Why we wear perfume

When we consider why we wear perfume, the most simple and obvious answer is ‘to smell nice’.

Yet when we look into those three words, there is a much deeper meaning. Fragrance itself is an art which Boadicea honours with heritage and craftsmanship. Our sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, meaning that what we smell has a huge impact on cognitive functions and physiological effects.

Boadicea understands how our olfactory system plays an integral part in our lives yet is often overlooked. When we enter a room or encounter someone new, then our sense of smell is heightened until we deem it safe. We use our most primal sense without realising it, and by tapping into this, we have the power to seduce, improve our mood or leave a lasting impression with just a few spritzes of perfume.

Smelling nice, feeling fresh, and eliminating our own personal scent are why many of us first begin wearing perfume. How we smell can influence others and ourselves, so by using fragrance to smell better we are removing the insecurity that we could be repelling others and have the confidence that we like how we smell; titillating and tantalising others and ourselves.

Intriguing others and receiving compliments is something we all enjoy. Creating a desirable aspect of ourselves through the perfume we choose to wear showcases the intrinsic effect perfumery can have. When it comes to a fragrance, we can either opt for something from a designer brand that tend to be more mass appealing so are sure compliment-getters, or we can choose from a niche brand for something a little more complex and unique.

Our brand recognises that certain olfactive notes have on our mood; aromatherapy has long focused on the therapeutic benefits of scent and how it impacts how we feel. The olfactory neurons and their direct access to the limbic system allows scent to evoke feelings and memories. By choosing a specific perfume in the morning, we are choosing to feel a certain way; whether that be empowered, happy, confident, sensual, or relaxed. Our Discovery Set is perfect to trial out how different fragrances make you feel as we can elevate or change our mood to suit scenarios, for example opting for Ardent to bolster confidence or a charming floral like Heroine to entice and seduce.

Some people use fragrance as part of their identity, a favourite perfume that others associate with them and their presence, which over time becomes their signature scent. If you’re looking for a signature scent then our Fragrance Finder will allow you to find a fragrance that suits not only your perfume preferences but your character too. Others use perfume as a form of self-expression, similar to how fashion can showcase your personality, so can your choice of fragrance; a final flourish as a detail or accessory on your choice of outfit.

However you view fragrance, whether your intention is to intoxicate the senses, elevate your mood, express yourself or just simply smell good, with perfume, it’s always personal and self-scented is the way to be.