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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
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If You Want to Keep the Peace
Why: Cast a blanket of peaceful calm over everyone within sniffing distance without saying a word by wearing blooming plant scents, according to a study by The Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics in Austria. In the study, the presence of blooming plant odors (with or without actual plants present) improved participants' feelings of calmness, alertness and mood.
Where to find it: Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, Estee Lauder Pleasures, Kenzo Flowertag
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If You Want Your Coworkers to Pay Attention to Your Presentation
Why: You know coffee perks up your mind, but it (and a few other scents) can also convince people to give you their attention. A study in the Elsevier "Appetite" international research journal found that the presence of orange, lavender, coffee or licorice increased visual attention span -- participants look more frequently and longer at pictures when smelling these scents, as assessed by an eye tracking system. Just another reason to pick up coffee for the office.
Where to find it: Yves St. Laurent Black Opium, I Love New York By Bond No. 9, Bvlgari Jasmin Noir Eau de Parfum
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If You Want Everyone to Chill Out
Why: Here's a tip for family gatherings: burn a vanilla-scented candle, or spritz on a vanilla perfume. A study published in the Proceedings of ISOT/JASTS shows that one whiff of a vanilla bean caused an increase in joy and relaxation. Participants rated vanilla as having a positive, non-stimulating, relaxing effect. That in itself is reason enough to make vanilla pound cake your go-to contribution to your family holiday parties.
Where to find it: Strange Invisible Perfumes Magazine Street, Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy
