Well Groomed | Scent
There is a powerful connection between cognitive function and the olfactory system, aka our sense of smell. Certain scents can press subliminal buttons to create a sense of well-being and calm us from everyday complexities. The notion of a signature scent is always appealing, an aroma that identifies your presence and makes the people in your life remember you more fondly. While domestic formulations can instil a sense of aromatic quietude to interior spaces, making your living room feel more like a luxurious hotel lounge.
WELL CURATED talk to Gregory Black, President of sustainable fragrance brand, CLEAN Beauty, about our relationship with scent, how it can evoke feeling and improve our emotional state.
Why does scent smell so different on everyone?
There are several factors that can contribute to this including body chemistry, pheromone levels, skin type and diet. For example a person with oily skin may hold on to the top notes of a fragrance longer while that same fragrance may be lost on a person with dry skin. Each fragrance has a unique chemical composition and when coupled with a unique specific body chemistry the results can vary into a different olfactory experience.
Why is fragrance being increasingly linked with wellbeing?
Research shows that our sense of smell may be our strongest memory cue and as such there is a direct correlation between emotion and scent. Much the way the smell of chocolate chip cookies can bring you back to your childhood, certain scents can evoke a positive emotional response.
Which natural notes would you recommend to…
Boost concentration
Bright invigorating citrus notes such as lemon and mint green can work to stimulate the senses while the smell of ginger can aid in fighting fatigue. CLEAN Warm Cotton Natural Soy Candle and Liquid Reed diffuser contains notes of all three for a crisp clean scent that’s sure to enliven the senses and boost your concentration levels.
Feel more energised
Stimulating the senses is the best way to stay alert and uplift the mood. Evoking an energised, awake feeling is accomplished by fresh, citrus and green scents. Fragrances that utilise notes such as water flowers, orange, tangerine, bergamot, lemon/lime, mint, peppermint, herbs, grass, and vetiver are the best at invigorating ones energy. Our CLEAN Rain Natural Soy Candle and Liquid Reed Diffuser contain top notes of bergamot and fresh florals and are complemented by vetiver for a crisp, sparkling, fresh feeling.
Alleviate stress
Bergamot and sandalwood are popular notes that promote relaxation and improve mood stability and while you can find both in our Rain and Fresh Linens Space products, we always encourage you to mix and match our scents to find what’s right for you! You are your best guide into finding the perfect scent that helps you relax and alleviate stress.
Improve sleep
Citrus and sandalwood notes have been known to help you sleep but they can also be known to increase stimulation. We recommend mixing and matching scents to create a unique scent specific to your likes. You may find the citrus notes of our Fresh Linens, Linen & Room Spray infused with the dewy, watery green notes of our Rain Linen & Room spray to be the perfect combination for a blissful night of sleep.
What is your best-selling scent and why?
Warm Cotton Classic. True to its name the scent evokes the smell of warm cotton, almost like fresh laundry pulled from the dryer. We think our consumers gravitate towards that scent which conjures up both the feeling of cleanliness and nostalgia.
Finding a new fragrance is never straightforward, is there a process for handpicking the right scent for you?
The beauty of fragrance is that it’s so very personal. We suggest smelling a fragrance on blotter, does it speak to you, are you moved by this scent? If yes, then try it on and live with it, see how it develops on you. If you are still in love, then you have found your perfect match!
Where is the best place to wear your fragrance?
Spray pulse points and warmer spots such as the back of the knees for an overall scent experience.
Can scents be layered?
Yes! Just like you would blend your own foundation in makeup to find the exact shade to match your skin tone, fragrance layering is a way to combine two or more fragrances to create your signature scent that is uniquely you and uplifts your mood and well-being.