boost your emotions with the power of scent and perfume
From feelings of confidence to comfort, this is the smart way to use fragrance to strengthen your mood
More than just a scented accessory, fragrance has the power to change or intensify our emotions. Did you know that 75% of human emotions are based on what we smell, rather than what we see or hear? In our brains, scent is processed in the olfactory bulb and that information is passed on to the limbic system, including the amygdala - an area that deals with emotions. We also know that fragrance has a bearing on the hippocampus region, where memories are processed and stored. This explains why some scents can so viscerally transport us back in time to poignant or precious moments - childhood holidays at the seaside, weekends spent with grandparents or our wedding day.
This stronghold that fragrance has over us is partly why companies now use scent to entice customers in. Whether it’s an energising aroma being pumped out of a store entrance or a sweet, comforting interior perfume wafting through the reception of a luxury hotel, the power of fragrance and scent is all around.
Why not use scent to conjure up the emotions you really want to feel? From confident to comforted, we have gathered together the positive emotions we could all do with enhancing from time to time
FRAGRANCE TO FEEL CONFIDENT
It’s easy for nerves to get the better of us; sweaty palms, heart racing, dry mouth. In these instances, look to woody fragrances that will help you feel calm and grounded. Sandalwood and cedarwood are your friend when you want to balance those nervous emotions. Studies show that rosemary increases memory, ideal if that presentation requires you to know your stuff by heart.
FRAGRANCE TO FEEL RELAXED
We all know that lavender is a go-to when you need to relax. But did you know that marine notes, inspired by the sea have a relaxing effect on us too? Water has being known to have calming effecctsn and aquatic fragrances, that conjure visions of free-flowing waves, trickling streams and crystal-clear waters, are the perfect go-to when you want to chill out.
FRAGRANCE TO FEEL COMFORTED
Vanilla is comforting, studies prove it, but we also know that just from experience. Vanilla is the flavour we are often drawn to as children when we’re offered an ice cream cone and its tell-tale sweet taste can even be detected in breast milk. In fact, sweet and creamy aromas like chocolate and caramel all have a comforting role.
However, not everyone loves a sweet perfume. Other times of comfort are in the bath or when we slide into fresh, clean sheets, which could explain why soapy scents also lend a sensorial hug of comfort.
FRAGRANCE TO FEEL ENERGISED
Nothing is as energising for body and mind as a citrus scent. Whether it’s lemon, orange or grapefruit, a zesty fragrance will help you kickstart your day or mist away that 4pm slump (no nap required). Beyond citrus, refreshing mint also has the power to boost your mood and give you that oomph you need.
FRAGRANCE TO EVOKE MEMORIES
Scent has the power to manipulate and ignite our emotions. From the beachy suncream scent associated with a holiday to the perfume your mother wore when you were a child, we often relate scent directly to a memory or a moment in time. "Scents can alter our emotions and moods more than any other sensory experience". This due to "the unique connection in the brain where scent, emotion, memories and associations are processed". dr Rachel Hertz explaians
Want to create new emotions through scent? Patchouli is both earthy and sweet, making it a distinctive and unforgettable aroma. For a genderless fragrance to bottle your memories, you could opt for a perfume with green patchouli with an aroma that is as unforgettable as it is sensual.
FRAGRANCE TO FEEL HAPPY
Since fragrance is so closely linked to emotions and memories, often the perfumes that make us feel truly happy are personal to us. It could be the scent of fig because it reminds you of an amazing holiday in the Mediterranean or of rose because your friend who always makes you laugh wears it. Have a look at our list of blending scents in our shopping section !
