Scented oils, perfumes and other fragrances have been adorned by people since
early civilization. Today, fragrances can be found all around, from scented
candles, to all your favourite bath and body products. There are numerous
reasons why people wear perfumes, but ultimately it boils down to the fact
that they make us feel happy. The reason we feel happy is heavily dependent
on the individual, but can range from the presence of pheromones, memories
the scent invokes, a feeling of escape, and the ability to show individuality
through fragrances.
There is also a strong connection between fragrances and memory. For instance,
we may be somewhere shopping and smell something from a nearby bakery that
reminds us of something our Mother made for us when we were little – like
chocolate brownies, or a homemade raspberry pie. Then, we find a perfume or
lotion that smells like chocolate and raspberries and instantly feel at home with
that fragrance. The same goes for hundreds of other scents out there that connect
us with warm, positive memories – such as the smell of our partner’s fragrance on
their sweater, the smell of particular holidays, the smell of rain or snow, and so on.
Connecting ourselves to these memories through easily obtainable fragrances
makes us happy.
Therapeutic or not, fragrances can take us to a place of calm and serenity. They can
rejuvenate our minds and energize our senses. When we surround ourselves with a
fragrance we like, we are in essence, placing ourselves in a protective bubble that
minimizes the stress of everyday life. We are instantly comfortable.
But what may be the biggest reason we wear fragrances? It is to show off our individuality.
With so many fragrances to choose from out there a person can truly be original in what
they decide to fragrance themselves with. They can change the way they smell to match
their mood, the occasion, or anything they like. One day they can smell floral and the
next day, as their preference changes, they can smell like musk. The ability to have this
kind of individuality through scent directly influences our confidence and self-esteem