In a world where verbal communication sometimes fails or is not sufficient, smell remains a fundamental language, a means to connect and communicate on a visceral and profound level.

Smell, one of the most primitive senses, plays a crucial role in communication between living beings, even beyond words. Through aromas, humans and animals can convey a rich variety of emotional, warning, or attractive messages that go beyond the capacity of verbal language. What’s fascinating is how these messages are not only perceived but also processed in areas of the brain that are deeply related to our emotions, memories, and behaviors.

When we inhale an aroma, the molecules of that smell travel through the nasal passages until they reach the olfactory cavity, where they are captured by olfactory receptors. These receptors send signals to the olfactory bulb, a brain structure that acts as a processing center for olfactory stimuli. Interestingly, the olfactory bulb is directly connected to the limbic system, the brain region involved in emotions, memories, and decision-making. This direct link explains why certain smells can evoke intense memories and trigger deep emotional responses almost immediately.

For example, the simple scent of a flower can transport us to a specific moment in our childhood, or the aroma of homemade food can make us feel comforted and secure. These “olfactory memories” are so powerful because the limbic system is closely linked to other brain structures such as the amygdala (which regulates emotions) and the hippocampus (responsible for memory). Therefore, a smell can be much more than a simple sensory perception: it can be a direct gateway to past memories, to experiences that have left their mark on us in some way.

Creating a perfume is an art that goes far beyond simply blending scents. Perfumes not only generate physical reactions, but also have the ability to influence the emotions and behaviors of both the wearer and those who perceive them. By combining different categories of notes, a perfume can reflect confidence, seduction, serenity, or power, while simultaneously generating favorable social responses that reinforce an individual’s personal and professional image. Perfume, ultimately, becomes a nonverbal language that can open doors, create emotional bonds, and leave an indelible mark on the olfactory memory of those who perceive it.

A perfume is composed of several olfactory notes that, as in aromatherapy, are grouped into top, middle, and base notes. Each serves a different purpose and combines to create an olfactory complexity that evokes specific sensations. The combination of these notes creates an olfactory narrative that can create a unique profile. Depending on the blend, a perfume can be refreshing, romantic, seductive, or even intimidating.

Perfumes not only change the environment, but also have a profound impact on the wearer. The psychology of scent is linked to emotional perception and the feelings of confidence, security, attractiveness, or well-being that a perfume can induce. Each combination of these notes has a psychological impact on the wearer. For example, a floral and fruity perfume can make someone feel fresh, optimistic, and jovial, while a heavier blend with amber and musk can make that person feel mysterious, elegant, or intense.

Social Impact: More complex perfumes, such as those that combine woody and floral notes, can make a person appear sophisticated or distinguished. These perfumes are common in professional or formal settings, where the goal is to project an image of elegance and confidence. Conversely, perfumes with overly intense or strong notes (such as some very sweet or heavy floral fragrances) can generate a response of rejection or discomfort, as others’ senses may perceive them as too invasive or overwhelming.

Perfume has the power to become an extension of our personality. Through its use, we can “speak” about who we are and what we want to convey. The right perfume can become part of our personal image, creating a sense of cohesion between how we see ourselves and how we feel.

*For Women: A perfume with delicate floral notes can give the impression of femininity, tenderness, and grace. This can be used strategically to project a soft and approachable image.

*For Men: Perfumes with woody or spicy notes can evoke strength, character, and confidence. These perfumes can be used to reinforce a masculine presence or even to boost authority in social or work situations.

Skin cleanliness has a direct impact on how a fragrance adheres and develops. If the skin is dirty or has traces of products (such as lotions, creams, or oils) on it, this can interfere with the purity and intensity of the fragrance, or even alter its chemical composition.

Skin type plays a fundamental role in the hold and projection of perfume. This has to do with the amount of natural oils in the skin, which interact with the perfume molecules: Oily skin: Oilier skin tends to retain perfumes better due to its higher sebum content. The natural oil in the skin acts as a fixative, maintaining the fragrance longer. However, this can also make the fragrance more intense in the first few hours, as the oil helps the perfume molecules stay closer to the skin’s surface.

Result: On oily skin, the perfume may last longer, but sometimes projects more strongly and can become heavier or more overwhelming as the day progresses.

Dry skin: On the other hand, dry skin doesn’t retain perfumes as well, as it has less sebum to fix the molecules. The perfume may evaporate more quickly, meaning the perfume will last shorter.

Result: People with dry skin often need to apply more perfume or use additional products (such as moisturizers) to help lock in the fragrance and prolong its duration.

Combination skin: In combination skin, the perfume tends to behave in an intermediate way between oily and dry skin. In oilier areas

Climate also plays a role in how a perfume develops and projects. Like body temperature, weather conditions affect the volatility of fragrance molecules.

Warm and humid climates: Heat and humidity accelerate the evaporation of perfume. Lighter notes in a perfume, such as citrus or floral, may be more intense at first but fade more quickly. Conversely, heavier notes (such as oriental and woody) hold up better in warm climates, but the scent can become overpowering if it’s too heavy.

Dry and cold climates: In drier or colder climates, the skin isn’t hydrated as much, and the perfume molecules don’t dissipate as quickly. This can make a perfume last longer but with a softer, less intense projection. In these conditions, more complex and richer perfumes are often more suitable.