When it comes to fragrance I’m a firm believer in its power to boost your mood, give you confidence and help evoke memories. Whether it’s the familiar perfume of your favourite relative, wearing the latest fragrance trend or you choosing to scent your holiday there is so much more to perfume than a pretty bottle on your shelf. However, do I think I would cancel plans if I didn’t have my go-to perfume? Erm, I don’t think so. Yet, according to new research that is the case for 1 in 10 Brits who have cancelled their plans if they’ve left their fragrance at home.
Even to a beauty addict like me this sounds pretty extreme, but considering how much more aware we are of our mental wellbeing maybe it shouldn’t be such a surprise. According to the same research by The Perfume Shop and Deliveroo, nearly half (45%) of Gen Z believes being complimented on their fragrance is the best physical compliment they can receive, so I guess it is is the equivalent to forgetting your mascara – which I have to say depending on where I was going would definitely make me think twice.
If you’re nodding your head then you’re not alone, according to Deliveroo searches on the app for perfume have increased over 300% year-on-year, showing a growing demand for fragrances delivered on demand and who wouldn’t want to give the public what they want? From this week The Perfume Shop will be available on Deliveroo and as someone who has been known to order everything from dinner to milk and even plasters (and has bought more last minute gifts on Amazon Prime than she cares to remember) this move makes a lot of sense to me. Especially if we really take into account just how much we are relying on our perfumes to give us confidence and feel good.
Experts Featured in This Article
Karen Harris is a fragrance expert and customer director at The Perfume Shop
“People love perfume and see it as an essential part of daily life because it helps us express ourselves,” says Karen Harris, customer director at The Perfume Shop. “It shapes our identity, and adds a finishing touch that sets us up for the day.” she tells PS UK.
“The simple act of complimenting someone’s fragrance choice can have far-reaching effects that go beyond a momentary boost to their self-esteem,” she tells PS UK. “As social creatures, we all yearn for acceptance, validation, and meaningful connections. For younger people, still working out who they are, discovering new things, building friendships and creating memories, perfume is a big part of someone’s identity. So when you’re complimented on your scent, it reinforces that sense of self and belonging.”
Why Does Fragrance Impact Our Confidence?
Fragrance has the power to evoke emotions, memories, and moods, which can ultimately impact our confidence. “From a psychological perspective, certain scents can trigger positive associations and feelings,” explains Harris. “We know that our sense of smell is linked to our brain, which is associated with emotions and memory.”
This could be the reason we are cancelling plans too. “Wearing a fragrance that you associate with positive experiences or that makes you feel good can help to enhance your confidence and self-esteem,” Harris tells PS UK. “The right scent can be a personal signature, boosting your mood and creating a sense of empowerment.”
Talking about the right scent, I wondered if Harris had any tips for what to pick for those occasions when going without just isn’t an option.
What Perfume to Wear on a First Date
According to research we are suckers for anything with amber notes, which include jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli, musk, vanilla, cloves and cinnamon, so it’s ideal for a first date if you are hoping to win over your next beau and mark your scent (geddit). If you want to try one of these warm, musky scents, then according to Harris you should opt for Mugler Alien Eau De Parfum (£90) as this woody perfume has white amber, cashmeran wood and jasmine to make sure you leave a delectable trail wherever you go.
Which Perfume is Recommended For a Job interview or Important Meeting?
Smelling good for a job interview or important meeting will help lift your mood and help you feel more put-together. “A spritz of perfume may give you that extra confidence boost to calm those jitters and make you feel more like you when you walk into the room,” Harris tells PS UK. “However, my essential tip would be to opt for a light spritz of something fresh so your scent isn’t too overpowering in the room!”
Which Perfume Would You Recommend For A Night Out With Friends?
“I’d recommend having two distinct perfumes in your collection, one for daytime and one for special occasions,” says Harris. “Daytime fragrances should be lighter scents with floral or citrus notes, as these allow you to feel fresh for the workplace or any daytime activity without being overpowering. Occasion fragrances can be more distinctive and attention-grabbing. I would suggest a perfume with rich and spicy notes that help you feel lifted, such as Prada Paradoxe (£97) which is perfect for a night out with friends.”
Deliveroo is offering a 20% discount (up to £10 off) with code SPRITZ20 when you spend £20 at The Perfume Shop until 31st October 2024. (One voucher per customer. Limited codes are available. Subject to availability. Geographical restrictions and service and delivery fees apply. See http://deliveroo.co.uk/terms.)
Lauren Ezekiel (she/her) is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism she began her career in 2008. Lauren is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup. A mum of two, Lauren is an advocate for the benefits of beauty and self-care for your mental well-being, which inspired her award-winning charity initiative We C U 2020. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK!, Health & Beauty, The Sun, Asda, Dare and Metro.
