The scent: A mixture of natural blooming plants like lily, jasmine, damascus rose, iris and peony
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
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
The scent: Orange, lavender, coffee or licorice
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
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
The scent: Vanilla
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
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