Favorites Decoded: Scents/Smells

I don't know about you... but I have very distinct smells that I almost crave at times - Lavender  Vanilla, Citrus, Cinnamon, Woodsy, etc and each of those scents are required daily for various reasons. Our sense of smell is emotional, not logical. Scent has the power to uplift your mood, help you relax after a stressful day and energize you with an uplifting fragrance. I know that most people have specific scents that they find most agreeable to wear as perfume or surround themselves with in some fashion and that each smell has a tendency to be related in some way to their personality... so what does my favorite smells say about me? Mainly that I have a high-stress environment that requires both calm and focused energy, which is why I tend toward Lavender at home and more sharp/clean smells like Citrus around the office. My perfumes typically have a very woodsy or musky base to them with overtones of either subtle floral, citrus or vanilla... although occasionally I will go a little sweeter smell with fruity/berry overtones - my favorite perfume is "Fire & Ice" by Revlon which has top notes of orange blossom, tangerine and osmanthus; middle notes are orchid, magnolia, tuberose and narcissus; base notes are incense, amber, musk and woody notes.

So what about other scents... what do they indicate?

CITRUS SCENTS:
Derived from citrus fruits such as lime, lemon, tangerine and madarin, these fragrance types project a sharp, tangy aroma. Naturally refreshing and uplifting, citrus blends work well for those that don't want an overpowering fragrance.
If you like Citrus, you are lively and vivacious. These scents tend to appeal to the physically active person, someone who cannot sit still for long. They are admired and respected by all who come in contact with them.

LEMON: People who like the clean scent of lemon often prefer their home to be uncluttered and organized. They prefer white or light-colored furnishings and have a take-charge approach to life. You will find lemon-lovers outside a lot, taking a jog, walking their dog or enjoying a bike ride at sunset. If you are studying for a test or writing a term paper, you want to consider this scent as it was found to improve alertness, relieve stress and reduce keyboard errors by 50%!
ORANGE: This citrus scent attracts people who are whimsical and creative. Even though their house may not always be spotless, it is always warm and inviting – and is often the neighborhood hang-out. If you are feeling stressed or down, you may want to surround yourself with this scent. An Austrian study found that an orange odor gave people a more positive mood and greater sense of calmness.

GREEN (VERDANT) SCENTS:
Sharp, grassy notes blend with pine, juniper, leaves and herbs to create this fragrance that is perfect for the outdoorsy types.
Lighthearted and playful describes those that tend to enjoy this scent, and never fail to amaze everyone with boundless energy coupled with an air of superiority that is softened by self-awareness. You're an easly riser, in love with the A.M. hourse and usually can be found outdoors communing with the simple beauty of nature.

OCEANIC SCENTS:
Notes of Sea Breeze, Morning Dew
You are a carefree, sun saluting, simple girl/boy... 

MOUNTAIN SPRING: Those who love this fresh, crisp scent are often nature lovers. They live a green lifestyle and make a point to recycle, avoid plastic and drive a fuel-efficient hybrid car. Their pastimes include gardening, mountain biking and skiing and hitting up their local farmer's market. Their home is often decorated in earth tones, with leather furniture and nature-themed home decor.
OCEAN BREEZE: The scent of ocean breeze is loved by people who are laid-back and easygoing. They are often pet lovers and treat their animal like a member of the family. In fact, many are huge advocates of animal rights and love searching out and helping to protect endangered species. You will find ocean breeze lovers at a local charity, as they love getting involved in causes that are important to them and giving back. Their home is often decorated in light colors and has a shabby chic feel to it.

AROMATIC/CLEAN (FOUGERE) SCENTS:
Composed of herbal essences with the accent on Lavendar and hay-like notes of coumarin along with oakmoss, these are refreshing and sporty fragrances and capture the essence of fresh green ferns and other woodland notes.
Wear fern-y scents for that on-the-go vibe because you are outgoing and curious about the world around you, although that typically leaves you wishing for a calm in the eye of the storm you create.

LAVENDER: Lovers of lavender often have high-stress jobs and they love the relaxing scent of this purple flower. Many are trying to juggle multiple areas of their life, such as a job, family and household responsibilities, and will often unwind at the end of the day with a book and a glass of wine. They love vacationing at a wine vineyard or taking a yoga retreat to help them reconnect. Lavender can be traced back to the Egyptians and Greeks of ancient times and was used for its calming and stress relieving properties.

FLORAL SCENTS:
This is the largest and most popular category for women and is created mainly from flowers such as roses, orange blossoms, gardenias, jasmine and carnations.
You are sexy and feminine! Light flowery scents are preferred by women who embody all the grace implied in the word 'feminie': delicate, soft spoken and shy but can be determined and firm when needed.

FLORAL: Those who love a sweet floral scent are often romantics at heart. They have a soft spot for love stories, classic movies and believe wholeheartedly in love at first sight. They often have their home decorated comfortably, with warm colors and lush fabrics. Many lovers of floral scents forge a strong bond with friends and family and are known for their upbeat and caring attitude.

ORIENTAL SCENTS:
The heaviest category, perfect for sultry evening and cooler weather/climates, are composed of spices, musk, exotic flowers and wood essences.
If you like oriental scents, you are typically mysterious and intense. This scent attracts an emotionally charged individual, keen on making a favorable and long-lasting impression on others. You're the creative sort with a dramatic flair, very polished around the edges.

FRUITY SCENTS:
Nectarine, Blackberry, Raspberry, Peach
Ever ready for a party, your giggles light up the room, as does your spontaneity and fun-loving personality. 


WOODSY (CHYPRE) SCENTS:
Pronounced "sheep-rah", these scents/fragrances are described as woodsy-mossy compositions with hints of bergamot, oak moss, citrus and patcholi that enrich the sweet/earth aromas along with sensual flowers.
Those that prefer the woodsy scent are deep and lusty, typically feeling very sensual and erotic.

Now - why is it that I have such a strong attachment to certain scents?? Do I associate them with pleasant moments, certain people I care for, favorite memories...?? Yes, yes, and yes... most of us do pick fragrances due to those types of stimulus, adjusting for taste and other experiences. I know why most of my favorite scents are my favorite... vanilla, fruit and floral scents for instance reminds me of my grandmother Lindsey because she was almost always baking some sweet treat or out in the yard picking flowers or berries/fruit from the trees, so she always had this subtle/sweet mix of smells... Lavender is just a calming smell for me that I've learned over time... Cinnamon reminds me of Christmas due to my mother always buying those scented pine cones or stick brooms... Earthy/Woodsy smells to me are very masculine, powerful, strong smell although I tend to wear a subtle version with a sweeter/floral overtone, I tend to associate the scent with men like my father and husband because they are always outside so they have the scent naturally...

So I guess for favorite smells it's not so random as color or numbers seem to be...