Fragrances are fascinating. Beyond just making you smell nice, there is a whole world of science, history and artistry behind them. From ancient perfumes to modern marketing tricks, fragrances have an intriguing backstory.
In this post, I’ll share 8 captivating facts about the world of fragrances. Read on to uncover some of the mysteries behind your favorite scents. It will leave your nose tickled and your mind enlightened. Let’s dive in!
1. Fragrance Dates Back Thousands of Years
Humans have been concocting fragrances for at least 4000 years. Archaeologists found perfume bottles in ancient Egyptian tombs dating to 1000 BC. These ancient people already had quite advanced perfumery skills!
Early fragrances were often homemade blends of fragrant oils, herbs, spices, flowers and resins. They were seen as luxuries and status symbols. Just imagine the pharaohs wafting around smelling of lilies and cinnamon!
2. Perfume Originated in Ancient Mesopotamia
The earliest recorded perfumes originated in Mesopotamia, areas we now know as Iraq and Kuwait. In 2000 BC, the Mesopotamians already used elaborate techniques to extract oils from plants.
They infused oils with myrrh, cypress, rose and cedarwood to create rich, long-lasting fragrances. Their methods were so effective that perfumes were traded all over the ancient world. The art of perfumery began here. 540 inspired by MFK 540 is an example of a fragrance where oils have been infused with cedarwood. A woody floral fragrance that is described as bright and sleek. It has notes of amber, cedarwood, and jasmine, perfect unisex scent.
3. Fragrance Reflects Fashion Trends
There is an undeniable link between fragrance trends and fashion. In the 1920s, perfume reflected the decade’s bold, liberated mood with animalic musk. Bright citrus scents epitomized the optimism of the 1950s.
Flowery fragrances aligned with 1960s hippies. The 1980s brought big, spicy Oriental perfumes that exuded luxury. Even today, popular notes tend to mirror styles and mindsets. Fragrance is an accessory like jewelry or clothes.
4. Scent Branding Influences You
Retailers often use subtle scents to influence your perception of their brand. This technique is called scent branding or scent marketing. For example, the signature scent of Abercrombie & Fitch stores reportedly increases sales.
Hotels diffuse signature scents in lobbies to evoke luxury. The irresistible smell of baked goods at cafes gets your mouth watering. Pleasant ambient fragrances put you in a positive mood that makes you more likely to buy. Consider your nose swayed!
5. Your Nose Detects in Layers
Here’s an intriguing science fact about your sense of smell. Your nose doesn’t identify a fragrance all at once; it breaks scents down into layers or notes. First you notice the light top notes, then the heart notes emerge before the deep base notes.
This layered detection makes a fragrance interesting. Different notes interact with your unique body chemistry too, so no two people smell a fragrance exactly the same. Your nose is doing intricate work!
6. Natural Doesn’t Mean Better
There is a common belief that natural fragrances, like from pure essential oils, are better than synthetic ones. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Many natural compounds are irritants.
Also, talented perfumers can create beautiful, safe synthetic fragrances. And natural fragrances aren’t always sustainable if resources are over-harvested. Look for both natural and synthetic ingredients that suit your nose and ethics. For instance Sidely inspired by PDM Sedley, and Afternoon inspired by Afternoon Swim.
7. You Remember Scents Better Than Visuals
Our sense of smell has a powerful link to memory and emotion. That’s why smells can vividly bring you back to a person or place from your past. In fact, your recall of scents is stronger than visuals. For instance, certain fragrances can help with memory recollection, the first time you went on a date with her you may always recall this moment when you smell the fragrance, she had on like Bum 62 a delicious, irresistible gourmand note grounded with soft florals and creamy sandalwood.
When you smell something familiar, it activates your brain’s memory and emotion centers. A beach scene may fade in your mind, but the coconut scent of sunscreen can transport you back instantly. Use this nasal nostalgia power!
8. You Can Train Your Nose
Did you know you can sharpen your sniffer with practice? Like developing any other skill, you can train your nose to detect more scent notes and nuances.
Try techniques like deeply inhaling fragrances while visualizing images. Or blindfold yourself and have someone give you mystery scents to identify. Repeated exposure to fragrances helps too. With time, you’ll become a veritable scent expert!
