Open Yourself To A World Of Scents
Scents often have a powerful way of sneaking up and taking you on a trip down memory lane when you least expect it. How often have you walked past a guy on the street that wore the same after-shave as your ex-boyfriend and it took you back to the time you were dating? Or have you ever smelled biscuits in the oven and you have been reminded of when you used to bake with your mum when you were little?
Leading French perfume expert Yves Dombrowsky says that we are all attracted to scents in a different way and the importance of scent should never be underestimated.
“Scents conjure up different things for different people and we are generally attracted to scents that give us a sense of what we feel about ourselves or even our dreams,” he says.
In a fast-paced society where long hours and overtime is the norm and holidays are taken less often, scents can often be used to transport people away from life’s problems and make them feel like a new person – have you ever wondered why people put aromatherapy oils in the bath to relax and unwind after a stressful day?
“Some of us psychologically are more attracted to woody scents because they are grounding and tend to bring us back to the present whereas others are attracted to more florally type scents which are heady and take us away from the present,” says Yves. “Citruses are happy scents that tend to uplift us and spices are exotic which are reminiscent of far-off lands.”
With fragrances having such a powerful effect on the psyche, it’s no wonder that companies are beginning to realise that using fragrance in different ways can really set their products apart from others on the market.
Gillette’s new Venus Spa Breeze razor incorporates the luxurious fragrance of white tea in its shave gel bars to sooth the senses and offer an indulgent moment to your day - reminiscent of a premium spa experience.
“White tea is a fragrance that invokes feelings of escape, reassurance and a kind of refreshment for the body and soul,” says Yves. “It has been a popular scent for centuries in Japan and China where it was also used for its anti-oxidant properties so it has been around for a long time.
Yves says finding your own signature scent is important as it can be useful in attracting as many people as possible. “The right flavor and fragrance should be delicate, light, fresh, and slightly sweet and should reflect your mood - refreshed, light with a feeling of boosted well-being.”
If you find a scent that becomes as familiar as an old friend, not only will it add to your overall outward appearance to others but it will also be able to invigorate you when you need a little pick-me-up during the day.