❤️ The Science of Love shows that scent DOES play a part in falling in love
❤️ Revealed: five scents that make you more attractive according to experts
Scent could be the secret weapon to winning Winter Love Island, according to one fragrance expert who believes that savvy contestants who take a scientific approach to love can significantly increase their chances of a genuine coupling and winning the cash prize.
Jonny Webber, PerfumeDirect.com’s fragrance expert explains more about the relationship between smell and true love.
❤️ Numerous scientific studies have found a link between scent and attraction.
❤️ While most would like to think that the feeling of love occurs in our hearts, it actually happens in our brain! The human body responds to ‘senses’ associated with attraction and releases hormones (oxytocin, dopamine, adrenaline, testosterone, estrogen, and vasopressin) that create a mix of feelings: euphoria, pleasure or bonding. And of course, sense of smell can be a key element here. In one study* women even ranked body odour as more important for attraction than looks.
❤️ Add to this specific scent notes proven to have ‘aphrodisiac’ properties … bingo – our brain tells us we’re in love!
“There is a vast amount of research showing that someone’s smell can have a significant impact on human response – from evoking memories to physical attraction”, says Jonny.
“The way we respond to scent is all down to the brain’s limbic system, which is the unconscious part of our brain responsible for emotion and memory. Aromas can trigger how our limbic system reacts to the world – if we smell something we like our bodies relax and produce happy hormones. Some researchers even believe that we produce oxytocin, also known as ‘love hormones’ when we are drawn to someone’s smell.
“All of this is extremely powerful in a show such as Love Island with its cast of sexy singles and a format which relies on forming relationships quickly and fending off advances for other potential suitors.
“Instant and genuine feelings of attraction can be essential in long lasting coupling and not being subject to the dreaded ick and dumping from the Villa.”
Love inducing scents
“While people’s perception of an attractive scent can differ, there are a number of key notes that have been found to be universally more attractive – with aphrodisiac qualities”, says Jonny.
“So let’s hope that this year’s Love Island stars, looking to make themselves as appealing as possible while in the Villa, are spritzing fragrances containing these notes!”
Vanilla
Vanilla has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. It is a universally attractive scent – comforting and nostalgic it tends to remind people of their childhood, favourite foods and being nurtured. Because of this men in particular are attracted to this scent – making them feel relaxed and at ease. It’s one of the most used base notes scents in fragrances for men and women. Vanilla (and tonka which has a really similar scent) sits within the oriental family on the fragrance wheel. It pairs well with other gourmand scents – such as chocolate and caramel.
TRY – Thierry Mugler Angel … a classic gourmand scent with base notes of vanilla and caramel.
Bergamot
Another natural aphrodisiac, bergamot is bright and uplifting – capturing the buzz of a summer romance (perfect for those Love Island contestants in the South African sun) and the feel good vibes of a summer’s day. Research has also found that bergamot can increase the amount of amino acids in the brain which trigger heightened levels of hormones, leading to an increased libido.
TRY – Valentino Voce Viva … featuring addictive notes of bergamot, mandarin and ginger.
Citrus
Citrus notes are known as happy and uplifting – popular in the summer months, they conjure up memories of Mediterranean holidays and care-free days in the sun. The perfect backdrop for romance. One study has found that a citrus scent provoked an arousal reaction in 20 per cent of men. What is more, according to a study by the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, the aroma of grapefruit on women made men perceive them as five years younger than they really were. It is believed that grapefruit scent induces feelings of happiness, making women more endearing and attractive to men.
TRY – Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue … a sun drenched summer day in a bottle.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a mood boosting scent that has been used for hundreds of years as an aphrodisiac and to boost libido. It has a rich, sweet smell with animalistic undertones / muskiness. This sweetness and masculine musk make it universally attractive.
TRY – Gucci Memoire D’une Odeur … a unisex scent combining jasmine and vanilla to really ramp up the sex appeal.
Ginger
Spicy and warming, ginger has almost citrus propertises which are known for their uplifting and feel good factors. But that’s not all – the smell of ginger can stimulate the circulatory system – pumping blood around the body and stimulating arousal. Because of this it has also been found to aid erectile dysfunction. It has been known as a powerful aphrodisiac throughout history and is hands down a sexy fragrance note.
TRY – Escentric 03 by Escentric Molecules … a unisex fragrance with top notes of ginger, green peppercorn and lime. Spicy.
Avoid these fragrance notes if you’re looking for love
Jonny added: “Whilst the above fragrance notes may increase your chances of attraction, there are some notes that don’t fair so well! So avoid notes of chocolate and baby powder if you’re looking for love.
“And beware the ex-scent. Just as someone’s aroma can be a turn on because it evokes a reaction in the brain associated with memory and emotions – so can a simple error of wearing the same fragrance as the ex where negative feelings are aroused by that one wiff.”
For Perfume Direct’s full fragrance collection and latest offers and discounts visit www.perfumedirect.co.uk.
