Well, that is it. I must be depressed. Why else would I succumb to gifts with purchase and other marketing gimmicks to purchase inordinate amounts of perfume that I will unlikely use in my lifetime? Based upon an article in Science Daily: January 2008, wearing too much perfume can be a sign of depression and retail marketing takes advantage of this by splashing "good smells around" to lift one's mood. I certainly have succumbed to a round of sniffing in stores when I need a lift.
In fact, the article is quite interesting. One of the most resounding points made by Professor Shoenfeld, who conducted the research, is a connection between autoimmune diseases such as lupus and a diminished sense of smell. Most importantly, he cites that victims of depression respond well to aromatherapy. There we have it folks! Although I am not sick, the seed of my hobby is nothing other than a desire to lift my mood. Who knew? Read the article here.
Since this idea could elicit lots of feedback, I would love to know your thoughts on the impact of perfume on your mood. What specific fragrances do you wear to lift your spirits? How about fragrances that counteract a gray and dreary or rainy day? Have you noticed a significant change in your emotional temperature after applying a fragrance? I will draw a name from commenters to send a packet of my favorite mood enhancing fragrances. Please just let me know if you would like to be entered into the drawing!
Image courtesy of harrahs.com
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12 comments:
Very interesting article! L Lolitta Lempicka lifts my spirits on a deadly cold and icy day. Sweet fragrances have a similar effect that eating sweets have on my mood. I would love to be in the drawing for a packet of your favorite mood enhancing fragrances. Thanks!
HI. I totally believe that a scent can fool your brain into believing what it wants your brain to believe.
When I need a pick me up -for ANY reason, I grab Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana..alas, sweet scents do not stop my craving for sweets as Joan above mentioned they do for her..Darn..
Please enter my name in your contest..and Thank you!!
Any of my favorite scents lifts my mood with the exception of Mitsouko, which I find to be introspective and somber. Especially cheery fragrances include La Chasse aux Papillons, PdN Juste un Reve, SL Rahat Loukoum, Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia, Coromandel, and S-Perfume 100% Love.
Please enter me in the drawing. Have a good Friday!
Lately I've been reaching for Montale Aoud Blossom when I need a bit more energy to make it out of the house. This isn't a comfort scent for me, though -- like No. 19, it's something that I wear when I need to feel in control, steady, and on the right path. It helps me get there. Helps me to mask insecurity and depression, if not entirely smooth them away... And as a longtime lurker, I'd love to be entered into your generous drawing. Thanks!
I've been reading your articles for several months now and I truly enjoy them. Your a fabulous writer by the way.
I would have to say that when I'm feeling down I love spraying "Prada Milano" a new fragrance by Prada. It's very uplifting and seems to keep a smile on my face. I also enjoy the aromatherpy oil based perfumes. They are light and subtle but hit the spot. It's kinda like lighting an earthy candle.
Thanks.
I don't know if I necessarily use fragrance to make me happy, rather I use it to evoke a quality I want that day (confidence, energy, etc.) or I use it for memories, some scents really bring back memories in a unique way. But I wouldn't say I have fragrance that makes me happy.
I got *into* fragrances as part of a stress management program that I made up for myself during a particularly difficult time: conciously focusing on satisfying the five basic senses in the best way I could, every day. Look at a beautiful painting; feel a silk scarf; listen to music; eat something delicious. I've always loved perfume, anyway. Incense scents are some of my favorite islands of calm after a stressful day: Encens et Lavande, CdG Kyoto, Messe de Minuit. Warm ambery scents are comforting (ie Barbara Bui, Rochas Absolu); spicy orientals can be real confidence boosters or very sexy, depending (Coco, Obsession, the first CdG, Bal a Versailles). And on and on, this is one of my favorite topics, thanks so much for this post! Oh, I'd love to be entered in your drawing, too! :)
one of my favorite feel-good fragrances is ptisenbon from tartine et chocolat, a children's perfume and the very first perfume i owned. it fades so quickly but its very sunny when i spray it and makes me feel really happy. also, i'd definitely like to be entered into the drawing.
BIG white flowers make me happy! I don't consider myself a depressed person, but there's nothing like the BIG sillage of Fracas or Carnal Flower to make me smile :)
How timely...just yesterday I was passing through Macy's, realized I wasn't wearing any fragrance, and stopped at the perfume display. I thought about what kind of fragrance I needed in that moment - and as the sun was shining for the first time in a while, and I was feeling busy and energetic, I thought that Marc Jacobs Daisy might keep that feeling going for me. I hadn't tried it yet, and was pleasantly surprised...it gave me an extra little "boost" for the rest of my day. =) I would love to be entered into the drawing.
Soliflores are wonderful when I feel the world is against me. Nothing like a big ol' rose or nice clear narcissus to make me feel the world is good. For a more tranquil feeling, I like woodsy, aquatic scents.
I'll have to check out what others have said above and see if any work for me. Please do enter me in your drawing!
Eyas
Well, angel-
You've got LOTS of company there, LOL.
Count me in.
Many scents lift me up; lately, believe it or not, I'm feelin' rosy-
Caron's Or et Noir, de Nicolai's Balkis, Cabanel's honeyed Alahine.
MMMMMMM.
[Smooches to you, pretty one !]
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