The power of perfume
*This post is sponsored by Clive Christian.
Next to flowers, perfume is at the top of the gift list for Valentine’s Day. Why? A perfume can evoke feelings and it can be a symbol of love. Scent is powerful: from its rich history to the way it can evoke emotions and memories. This list of Valentine’s gifts for Him and Her include the very same perfume that Prince William and Kate received for their wedding day. What a romantic gift for a special someone… (or yourself!)
The power of perfume means our love affair for fragrances is going nowhere.
Here’s why:
A royal history of fragrance
Ever since civilisation, perfume has existed. Perfume is an ancient ritual, which goes all the way back to Ancient Egypt, much like the beloved red lipstick. Scientists believe that frankincense was most likely used for Pharoahs’ perfumes, which was understood to be a scent of the Gods. Perfume with expensive and exotic ingredients was a symbol of status.
In 1872 during the reign of Queen Victoria in Britain, The Crown Perfumery was established; this would later become Clive Christian. Queen Victoria was so impressed with the perfumery that she granted permission to use the image of her crown for the crystal bottle-stoppers – a honour which still endures today.
“In ode to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who made perfumes for each other as a symbol of their enduring love, many Clive Christian perfumes are created in matching pairs…”
It seems the Christian Clive tradition was passed down to another royal couple…
For His Royal Highness Prince William and Catherine Middleton in honor of their union, Christian Clive was commissioned to create this bespoke presentation of his No.1 perfume. Complete with their initals and diamonds, of course.
How fragrances affect us
It’s well-known that there are strong links between smell and memory. Certain scents can actually affect our physical well-being too.
“75% of all emotions generated every day are due to smell, and because of this, we are 100 times more likely to remember something we smell over something we see, hear or touch.”
I like to use a perfume for the first time when I travel to a new place. This is because whenever I smell that fragrance again the next time, I’ll immediately be transported back to that place. There’s a particular fragrance that I only wore whilst living in Madrid and now, when I catch the same scent, I vividly remember walking down Gran Vía.
Why we like some fragrances more than others
Research suggests that our perfume preferences are subconciously based on smells that bring us happy memories. Whether we realise it or not.
“We only learn to think of smells as ‘good’ by associating them with good feelings”. So, liking a scent partly comes down to good memories associated with it.
The other deciding factors as to whether you like a fragrance:
1. Familiarity:
If someone in your family wore a orange-based fragrance, you will be more partial to citrus scents.
2. What your body needs:
If you’re body’s in need of something, you’ll be attracted to a scent that can help. For example, if you’re feeling a bit tense, you’ll be drawn to vanilla which helps you to relax (more on this here).
3. The nature of your personality
Psychologists can tell what your favourite fragrance says about you.
If you’re a night owl, you probably favour oriental notes; outgoing and experimental people will like fruity notes; floral fans tend to feminine, friendly and outdoorsy.
Fun Fragrance Fact
Monkeys use perfume too!
Scientists have found some monkeys, such as the Mexican spider monkey, mix their saliva with crushed leaves to use as a perfume! They may apply this concoction to themselves every two hours in a day.
The aromatic plants they use are: the Alamos pea tree, which has fragrant leaves and flowers, a flowering trumpet tree, and wild celery.
Outstanding perfume creations are forever.
-Clive Christian
Perfume will always stand the test of time
Applying a fragrance becomes habit for many of us. It tells others who we are. Perfume has the power to lift our spirts and bring back fond memories. From ancient civilisations to modern day, perfume has always meant something more to us. The industry continues to grow year-on-year and has no signs of slowing down. I think this is because perfume is more than just a pretty glass bottle that sits on your dressing table.
Is perfume important to you? Leave a comment below!
Articles quoted:
What makes Clive Christian so exclusive
What perfumes did Ancient Egyptians use?
15 things you didn’t know about fragrance
What makes us like or dislike a fragrance?
So THAT’S Why You’re So Attached to Certain Perfumes
What your favourite fragrance says about you
Clive Christian: The scent of royalty
Clive ChristianFashion historyFragrancesFragrances for womenFun FactsluxuryMost expensivePerfumescents
lovecally
January 31, 2018This is such an interesting post Hannah! I love perfume but I tend to stick with one favourite for a couple years!
Love, Cally x
http://www.lovecally.com
Hannah | Admin
January 31, 2018Thanks Cally! Glad you enjoyed – I loved researching it. Oh, same! I love having different fragrances for different occasions and different times of year, but I always have a couple I go back to 🙂 xx
ashesgroundedwoods
February 1, 2018I love perfume so so much that I have to wear them every day! Of course just a decent amount that is enough to keep it all day 😛
I’ve never just own one perfume but several- love mixing them around (they’re all in the same category: oriental and fresh floral) although some of them might be in sample size! Perfume makes me feel so good and smell does affect my mood Xxx can’t tell why!
Hannah | Admin
February 1, 2018Oh I do too! I like that you layer up your perfumes – that makes something so unique to you. I love oriential ones 🙂
Well now you know a little bit why it affects your mood!
Xx
See Scents
November 25, 2020Great post, this is my first time I am posting a comment here and I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially thank you for the post.