I like to think of it as a fragrance that lingers like a thought you can’t shake.
I’ve even started rolling a bit onto my silk pillowcase or robe; it’s subtle, but the way it clings to fabric is magic.
“You smell so good.”
My perfume is a part of me now. A ribbon of scent that calls to them — my children, friends, lovers. They all lean closer, just to breathe me in.
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2. The Tea That Tastes Like Perfume
Lately, I’ve been making a jasmine + lemon + honey tea in the afternoons. It smells just like La Trinité — floral, citrusy, warm. I steep jasmine pearls with a squeeze of lemon (right from my garden) and stir in raw honey. If I’m feeling extra, I’ll add a splash of rosewater. It’s like sipping my scent — and it feels like a ritual of devotion to beauty itself.
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3. The Movie That Matches My Mood
I recently rewatched The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) and remembered why I love it so much. The chemistry. The elegance. Rene Russo’s strength and softness. It’s all about smart seduction — art, power, and sensuality entwined. It’s the exact frequency I’m tuning into right now.
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4. The Lip Liner I Can’t Live Without
Kevyn Aucoin’s lip pencil in ‘Minimal’ has been my daily essential for years. It’s a 90s-style neutral — soft, sculpting, and perfectly understated. My signature lip. I’ll wear it alone, or with a bit of balm. Looks great as well with Huda Beauty lipstick in ‘Wedding Day’. It’s that “no makeup, just glowing” kind of look that still feels polished. I love it with a touch of cream blush on cheeks and lids; gives the perfect subtle flush.
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5. The Soundtrack to It All
I made a playlist called Kissed by the Garden — a slow, sensual soundtrack to this season. It’s a mix of Mazzy Star, Lana Del Rey, Jeff Buckley, Rhye, Sade… the kind of music that feels like lying in the sun with someone you love.
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6. The Mood: Soft Power
There’s something rebellious about choosing softness; especially when the world asks you to harden. This season, I’m choosing bare shoulders, secret perfumes, time to myself, and beauty that’s for me. I think that’s what makes it powerful — it’s not performative. It’s sacred.
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These are the little rituals holding me right now, the things I return to again and again. I’ll keep sharing more secrets (I have many!) here and even more in my private letters. Until then, thank you for stepping into the garden with me.
Xo Stephanie