That last spritz of perfume you apply before heading out the door is powerful. Whether it’s a new scent, familiar fave, or your staple scent, it serves as the finishing touch on your fit for the day and plays a key role in how you feel and the energy to emote. Interestingly, some fragrance notes are scientifically proven to boost your confidence, making them a good option for days when you want to conquer it all or even scenarios when you’ve got a lot on the line.
“There’s lots of different studies that prove, through neuroscience, that fragrances and perfumes are capable of interfering directly with our mood,” explains Debora Xavier, fragrance expert and product development manager at Granado. “This is due to the fact that our sense of smell is directly linked to our limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for our emotions.”
So basically, fragrance can serve as a little cheat code for your self-esteem. Check out these proven fragrance notes that can level up your confidence.
Citrus
Notes of orange, lemon, bergamot, and grapefruit feel fresh and modern, and they can also be a boon to your confidence levels. Xavier says these notes have been shown to have an energizing and mood-boosting effect. “They stimulate dopamine and serotonin release, [and may] help in mild depression cases.” One of the most frequently cited studies on this topic was in Behavioural Brain Research, published in 2006.
Sandalwood
Good news! That dreamy sandalwood base you love to smell is a winning fragrance note when it comes to boosting confidence.
“Sandalwood’s warm, creamy aroma has been shown to have stimulating effects on the nervous system,” says Kara Kowalski, fragrance expert and product development lead at Snif. “A study published in Planta Medica found that inhalation of East Indian sandalwood oil led to increased physiological arousal, including elevated pulse rate and skin conductance, as well as higher self-rated attentiveness and mood among participants.”
Vanilla
Vanilla is another warm fragrance note celebrated for its ability to boost confidence levels. “Comforting and emotionally grounding, vanilla creates a sense of calm and approachability,” explains Jeniece Trizzino, vice president of innovation and product for Scentbird.
She adds, “Research has shown that vanilla scent can reduce anxiety and enhance feelings of happiness. In one study, patients exposed to vanilla aroma during MRIs reported significantly less stress.” The idea is that the soothing effect helps lower internal tension and promotes emotional steadiness, which can translate into quiet, grounded confidence.
Rose
Don’t underestimate the power of soft floral scents. For example, while rose is romantic and feminine, research tells us it can “reduce cortisol and increase feelings of contentment and sensuality,” Xavier says.
This delicate scent may even help curb feelings of stress and anxiety. A small study published in Natural Product Communications found that participants had a significant decrease in breathing rate and that they reported feeling more relaxed and calm compared to the control group.
Lavender
You may have heard that lavender is associated with feeling cool, calm, and collected; it’s no wonder it’s a top choice in spas across the world. Its mind-soothing properties can indirectly boost confidence, Kowalski explains.
For example, she points to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology that found participants exposed to lavender scent exhibited increased interpersonal trust during a trust game. “This suggests that lavender helps people feel more at ease and open around others, which can give your confidence a serious boost,” she says.
Jasmine
One sniff of jasmine and you’re instantly swept away in its sweet and heavenly aroma. But did you realize that it could also help level up your self-assuredness?
“Jasmine is both sensual and uplifting, known to stimulate the brain and evoke feelings of joy,” Trizzino tells us. “Jasmine has been shown to increase alertness and improve mood, even having mildly stimulating effects comparable to some antidepressants. Its euphoric quality can help you feel emotionally open, radiant, and socially at ease.”
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