The power of fragrance goes beyond just smelling good. Many people don’t realize how closely inner linked our perception of ourselves are to the scents we wear. Someone’s first impression of you can easily be made on what fragrance you may be wearing. This is why trying out a new perfume or cologne can make you feel like a new person.
The Power of Fragrance
We are constantly trying to reinvent ourselves, either through changing out our wardrobe or getting a new haircut — however, people so often overlook the easiest way to make yourself feel like a new person, which is a new fragrance. Experimenting with your fragrances and changing them out can also change the way we carry ourselves.
Perfume allows you to step into a mood, mindset or even a persona. Before a night out maybe it’s a spritz of your favorite scent that gives you the extra boost of confidence you need to go out. Whenever you smell your perfume or cologne throughout the day you can’t help but feel a sense of confidence and a desire to hold your head a bit higher. This is not just about wearing a fragrance; it’s about how the fragrance you wear makes you feel.
Fragrance Holds Memories
Have you ever smelled something and felt like you were transported back in time? Whether it was the body spray you wore in middle school or the candle that was always burning at your grandparent’s house, we can’t help but associate smells with certain times of our lives. But did you know there’s actually a biological reason our brain makes these connections with memories and smells?
Our olfactory sense (sense of smell) is the most powerful of our senses because it is what connects memory and emotion and taste and smell. Our sense of smell is connected directly to the brain’s limbic system, which is where all of our memories and emotions are stored. So, when you smell the same perfume you wore all through high school, you can’t help but feel transported back to that time.
Finding Your Signature Scent
Looking for a new fragrance can feel like a daunting task. There are so many options out there that it can be hard to figure out where to even start. Fear not, VALLEY is here to help you get started on finding a new scent.
Finding your signature scent is a personal journey. Start by identifying fragrance families that resonate with you such as floral, gourmand or musky, and try samples for those that appeal to you. It’s important to test scents by letting them sit and develop on your skin throughout the day because fragrances can actually change how they smell as they mix with your skin. The notes of a fragrance may sound good to you, but you do not like the way it smells on you as it mixes with your skin chemistry.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. A signature scent should feel like second nature, complementing every mood and moment. Layering it with complementary body oil or lotion can also help enhance longevity. Remember, the perfect scent isn’t just worn—it’s lived in, becoming uniquely yours. Your fragrance is your silent signature.
Tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYmag, with what your favorite fragrance is at the moment!
