Scents of occasion

The right fragrance can lift mood, boost confidence and evoke happy memories, so it’s time to find your power perfume,

Scent can transport us in an instant. From the freshly cut grass of our childhood home, to the zingy lemon of a holiday in the sun, it can trigger happy memories as fast as a photograph.

“Smell is the most primeval of all our six senses and smells go direct to the ‘emotional’ part of the brain – the olfactory bulb,” says Rebecca Wilkin, fragrance expert for The Perfume Shop.

“If we come across a scent during a moment of heightened emotion, whether positive or negative, the brain will bank that memory, meaning one sniff could ignite it again in the future.”

This means you can use fragrance as a way to help boost memories of a special event.

“Whatever perfume you wear on the day will help you relive precious moments in the days to come,” says Rebecca.

WEDDING DAY Look for… tuberose

“Tuberose is arguably the sexiest scent of all time and is even known as ‘the scent for lovers’. So there is no better note for your big day,” says Athina Macpherson from The Fragrance Shop. “It is dense, rich, sweet, but very powerful. It is often described as fleshy and even voluptuous.” ■■TRY: Michael Kors Eau De Parfum, £48.50, the fragrance shop. co.uk

FIRST DATE Look for… musk

“Musk is earthy and animalistic – ideal for a first date,” says Athina. “It lingers long after application which means even at the end of your date, you will still emit the fragrance to your partner. What’s more, the smell of musk closely resembles that of testosterone, which means it is more likely to act as a pheromone.”

■■TRY: The Body Shop White Musk, £22, Body Shop stores

PICNIC IN THE PARK Look for… verbena

“For a lovely daytime picnic trip, think fresh and summery,” says Alex Oprey from British fragrance house Miller Harris. “Look for green notes such as vetiver and verbena.

“Fruity elements can also complement the freeing feeling of being outdoors, so look for scents with fresh green notes like tomato leaf and galbanum.”

■■TRY: Givenchy Very

Irresistible, £62, Boots

A PARTY Look for… coffee

“In perfume, the coffee note is an intense, dark roast scent that adds depth and richness, so it is perfect for a party,” says Athina. “It’ll wake you up and linger for a long-lasting appeal. It’s a note that will always make people ask, ‘What are you wearing?’.”

■■TRY: Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal By Night, from £42.50, thefragrance shop.co.uk

WEDDING GUEST Look for… neroli

“Nobody wants to compete with the happy couple, so as with wedding fashion, pick something understated but ultimately positive,” says Alex. “Citrus and herbaceous fragrances work well, and neroli-based scents always bring such a positive feel without overpowering the room.”

■■TRY: Zara Rain Citrus Meze, £25.99,

Zara stores

WEEKEND AWAY Look for... jasmine

“Jasmine is so hypnotic that it’s used in over 80 per cent of female fragrances, and 30 per cent of male scents,” says Athina. “It’s the perfect mix of floral and wood, and as well as being sensual, it has positive effects on the brain. It can help ease stress, anxiety, low mood and fatigue

– ideal for a weekend away.”

■■TRY: Mugler

Alien, £57, the perfumeshop.com