Perfume can have a powerful effect on your mood and emotions. In fact 94% of people say that wearing perfume boosts their confidence, and 39% of people even wear perfume when alone as it makes them feel good! If you feel naked without that final spritiz of perfume you aren’t alone, and there is a reason why fragrance can give you a boost.Studies show that the sense of smell is closely linked to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for your emotions. And certain scents can have a positive, uplifting effect on your mood and well-being. For example, lavender is a well-known uplifting scent renowned for its ability to calm and create a state of relaxation. Other fragrance notes such as bergamot, citrus, fresh flowers or grass, and vanilla are also considered mood-boosting perfume notes that can help to elevate your mood and make you feel good.
But, here’s the thing about perfume, it’s a supremely personal thing! A feel-good fragrance for you can involve the fragrance notes above which are scientifically proven to put a pep in your step. Or it can be anything that makes you feel positive and happy, whether it triggers an old memory, reminds you of a loved one, or makes you feel empowered and sexy!
Would you like to know what scents lift your mood, or what scent is best for stress? The Perfume Shop has used these 5 fragrance notes to compile a list of the ultimate Top 10 Feel-Good Fragrances that can lift your mood or calm you down – check out our categories and perfumes below!
BERGAMOT
Bergamot is complex a scent. It is fresh, soft, and comforting yet at the same time it is bitter with subtle floral elements – and that right there is bergamot’s charm. The bergamot fragrance note can create a feel good perfume to lift your spirit with its citrussy summer vibes and relax you at the same time!
Montblanc Explorer
Fresh notes of green bergamot, contrasted by woody-aromatic notes and rich vetiver make this a truly uplifting men’s fragrance. Montblanc Explorer is an invigorating call to action and adventure. It’s the perfect scent for the man who is always looking for a new challenge.
My Way hit’s quite a few of our top feel-good fragrance notes. Starting out with top notes of bergamot followed by a floral fusion of white flowers and creamy tuberose at its heart, while base notes of vanilla and white musk dip in and out to create one of most uplifting scents we offer!
Citrus notes, such as lemon and orange are the ultimate addition to a feel good fragrance. Associated with cleanliness and freshness the scent of citrus can evoke feelings of positivity and happiness. It can also have an energising effect, which naturally lifts your mood. Citrus perfumes also have an extraordinary way of transporting you to a glorious Mediterranean location.
VALENTINO Yellow Dream
Yellow Dreamis inspired by the golden sunlight of Rome, known as the Golden Hour. This musky, floral Eau de Parfum is created from the scent of a thousand rose petals with a twist of lemon for a clean, fresh contrast. Full of optimism and energy, Yellow Dream is a romantic, Mediterranean vacation in a bottle! Want to know what perfume makes you happy? Valentino’s Yellow Dream does!
A summer vacation in a bottle. Olympea Solartransports you to the feeling of a sunshine haven on a radiant day. A radiant bouquet of florals combine with sparkling mandarin peel, and the aromatic aroma of solar oak moss. Spritz this scent, close your eyes, and feel the relaxing energy of being on a sun-kissed trip.
Speaking of happy scents, fresh perfume notes like flowers, grass and even herbs are on the top of this list too. In fact, the fresh, clean, and green aroma of herbal infusions have become so popular that we dedicated and entire article to our favourite herbal fragrances here at The Perfume Shop. Click the link below for a bonus list of feel-good fragrances!
But why do these fresh botanical notes create such uplifting scents? Well, the obvious answer is that they evoke positive emotions due to their association with spring, summer, nature and the great outdoors – which typically bring about happy memories for most of us. However, there is also scientific data behind the mood shift you experience from these fragrance notes. For example, studies suggest that the smell of flowers can activate the release of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These are known as the ‘happy’ hormones that help to reduce anxiety and stress. Furthermore, one of the compounds found in grass called limonene, has been shown to have a calming and stress reducing effect on the body.
MARC JACOBS Daisy Ever So Fresh
Daisy Ever So Fresh, Eau de Parfum is sparling, vibrant, and ever so fresh! This uplifting scent embodies the brightest and most vibrant colours. A bouquet of floral, citrus, mango and pineapple come together with rosewater and cashmere woods for a burst of long-lasting freshness. This feel-good perfume captures an airy, whimsical feeling that is enchanting and summer inducing!
HILFIGER’s Tommy collection – Tommy, Tommy Girl, Tommy Summer Ocean Wave are an iconic line of fresh, energizing and feel good fragrances. Tommy, personifies the American dream by fusing notes of Cape Cod cranberry, Texas yellow rose and Vermont Maplewood for a fresh, unmistakably All-American, energizing fragrance that makes you feel happy to be alive!
If you’d like to know what smell helps mental health, Lavender is your answer. Renowned for its calming effects on the body and mind the scent of lavender is thought to reduce the feelings of anxiety and stress by activating the release of serotonin. Additionally, lavender oil is used in aromatherapy to help treat insomnia, headaches and even depression. It’s also a classic nostalgic fragrance note that can instantly trigger fond childhood memories of grandmas and favourite aunties for a ‘warm-hug’ type of feel good fragrance!
Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
Le male is as rugged as it is sexy. Fresh mint blends into warm, sweet vanilla, with a hint of lavender at the heart, creating an irresistible and feel-good concoction. If you want to feel confident and irresistible wherever you go, this scent will give you the boost you need.
Master perfumer, Ann Flipo described Libre, as a fragrance that revolves around masculine lavender and the feminine, sensual, burning notes of orange blossom. And we couldn’t have said it better! Libre is a uniquely fiery, uplifting scent, yet aromatically calming at the same time.
Want to know what the most comforting scent is? Well, we saved it till last. Perhaps the most recognisable feel good fragrance note is the sweet, comforting aroma of vanilla. This mood-enhancing scent ticks quite a few feel-good boxes. Vanilla has long been thought to have euphoric inducing effects. It evokes positive emotions due to its association with comfort and warmth and is one of the most popular scents used in perfumes and candles because of its soothing and calming properties. Vanilla is another perfume note that has been shown to have an effect on the brain, triggering the release of serotonin which, as we mentioned before is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.
MUGLER Alien goddess
Alien Goddess by MUGLER is the embodiment of positivity and femininity. This Eau de Parfum is a floral, amber, woody fusion with base notes of Madagascan Bourbon vanilla. A bold and powerfully uplifting scent, Alien Goddess is deeply smooth and warm, like a veil of comforting silk.
Paco Rabanne’s futuristic-aromatic fragrance Phantom, is an invigorated, cutting-edge creation. This is a men’s feel-good perfume with a difference. A compelling blend of citrus, floral and vetiver mixed with sexy woody vanilla packaged in a cute robot refillable bottle. A truly original scent from the house of Paco Rabanne.
Gabrielle is a skincare pro turned beauty copywriter. She’s been writing and creating beauty content for over five years but has been in and around the world of beauty for most of her life. When she’s not researching the latest skincare ingredients you’ll find her dishing out beauty tips on Instagram. Her current perfume obsession? Rose Naturelle by Chloé.
Top 10 feel-good fragrances
Perfume can have a powerful effect on your mood and emotions. In fact 94% of people say that wearing perfume boosts their confidence, and 39% of people even wear perfume when alone as it makes them feel good! If you feel naked without that final spritiz of perfume you aren’t alone, and there is a reason why fragrance can give you a boost. Studies show that the sense of smell is closely linked to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for your emotions. And certain scents can have a positive, uplifting effect on your mood and well-being. For example, lavender is a well-known uplifting scent renowned for its ability to calm and create a state of relaxation. Other fragrance notes such as bergamot, citrus, fresh flowers or grass, and vanilla are also considered mood-boosting perfume notes that can help to elevate your mood and make you feel good.
But, here’s the thing about perfume, it’s a supremely personal thing! A feel-good fragrance for you can involve the fragrance notes above which are scientifically proven to put a pep in your step. Or it can be anything that makes you feel positive and happy, whether it triggers an old memory, reminds you of a loved one, or makes you feel empowered and sexy!
Would you like to know what scents lift your mood, or what scent is best for stress? The Perfume Shop has used these 5 fragrance notes to compile a list of the ultimate Top 10 Feel-Good Fragrances that can lift your mood or calm you down – check out our categories and perfumes below!
BERGAMOT
Bergamot is complex a scent. It is fresh, soft, and comforting yet at the same time it is bitter with subtle floral elements – and that right there is bergamot’s charm. The bergamot fragrance note can create a feel good perfume to lift your spirit with its citrussy summer vibes and relax you at the same time!
Montblanc Explorer
Fresh notes of green bergamot, contrasted by woody-aromatic notes and rich vetiver make this a truly uplifting men’s fragrance. Montblanc Explorer is an invigorating call to action and adventure. It’s the perfect scent for the man who is always looking for a new challenge.
Montblanc
Explorer
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – €97.00
ARMANI My Way
My Way hit’s quite a few of our top feel-good fragrance notes. Starting out with top notes of bergamot followed by a floral fusion of white flowers and creamy tuberose at its heart, while base notes of vanilla and white musk dip in and out to create one of most uplifting scents we offer!
Armani
My Way
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
90ML – €120.00
Citrus
Citrus notes, such as lemon and orange are the ultimate addition to a feel good fragrance. Associated with cleanliness and freshness the scent of citrus can evoke feelings of positivity and happiness. It can also have an energising effect, which naturally lifts your mood. Citrus perfumes also have an extraordinary way of transporting you to a glorious Mediterranean location.
VALENTINO Yellow Dream
Yellow Dream is inspired by the golden sunlight of Rome, known as the Golden Hour. This musky, floral Eau de Parfum is created from the scent of a thousand rose petals with a twist of lemon for a clean, fresh contrast. Full of optimism and energy, Yellow Dream is a romantic, Mediterranean vacation in a bottle! Want to know what perfume makes you happy? Valentino’s Yellow Dream does!
