Fragrances are a funny thing. Years ago, I developed a habit of changing perfumes after the end of a relationship. Now, I have a habit of changing perfumes every month in an effort to stay present, and to constantly create new memories.
In 2016, Dr. Rachel S. Herz published this medical journal on odor-evoked memory and how it affects psychological health. Scent is a central feature of olfactory cognition. That means your brain is able to recall whether it has smelled an aroma before, and oftentimes where it was experienced. When I smell Issey Miyake cologne, I’m bombarded by a cacophony of thoughts of being in love in Greece and Monaco over a decade ago. Or when I get a whiff of grain alcohol, I’m transported to a forest-green flatbed truck in Russia. Wet leather and oud remind me of a frozen foods heir and a dinner where I wore full (vintage Paco Rabanne) chainmail.
Odor-evoked memory is also called the “Proust phenomenon.” In In Search of Lost Time, Proust took a bite out of a madeleine cookie he’d dipped in Linden tea and was suddenly transported to a vivid but long-forgotten childhood memory. The scent of the tea mixed with the cookie brought right him back.
Have you ever smelled Alien by Mugler or CK1 and thought about high school? What about Clinique Happy? Abercrombie & Fitch employees reportedly used to walk around the store hourly, spraying the brand’s Fierce cologne. It may not be as refined as a madeleine cookie in Linden tea, but they’re certainty all triggering childhood memories for me.
There’s definitely something profound to be said about scent. Most recently, I was followed out of a grocery store and stopped in the street while I was wearing Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Bacarrat Rouge 540. It’s definitely a new ride-or-die on my list. It has cedar, saffron, jasmine, and a touch of something sexy. It’s light but it definitely lingers. I love the chic Globe Trotter travel component; it makes me feel like a Bond girl.
If you feel like you regularly live in the past, or romanticize nostalgia, try changing up fragrances—your life and memories may change for the better. Keep reading to learn of 17 fragrances, including expert recommendations, that provide an instant mood boost, no matter where you are.
Meet the Experts
- David Moltz is a perfumer and co-founder of D.S. & DURGA.
- Alina Gliwinska is a perfumer for Lush.
- Amandine Pallez is Bvlgari Parfum's Global Creative Director.
What Scent Boosts Mood?
“One of my favorite mood boosting scents in fragrances are citrus as they are very uplifting, offer bursts of energy and can generate positive emotions," says Lush Perfumer Alina Gilwinska. "Citruses can also help to reduce stress and lower anxiety levels. Sweet citrus scents, like orange oil and vibrant tangerine oil, provide a lovely, sweet scent which can be reminiscent of warm summer days while creating an uplifting, pick-me-up effect on our moods."
Fragrance is so personal, maybe even more so then picking out a new foundation or lipstick because everyone has a different nose. What you may find mood lifting, may not be what the next person finds mood lifting, so keep that in mind when you're looking for a fragrance to boost your mood.
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Escentric Molecule 01
This is my secret weapon. I’ve had more people ask me what I was wearing with this than anything else. The molecule is Iso E Super, and it brings out your body’s natural pheromones. I actually now layer it under every fragrance I wear every single day. If I had to pick one thing to be buried with, it would be Molecule. If you like a skin scent, you'll love this.
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Le Labo Gaiac 10
This Tokyo city-exclusive fragrance is my other desert island fragrance. Sorry, but it can only be bought in Tokyo, or during Le Labo’s City Exclusive month (usually September). My friend Kayla brought it back from me from a trip to Japan and she regularly tells me I smell like liquid Yen. The good thing is, if you already have a bottle, Le Labo stores can always fill it. You just can’t buy a new one. A guy I was dating said I smelled like an exotic tree, and that’s exactly what Gaiac is made of. I should’ve kept him around. (Read our review, here.)
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D.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic
"Roses always make me feel cheery," says perfumer and brand founder David Moltz. "Rose Atlantic is my little Northeast beach in a bottle year round." With notes of rose, bergamot, salt water, and linden, we have to agree. This scent is beachy, idyllic, and summery.
