A neuroscientist has revealed the exact scent to wear if you’re feeling anxious

When it comes to perfume, selecting your very own ‘signature scent’ is no easy feat. One whiff can evoke specific memories, good or bad, and transport us to a time and place that has the ability to trigger powerful emotions. 

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In fact, to grasp just how closely linked our moods are to our fragrance, 75 per cent of the daily emotions we experience are affected by smell. 

And when it comes to the sense that creates the most lasting impact, we are 100 times more likely to remember something we smell, over something we hear, see or touch. 

But, just as fragrances can trigger emotions, they can also work to subside them.

Neuroscientist and mindfulness expert Patrick K. Porter has revealed to Well And Good that particular fragrance notes have the ability to soothe certain hormones, which can play a role in reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.

So if you’d like your daily spritz to work a bit harder, he says to look for perfumes formulated with neroli, lemongrass, lavender and bergamot to keep you calm as well as smelling amazing. 

Here are our top recommendations for an anxiety-reducing fragrance:

L’OCCITANE Lavender Eau de Cologne 

Inspired by summertime in the south of France, there’s not much about this luxurious, lavender scent that won’t instantly put you at ease.

Vera Wang Embrace French Lavender and Tuberose

Inspired by intimacy and emotion, Vera Wang’s Embrace combines French lavender with tuberose and sandalwood to create a timeless, long-lasting scent that helps to keep a busy mind relaxed. 

Ermenegildo Zegna Parfums Acqua di Neroli Eau De Toilette Spray

Praised for soothing feelings of restlessness, neroliadds a touch of spice to this fresh, zesty fragrance also containing rosemary, lemon and violet leaves.

Le Labo Bergamote 22

Fragrant citrus fruit bergamote makes up this fresh, sweet scent from luxury perfume brand Le Labo. Mixed with subtle notes of amber and musk, enjoy a delicate, sweet and soothing fragrance.

$440, available at MECCA

Main image credit: @lelabo