Valentino
Born In Roma Donna Yellow Dream For Her
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – €160.00
Olympea Solar by Rabanne
A summer vacation in a bottle. Olympea Solar transports you to the feeling of a sunshine haven on a radiant day. A radiant bouquet of florals combine with sparkling mandarin peel, and the aromatic aroma of solar oak moss. Spritz this scent, close your eyes, and feel the relaxing energy of being on a sun-kissed trip.
Rabanne
Olympea Solar
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – €96.00
Fresh flowers/ grass
Speaking of happy scents, fresh perfume notes like flowers, grass and even herbs are on the top of this list too. In fact, the fresh, clean, and green aroma of herbal infusions have become so popular that we dedicated and entire article to our favourite herbal fragrances here at The Perfume Shop. Click the link below for a bonus list of feel-good fragrances!
But why do these fresh botanical notes create such uplifting scents? Well, the obvious answer is that they evoke positive emotions due to their association with spring, summer, nature and the great outdoors – which typically bring about happy memories for most of us. However, there is also scientific data behind the mood shift you experience from these fragrance notes. For example, studies suggest that the smell of flowers can activate the release of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These are known as the ‘happy’ hormones that help to reduce anxiety and stress. Furthermore, one of the compounds found in grass called limonene, has been shown to have a calming and stress reducing effect on the body.
MARC JACOBS Daisy Ever So Fresh
Daisy Ever So Fresh, Eau de Parfum is sparling, vibrant, and ever so fresh! This uplifting scent embodies the brightest and most vibrant colours. A bouquet of floral, citrus, mango and pineapple come together with rosewater and cashmere woods for a burst of long-lasting freshness. This feel-good perfume captures an airy, whimsical feeling that is enchanting and summer inducing!
Marc Jacobs
Daisy Ever So Fresh
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – €64.50
TOMMY HILFIGER Tommy
HILFIGER’s Tommy collection – Tommy, Tommy Girl, Tommy Summer Ocean Wave are an iconic line of fresh, energizing and feel good fragrances. Tommy, personifies the American dream by fusing notes of Cape Cod cranberry, Texas yellow rose and Vermont Maplewood for a fresh, unmistakably All-American, energizing fragrance that makes you feel happy to be alive!
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Man
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – €38.50
Lavender
If you’d like to know what smell helps mental health, Lavender is your answer. Renowned for its calming effects on the body and mind the scent of lavender is thought to reduce the feelings of anxiety and stress by activating the release of serotonin. Additionally, lavender oil is used in aromatherapy to help treat insomnia, headaches and even depression. It’s also a classic nostalgic fragrance note that can instantly trigger fond childhood memories of grandmas and favourite aunties for a ‘warm-hug’ type of feel good fragrance!
Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
Le male is as rugged as it is sexy. Fresh mint blends into warm, sweet vanilla, with a hint of lavender at the heart, creating an irresistible and feel-good concoction. If you want to feel confident and irresistible wherever you go, this scent will give you the boost you need.
Jean Paul Gaultier
Le Male
Eau de Toilette Spray
125ML – €118.00
YSL Libre
Master perfumer, Ann Flipo described Libre, as a fragrance that revolves around masculine lavender and the feminine, sensual, burning notes of orange blossom. And we couldn’t have said it better! Libre is a uniquely fiery, uplifting scent, yet aromatically calming at the same time.
Yves Saint Laurent
Libre
Eau de Parfum Spray
90ML – €150.00
Vanilla
Want to know what the most comforting scent is? Well, we saved it till last. Perhaps the most recognisable feel good fragrance note is the sweet, comforting aroma of vanilla. This mood-enhancing scent ticks quite a few feel-good boxes. Vanilla has long been thought to have euphoric inducing effects. It evokes positive emotions due to its association with comfort and warmth and is one of the most popular scents used in perfumes and candles because of its soothing and calming properties. Vanilla is another perfume note that has been shown to have an effect on the brain, triggering the release of serotonin which, as we mentioned before is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.
MUGLER Alien goddess
Alien Goddess by MUGLER is the embodiment of positivity and femininity. This Eau de Parfum is a floral, amber, woody fusion with base notes of Madagascan Bourbon vanilla. A bold and powerfully uplifting scent, Alien Goddess is deeply smooth and warm, like a veil of comforting silk.
Mugler
Alien Goddess
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
60ML – €92.00
PACO RABANNE Phantom
Paco Rabanne’s futuristic-aromatic fragrance Phantom, is an invigorated, cutting-edge creation. This is a men’s feel-good perfume with a difference. A compelling blend of citrus, floral and vetiver mixed with sexy woody vanilla packaged in a cute robot refillable bottle. A truly original scent from the house of Paco Rabanne.
Rabanne
Phantom
Eau de Toilette Spray
100ML – €113.00
Looking for more feel-good scents?
Discover mood-boosting aromatherapy oils in perfume
About Gabrielle Richens
Copywriter
Gabrielle is a skincare pro turned beauty copywriter. She’s been writing and creating beauty content for over five years but has been in and around the world of beauty for most of her life. When she’s not researching the latest skincare ingredients you’ll find her dishing out beauty tips on Instagram. Her current perfume obsession? Rose Naturelle by Chloé.
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