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Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Like I mentioned above, this is a new favorite. It’s my current flavor of the month. Do yourself a favor and go buy this today. You won’t be disappointed.
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Tom Ford Santal Blush
I live for all the Tom Ford Private Blends, but especially this one. This is like a hot-and-heavy exotic sandalwood with the right amount of musk. It’s feminine but bossy, and I’m obsessed with it.
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D.S. & Durga Durga
"Ylang ylang essential oil literally turns down my nervoussystem(I bring it on planes)," says Moltz."It's part of the narcotic floral accord in our heroic tuberose perfume Durga."
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Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Silk Mood
This is another new favorite. It’s a sweet oud from Laos that evolves over time while you’re wearing it. It feels mysterious and spicy, like taking a bite out of something exotic that you’ve never tried before.
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Lush Fresh As
Perfume that can reduce stress? Say no more. "One group of scent notes which I do believe can boost our moods are fresh and green scents, like peppermint oil, pine oil, fir balsam and rosemary oil," says Gliwinska.
"These scents positively impact the mood by clearing the mind of stress and energizing the body to help eliminate fatigue. Smelling this type of scent can create a similar feeling as a relaxing and rejuvenating walk in the forest, which also boosts the immune system and our moods.”
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Louis Vuitton Rose des Vents
There’s only one way I can describe Louis Vuitton frags: decadent. This is the perfect woody floral. I get in about six hours of wear-time with this. Jacques Cavallier is the decorated master in-house perfumer behind this line, and like any native of Grasse, his nose knows.
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Mad et Len Terre Noire
This niche French brand is hard to find, but totally worth it. This is sweet, spicy, and woody—it reminds me of a long, fun day of exploring in Sri Lanka. That’s not exactly a relatable experience, but it’s dead-on.
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Bvlgari Allegra Magnifying Neroli Eau de Parfum
"Maybe because neroli is often reminiscent of summer vacations, it is joyful, and refreshing yet soothing at any time of the day," says Bvlgari Parfum's Global Creative Director, Amandine Pallez. She likes to mix it with Bvlgari Allegra Chill & Sole Eau De Parfum for a citrus-forward, juicy, and uplifting combo. "It just makes me feel good, with positive vibes!"
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The Harmonist Metal Flower
This line of Feng Shui fragrances is so chic. I love their store on Melrose Place because it’s covered in malachite, and just feels Zen. With Bulgarian rose and ylang-ylang, this Yin frag gets it right.
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Simone Andreoli Pacific Park Eau de Parfum
Notes of black currant, caramel, cotton candy, and musk create this effervescent sweet, fruity aroma that smells like a day at the pier, playing games to win prizes and riding the ferris wheel. This perfume sounds like it would be sugary, but it's fruity and bright in the dreamiest way—sort of like summer in a bottle.
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Byredo Reine de Nuit
Reine de Nuit is absolutely incredible. It has blackcurrant, saffron, incense, and rose. It’s perfect for date night or whenever you want to leave a lasting impression.
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Xinú Monstera
This niche brand from Mexico City is a dream. This fragrance is a nod to Monstera Deliciosa (“delicious monster”), a lush Mexican rainforest plant and what I wish my parents named me. This smells so complex and unique; imagine wet dirt, bitter moss, and musk, with subtle white florals.
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Bond No. 9 Greenwich Village
Don’t let the turquoise gator-embossed starfish bottle fool you; this is an unbelievable summer scent. It features two of my favorite words in existence: peach musk. I would wear it every single day if I could. Everyone from men to women to children compliment me when I wear it. Don’t take my word for it; go see for yourself.
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Lush Sun
With notes of orange and tangerine, this citrus-scented elixir can help reduce stress, fade anxiety and boost your overall mood, accord to Gliwinska. Think of it like orange juice for your nose.