Have you ever felt low and then been suddenly uplifted by the crisp, citrusy scent of vetiver? 

Or found your anxious mind calmed by the warm, grounding aroma of sandalwood? Or maybe felt stress melt away the moment the soothing scent of lavender filled the air?

Our sense of smell is far more powerful than we realise, with a direct link to our emotions and memories. We’ve all had those moments when a scent instantly lifts our spirits or transports us back in time. 

But what if we could intentionally use fragrance to boost our mood whenever we need it?

In order to celebrate Sol de Janeiro’s fragrance-packed range of Delícia Drench products, we spoke to the experts to find out exactly how our sense of smell is linked to our general wellbeing. 

Here’s what they told us…

“It’s important to begin by understanding how smell works in our brain,” says Dr Andy Myers, a neuroscientist who specialises in consumer neuroscience as the director at Walnut Unlimited, a market research agency. 

“All of our other senses have relatively long paths to get to our centres of emotion and memory. However, smell is different.”

“The bit of our brain that processes smell is called the olfactory bulb. This is directly connected to our amygdala which processes emotions and the hippocampus which deals with memory. This direct link means that smell can have a powerful effect on us, even if we are not aware of it,” Myers explains.

That’s why scent can trigger such powerful emotional responses, often without us even realising. We know this from experience, but science backs it up too. 

One study found that patients undergoing an MRI scan felt less anxious when exposed to a sweet vanilla scent. Another study showed that dental patients who inhaled an orangey fragrance also reported feeling calmer.

A large part of scent’s impact comes down to our past experiences. “From a mental health and wellbeing perspective, smell offers a way to trigger existing memories and associations,” says Myers.

“Take nostalgia, for example – positive feelings from the past have been shown to be highly comforting and rewarding. A scent can instantly transport you back to childhood.”

Research from the Sense Of Smell Institute found that people can remember smells with 65% accuracy after a year – compared to 50% for visual recall after just three months.

But scent isn’t just about evoking our personal memories. There are some smells that many of us feel a deeper connection to.

“There are common scents that most people enjoy and that trigger similar associations,” Myers tells Stylist, “such as the invigorating scent of citrus or the festive smell of cinnamon.”

Some of our preferences might also vary culturally, as our lived experiences have a profound impact on our memories and our preferences. “The science of scent is complex, which is why some associations seem universal while others are deeply personal,” Myers says.

Many of us already use scent to align with or shift our mood without thinking about it. One study found that 90% of women felt more confident when wearing fragrance and often chose scents that matched or influenced how they felt at the time.

But how do we harness this power with intention? The key is pairing scents we love with self-care rituals that reinforce their feel-good effects.

Dr Myers tells Stylist: “A scent in complete isolation is meaningless, but our experience of the world gives it meaning. These meanings become memories. For example, the smell of mint may be associated with freshness, which then links to naturalness, invigoration and energy.”

This is called the “multiplier effect” – pairing scent with other experiences to amplify its impact. According to Dr Myers, some things naturally go together, like the smell of cinnamon paired with festive imagery. “These combinations unlock the multiplier effect, helping us to not only access memories but also feel more positive and generally make things feel easier.”

We can tap into this by choosing fragrances linked to positive memories or selecting new scents that align with how we want to feel. By integrating these fragrances into moments of self-care, relaxation or joy, we’re not passively waiting to feel good – we’re actively using scent to shape our mood.

Fragrance can transform our mood, memory and wellbeing. By choosing scents that lift our spirits and making them a part of our daily routine, we can turn bodycare into an intentional act of self-care.

Sol de Janeiro’s latest Delícia Drench range layers scent across bodycare essentials, making it easier than ever to integrate fragrance into your everyday routine. 

The Delícia Drench Shower Oil, Rio Deo 59, and Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist all carry the same Cheirosa 59 scent – a blend of velvet plum, sugared violet, vanilla orchid, whipped amber, sheer sandalwood, and fresh vetiver

This isn’t just about layering scents – it’s about layering emotions. Whether you need a morning confidence boost or a calming ritual before bed, fragrance can help create a whole-body experience of self-care, joy and empowerment.

Because now we know that fragrance isn’t just about smelling good, it’s about feeling good. Sol de Janeiro doesn’t just transform your skin – it transforms your energy and confidence. 

Bodycare can be more than a routine – it can be an emotional reset and a way to reconnect with yourself.

Want to treat yourself to the ultimate bodycare experience? Cleanse, replenish and revive your skin with the Delícia Drench Shower Oil, and then moisturise with the rich, hydrating Delícia Drench Body Butter. Finish things off with a spritz of the Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist, and carry that sense of relaxation with you for the rest of the day.

Want to boost your mood by delighting your sense of smell? Shop the Sol de Janeiro range to add fragrance to your self-care routine and experience the power of scent every day.