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Perfumer Jo Malone uses scent the way most women use chocolate — to increase her energy and elevate her mood. "I love to be able to walk into a room, spritz a scent into the air, and change the mood just like that." Which is why Malone's London townhouse is full of fragrance — from the calla lilies in the front hall to her infant son's lavender-infused bathwater. Chances are, your own world has started to smell a little sweeter too. Over the past few years, aromatherapy, once considered a somewhat quirky concept, has become a mainstream, multibillion-dollar industry. What's inspiring aromatherapy products? Research. "Science has proven beyond a doubt that scent modulates mood," says Avery Gilbert, Ph.D., president of the Sense of Smell Institute, in New York City.
A number of researchers are even using scents to alleviate pain, insomnia, and the side effects of chemotherapy. No one in medicine — or even marketing — claims that scent alone will cure the sick, conquer depression, or get your kids to go to bed on time. What they are saying is that a fragrance can play a powerful role in your sense of well-being. A few ways to bring scent into your life:
Boost Your Brainpower
The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, in Chicago, found that the presence of a floral aroma increased one's speed and performance on mathematics tests. So the next time you're memorizing something — be it a piano concerto or talking points for a meeting — why not spritz on a floral fragrance, then wear it again when it's time to recall the material?
Solutions
Clinique Happy: A Wealth of Flowers (set of three scents, $30; at Clinique counters)
Caudalie Fleur de Vigne ($56; at Neiman Marcus; 800-937-9146)
Sonia Kashuk Freesia Eau de Toilette ($9.99; at Target; 800-800-8800)
Calgon Cool Sunshower Body Lotion ($5.25; at mass merchandisers)
Yves Rocher Pur Desir de Rose Intoxicating Shower Gel ($5.95, 800-321-3434; YRBeauty.com)
Rev Up Your Sex Life
A highly publicized study by the Kinsey Institute in Bloomington, Indiana, found that inhaling a traditional, ultra-masculine men's cologne increased physical stimulation among women who were fantasizing about sexual encounters. A similar study at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation showed that pleasurable scents increased physical arousal in both sexes. One caveat: Women also have a high incidence of scent turnoffs — smells that effectively douse any flickering flames of desire. (Those that surfaced in the study were cherry and barbecued meat.)
Solutions
Estée Lauder Intuition for Men ($50; at Estée Lauder counters)
Giorgio Armani Mania ($62.50; at fine department stores)
Escada Sentiment Pour Homme ($60; at Macy's and Nordstrom)
