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“It has always been like this: the smell of bitter almonds suggested an unhappy love,” wrote Gabriel Garcia Marquez in one of his works. The author found quite melancholic notes in the fragrance we are used to. But what is this: a writer’s allegory? Or can the smells around us really affect our mood? And can you then make them work for you? Faberlic experts gave us answers to these questions.
What is the Proust effect?
Smells can evoke a whole string of memories in us. The writer Marcel Proust spoke about this effect, thanks to which the phenomenon got his name. The author often added episodes to his creations, where minor smells and tastes trigger a chain of memories and reflections. Moreover, these fragrances did not just recreate pictures from the past, but awakened the living emotions of the hero of the work along with them.
So, for example, in the novel In Search of Lost Time, the author describes how the aroma of a small cake evokes a whole wave of childhood memories and causes him “mighty joy.”
And no, it’s not just a writing technique. This is a scientific reality that neuroscientists have been able to prove years later.
Aromatherapy and science: does it really work?
The Proust effect has a completely scientific justification. When studying the structure of the brain, neuroscientists have found that the areas of the brain responsible for the formation of emotions and memory structure are in close proximity to the centers of smell and are connected to them by the limbic system. This means that certain aromatic compositions can enhance the connection of these parts of the brain, programming the necessary emotional background in our minds.
The power of aromas
The olfactory system is also associated with many instincts that have appeared in the process of evolution. We may not even be aware of it, but aromas affect our subconscious, affecting the body in different ways: some soothe, others, on the contrary, energize, and still others cause inexplicable joy. Moreover, aromas can even support the immune system and clear the mind. The main thing is to find the necessary combinations.
Practical application
Recently, the aroma design of rooms has become more and more popular. This direction grew out of marketing techniques, when fragrances in stores could add a touch of luxury to the brand, set it up for a long shopping trip, or create a cozy atmosphere that you want to take with you. Since then, aroma design has greatly expanded the scope, now interior designers are actively using these techniques to fill the house with the “right” atmosphere.
Currently, companies such as , offer a variety of ways of aromatherapy and aroma design. For example, aromatic diffusers with sticks, dressed in stylish bottles, will perfectly fit into the interior, adding grace and elegance to it.
Scented candles create a more intimate feeling and cosiness in the room, and the light of the flame adds romance – and this is a plus for the effect of aroma on the subconscious.
How to choose the fragrance that is right for me?
Here everything works the same way as in the office of a psychologist. Ask yourself: how do I feel? In the world of fragrances, you always have to start with yourself. What emotions are there now and what do I want to feel after a while? Depending on this, suitable notes are selected.
The world of fragrances is huge, and it often seems almost unrealistic to understand which combination will give the desired effect. And where is the guarantee that this composition will really work? For this, Faberlic created . It describes not only the notes present in the composition, but also the emotions that it carries in itself. And this, you see, greatly facilitates the search for the right combination of flavors.
The Aromio collection is based on the French EmotionDesign technology, which is a specially designed composition of aroma molecules that send signals to the brain areas responsible for the formation of emotions. This technology allows you to build a connection between the two centers, emotions and smell, thereby harmonizing the emotional background.
There are compositions for creating mood, for example, Shanti Sandal (Balance), Black Amber (Relax), Sakura Matcha Tea (Anti-stress), Daisy Water (Positive), and for improving the general condition – supporting immunity, ease of movement and clarity of mind. This greatly simplifies the task of finding the right fragrance, eliminating the need to delve into the intricacies of aromatherapy.
Aromas affect our lives all the time. Sometimes we notice it, and sometimes it remains at the subconscious level. But you can always take control of this process and control your mood with the help of aromas. The main thing is to do it correctly!