How scents steer emotions and influence our behavior?
In the most famous book about the art of perfumery, Perfume by Patrick Süskind, we find the powerful line: Whoever rules scent, rules the hearts of men. It’s hard to find a more striking way to illustrate the power of fragrance and its influence on our emotions and behavior. This quote is far from being just a poetic metaphor, it’s backed by scientific evidence. Let’s take a look at what modern research in neuropsychology, sensory psychology, and aromachology (the study of how scents affect behavior — not to be confused with aromatherapy) has to say.
Smell is one of the most primal and unique senses. Unlike sight, hearing, or taste, olfactory stimuli bypass the thalamus — the brain’s “filtering station”— and go straight to the amygdala and hippocampus (Herz & Engen, 1996). These areas are responsible for emotion and long-term memory. That’s why our reaction to scents is both immediate and often unconscious — and it instantly triggers memories.More than just a fragrance: emotional and behavioral cues
The impact of scent on people is a deep and complex topic. What interests us here is how perfume plays a role in emotional communication, shaping personal identity, and influencing our moods, behavior, and social surroundings. We’ll also explore some examples from our Rêve de Chantelle perfume collection that perfectly illustrate each of these ideas.
Energizing or calming: scents that shape performance
Perfumes (or more precisely, specific fragrance notes) can have a positive effect on our bodies. Citrus scents, for example, can boost energy and motivation. Herbal notes like peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus, or green ones like green tea and freshly cut grass, are known to improve focus and support mental performance. On the other hand, balsamic, vanilla, and lavender notes have a calming effect and increase our sense of comfort.
In this context, choosing the right fragrance for work becomes essential, especially in shared spaces. When selecting a perfume, one must consider that bold, heavy scents may be distracting not only for the wearer but for everyone nearby. Strong perfumes can reduce concentration, trigger headaches, or even cause irritation.
For women, a great office-friendly scent is Julie — where the energy of citrus fruits is gently softened by a creamy bouquet of white flowers. This fragrance motivates while also providing a sense of calm, thanks to its warm, pine-accented base.
For men, we recommend Lamar, a fresh green, herbal, aldehydic blend that stimulates focus and fuels productivity.
Scent as a signature: projecting your identity
Perfumes, just like clothing, hairstyles, or makeup, help create our image. As the renowned perfumer Jacques Polge once said: Perfume is not only about scent — it’s about message, personality, and presence. Studies show that wearing a favorite fragrance makes us feel more sociable and optimistic. Interestingly, in 2002, Herz demonstrated that people strongly associate scents with emotions. As a result, favorite fragrances can trigger physiological changes like muscle relaxation by lowering stress levels.
The emotional and behavioral effects of perfume go both ways: they impact our self-perception and influence how others see us. A well-chosen scent can boost our confidence, helping us appear more capable, professional, and trustworthy — earning us more respect and credibility.
If your goal is to project self-assurance, we suggest Balerina for women that is an oriental-inspired, feminine, and subtly sensual fragrance that commands attention with its quiet strength.
For men — or women who appreciate unisex elegance — Omar is an excellent choice. Its deep, spicy aroma wraps the wearer in an air of mystery, making a powerful yet understated impression.
The scent of attraction: chemistry meets seduction
It's no secret that certain fragrance notes have a strong impact on intimate relationships. Scented attraction isn’t just about personal taste; it’s also rooted in biology, psychology, and cultural associations. Animalic notes like musk, ambergris, or leather are considered especially magnetic and act similarly to pheromones. Floral scents like jasmine, rose, or tuberose are naturally seductive, especially when blended with musk or woody accords. Then there’s the gourmand family — those “edible” scents like vanilla, caramel, praline, or chocolate — that are closely tied to warmth, pleasure, and subtle sensuality.
A seductive scent speaks volumes, even when you say nothing. On a date, it can enhance your allure on a subconscious level, making the other person feel drawn to you without even knowing why.
For women aiming to captivate and charm, Solange is the perfect match: a playful, sensual tease. The sweetness of sugar and marigold starts light and cheeky, then deepens into mystery with amber, musk, and moss. It's for someone who seduces with intent, never overtly.
For men, or anyone wanting to channel the elegant charm of a modern gentleman, Samir is ideal. This refined, mature fragrance seduces not with intensity, but with the quiet quality of presence — blending freshness with depth, tradition with modern sensuality.
It’s important to note that scent perception is deeply personal. The same fragrance can trigger very different reactions in different people, depending on their past experiences. Scent memory is a powerful phenomenon, and while we can choose the aromas we wear, we can’t predict how they’ll affect others.
A silent yet powerful language
As we can see, fragrance is far more than just a pleasant detail — it’s a powerful tool of emotional and social communication. Perfume can highlight your personality, influence your mood and behavior, and shape how you’re perceived. In a world dominated by words and images, scent still has the power to speak the loudest — and the truest.