The Power of Perfume for Positivity

Perfume has undeniable powers to affect our mood. Here's how to spritz yourself happy...

Amid the stresses and strains of modern daily life we all need a duvet day, but what's the perfume equivalent of a duvet day? A spirit lifting scent you want to curl up with in order to feel comforted and rejuvenated, sounds perfect!

For those of you thinking that a perfume such as this is just a far away dream and that fragrances can't really inject the missing feel-good factor into our lives, think again. Studies show that a massive 75 per cent of our emotions are triggered by smell. For the scientific among us, when you inhale a smell it stimulates the brain's emotional control centre, the limbic system, where fear, depression and joy originate. If you recognise a scent because it stirs up memories of times when you felt happy, your brain releases mood-enhancing chemicals, including serotonin and endorphin. If the scent is connected with bad memories, the stress hormone cortisol is released.

In addition to our emotional response, there is also scientific evidence that some scents can cause chemical reactions within our bodies which change how we feel. The limbic system controls our heart rates, blood pressure and our nervous systems, so certain fragrances can have a physical effect too. With all this science in mind, read on to find your personal perfume for positivity!

Calming Down

I've previously written about my love for lavender on a recent blog post here, and glancing at the perfume counters right now reveals that this love is widespread. The familiar floral scent offers an antidote to stressful modern life by encouraging relaxation and calmness.

1. Guerlain Mon Guerlain EDP is comforting and soothing with the combination of smoky lavender and creamy vanilla.

2. L'Occitane Terre De Lumiere EDP will calm your mind with the warm scents of lavender and sweet honey.

3. Byredo's Blanche Kabuki Perfume is designed to be massaged over the pulse points with a gossamer-soft brush creating a mini ritual to make you feel grounded.

Ultimate Uplift

Citrus scents including: lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange are perfect pick-me-ups. These lively, all-rounders have been proven to boost vitality and positivity. Here are some refreshing perfumes to try:

1. L'Eau D'Issey Pure EDT is a combination of zesty and aquatic notes, conjuring up a walk by the ocean waves with a fresh orange juice in hand.

2. Jo Malone Star Magnolia Limited Edition Cologne is one part floral (magnolia) two parts invigorating (lemon and ginger) and completely addictive.

3. For a more surprising take on citrus, try bergamot, which is a lot richer. CK All EDT sparkles with bergamot, whilst musk and amber add smoothness and clarity to the fragrance.

Everything is Rosy

In my eyes, rose deserves special consideration. A bunch of research suggests that rose essential oil is soothing, including evidence that it lowers blood pressure and acts as a sleep aid. Plus, the floral scent has managed to shake off its reputation for being a fusty fragrance that your Nan might wear.

1. Aerin's Bamboo Rose Eau De Cologne takes you on a walk through a luscious rain-soaked rose garden in the height of Summer.

2. Kenzo Flower by Kenzo EDP is deliciously floral with hints of violet, vanilla and rose.

3. Sisley Izia EDP is somehow rich and fresh at the same time. The rose busts through after an initial hit of freesia and bergamot.


These powerful perfumes all have the ability to single-handedly lift our moods, proving that the key to happiness and wellness is literally right beneath our noses.

What's your favourite uplifting perfume? Please share in the comments below.

K x