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While science says that scent has a powerful effect on our mood, can you use it to influence the moods of those around you? Botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis, founder of Strange Invisible Perfumes, says yes. "When we reach someone's senses, we impress something upon them. Whatever we impress upon them then informs what they think of us, and what a person thinks of us definitely drives their behavior toward us," she explains.
However, Balahoutis warns against overpowering scents. In most scientific experiments, the scent used was subtle. "Never slap someone in the nose with a big, nuclear hit of fragrance," says Balahoutis. Her trick is to mist hair or clothes with fragrance, which allows a fragrance to linger.
Here, the best scents to get what you want from those around you -- without ever saying a word.
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If You Want to Gain Trust Instantly
Why: They say trust is hard to come by -- but wearing lavender might make it a little easier. According to a study in Frontiers Psychology, people in lavender-scented rooms were much more likely to trust strangers (compared to when they were put in peppermint- or non-scented rooms). Half of the participants were given money, and were told that could keep it or give it away to other other half of the participants. If they gave it away, it would triple -- but it'd be up to the person they gave it to to decide how much of it to give back. The people in the lavender room gave away significantly more money.
Where to find it: Philosophy Pure Grace, Clean Ultimate, L'Occitane Lavender Eau de Cologne
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If You Want Your Perfume to Do the Flirting for You
Why: It sounds like something out of a fairy tale: a scent that promises to make a man fall for you. But a study from the Smell and Taste Treatment Center in Chicago says the concept isn't so far-fetched. Researchers attached subjects to a device that measured blood flow to certain parts of the body, then had them sniff over 30 different scents. They found that the unique combination of pumpkin pie and lavender increased penile blood flow the most -- around 40 percent.
Where to find it: Combine a spicy pumpkin scent like Demeter Pumpkin Pie, Harvey Prince Coupling or Ella Sweet Anthem with a pure lavender like Diptyque Eau de Lavande, Guerlain Jicky or Caldey Island Lavender.
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If You Want to Make Friends at Work and Keep Your Boss Happy
Why: Awkward office environment? Science says to use floral scents to create a positive, socially interactive environment. In a Rutgers University study, researchers found that those who entered a floral-scented room (versus a room lightly scented with either Chanel No. 5, Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or non-scented air) were three times as likely to use happiness-related words when describing a life event. The study found that even non-detectable levels of scent can influence mood, so don't feel the need to douse yourself in eau de floral bouquet to get the good vibes flowing.
Where to find it: Katy Perry Spring Reign, Issey Miyake L'eau D'Issey City Blossom, Aqva Divina Bvlgari
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If You Want to Appear Fresh and Clean (Even When You Haven't Showered)
Why: Lately, it seems like there are a million reasons not to shower. Washing your hair and skin too often causes dryness and damage. Showering less is better for the environment. Plus, bedhead is so in. But, while we support your right to shower as little as you choose, no one wants to come across as disheveled and unclean. Besides a great dry shampoo, you can add a lemon-scented perfume to your I-promise-I-shower-regularly ploy. A study at Le Moyne College asked undergraduates to sniff a vial of lemon scent near a gender-neutral silhouette. They were asked to form an impression of the silhouette, and the participants perceived the lemon-smelling silhouettes as clean, feminine and pleasant. Good information to know for the next time you decide to skip the suds.
Where to find it: Lavanila Fresh Vanilla Lemon, Stella McCartney Stella Eau de Toilette, Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau Fraiche
