Why smell is so important

Did you know that one of the reasons we have a sense of smell is to find a partner? Here’s a brief incite of how our smell works and why it’s so important when it comes to love. Then take our advice and let us match the scent you love with its perfect partner!

How our sense of smell works
Smelling is vital – it can help us sense danger, find food, affect our emotions and meet our perfect partner. ‘Humans are among the only animals that kiss, and it’s the most intensive form of smelling in the animal kingdom,’ says fragrance expert Roja Dove. ‘You may think someone is attractive, but if you go to kiss them and they don’t smell right, you’ll push away. We don’t smell with our nose, we smell with the most primitive part of our brain, where all our emotions are processed.’

Why is smell so important in a relationship
You may not know it or have thought about it, but you’re subconsciously attracted to the smell of your partner. ‘Scent is a massive part of the start of a relationship,’ says Roja. ‘When you’re first dating someone and you’re not with them, you’ll smell their imprint on you – for instance, when your hand passes by your face. Sadly, familiarity makes that imprint something you no longer smell. There’s something exciting and sexy about that imprint.’

The fragrances that make you smell attractive
This is a little subjective – people have different tastes and senses of smell. So what’s the answer to smelling sexy to your partner? ‘You have to work out what it is that suits you first,’ say Roja. ‘You might have a male partner who thinks an ultra-masculine smell is the thing, but their partner doesn’t feel compelled by that. So if the scent you wear is an expression of who you are and the person finds you attractive physically and intellectually, then they have to find your scent attractive. Authenticity is the sexiest scent of all.’

So now you are clued up on why sense is so important when it comes to romance, find your perfect scent below and we’ll match one for your partner!


YOU WEAR: HUGO BOSS THE SCENT FOR HER
BUY YOUR PARTNER: Hugo Boss The Scent for him, a rich, masculine blend of spicy ginger, honey and leather accords. There’s nothing better to complement the sweet hints of honeyed peach, freesia and cocoa in your signature scent. Love never smelt so good.


YOU WEAR: PACO RABANNE LADY MILLION FOR HER
BUY YOUR PARTNER: Paco Rabanne 1 Million for him, the ideal day-to-night scent to complement your favourite blend of raspberry and orange flower in Lady Million. 1 Million for him oozes peppermint, blood mandarin and sparkling fresh fruits for a sharp, energetic outcome. And once you smell it, you’ll be hooked.


YOU WEAR: ARMANI BECAUSE IT’S YOU FOR HER
BUY YOUR PARTNER: Armani Stronger With You for him – it’s the most romantic male fragrance for 2019. With cinnamon essence, glazed chestnut accord and lavender, it’s a treat for the senses.


YOU WEAR: YSL BLACK OPIUM FOR HER
BUY YOUR PARTNER: YSL Y Eau de Parfum for him, the masculine, intense fragrance that smells of ginger, apple and tonka bean. Oh – and have you tried YSL Black Opium Click perfume pen? It clicks at its end and swipes onto your skin in a gel-like formula, which smells just like the original scent (but is way more practical for when you’re on the go).

YOU WEAR: JEAN PAUL GAULTIER CLASSIQUE FOR HER
BUY YOUR PARTNER: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male for him. If he’s sophisticated, elegant and bold, this one’s for him. It’s warm and fresh, mixing mint, cinnamon and vanilla, while the bottle is an icon of masculinity

Words: Lauren Carbran edited by Emily May Hewitt.

The Perfume Shop is exhibiting at both NEC and ExCeL with their perfume van!