And if a pleasant aroma also brings up positive memories, the emotional effect could be more intense.
But using a scent for its mood benefits is based on scientifically sound thinking, he says.
If you try a new vitamin, for example, you might not like scents you once adored.
Of course, the explanation for the smell switch-up could be simpler.
Always apply to clean, bare skin.
The juice is acidic (more so than other citrus fruit) and helps cut the fragrance’s oil.
Wash with soap and water, then take off what’s left with a lemon juicesoaked cotton round.
Spray again for a fresh startand scent.
Asked where to apply perfume, Coco Chanel once answered, “Wherever one wants to be kissed.”
But what if you like to be kissed all over?
Spritz one wrist, then touch wrists together.
Never rub, which can squash delicate scent molecules and alter the fragrance.
Instead of dabbing perfume behind your ears, dab between your breasts.
The warmth diffuses scent, which has a direct path to your nose, so you enjoy the aroma.
Also put it on the back of your knees, where it rises and envelops your body.
Your sensitivity to scent increases throughout the day, so always shop for perfume in the afternoon or evening.
Crave a fresh aroma?
You’ll find the perfect perfume (or perfumes) to suit you among this batch of fall fragrances.
I found an old bottle of perfume.
If it smells sour or off, heat, light and oxidation have broken down the fragrance molecules.
Keep bottles you’re not using in their boxes in a cool, dark place to help them last.
Seasonal allergies can make you smell things differently, as can a viral infection.
Hormones may be responsible, too.
Rises in estrogen during pregnancy make you hypersensitive to odors.
The sensitivity goes away after you have the baby.
Before that, the likely reason is that you get bored.
When shopping, start with scents in the same category as an old favorite.
Try layering two or more scents.
Test the combo on a tissue first (whatever you spritz last is dominant).
Or go to CreativeScent.com.
Instead, apply an unscented oil-based moisturizer before spritzing.
Or wear the perfume version of your scent instead of eau de toilette.
Most perfumes are blended with notes such as citrus essences that give an initial zing.
These are lighter molecules that rise and evaporate quickly, Fremont says.
Try amber or woody scents like Laura Mercier Ambre Passion, $65, for a richer aroma.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Rausser
