Warm & Fresh Scents and Seasons

warm and fresh scents for the seasons

Have you ever wondered why we prefer warm scents like vanilla, tobacco, leather and cinnamon in the fall and winter and fresh scents like berries, marine and light florals in the spring and summer?

One explanation is that some fragrances have trigeminal effects. This means that some minty scents actually stimulate a physical sensation on the skin. For example, peppermint and menthol create a cooling feeling. So, although candy canes are associated with Christmas, peppermint scent might not be a good ambient scent when it is cold out because it will make people feel colder. You can neutralize this effect by mixing the mint with a warmer note, like chocolate. Feel free to use mints during winter in warmer climates, though, because it will make customers feel more “Christmasy,” especially if they are used to northern winters.

An interesting fact about warm vs. cool/fresh scents is that they affect spacial perception. When you smell a fresh scent, you feel as if the space you are in is bigger. This is why we recommend a cucumber scent if you have a small apartment or office. Warm fragrances, on the other hand, make spaces seem smaller. When it is cold out, we instinctively want to cuddle up and feel cozy. That could be why we like warm fragrances in winter.

Research shows that gender congruent scents result in better sales. If you have a business that caters more to one gender than another, there are both warm and fresh fragrances that tend appeal to each gender. That is not to say that people of each gender only like fragrances in its respective box; it’s just a guide.

Warm and Fresh Fragrance Notes by Gender

MaleFemale
WarmWoody, smoky, balsamic,
animal, honey
Sweet, musky, coconut, jasmine, honey, oriental, buttery, licorice,
raspberry
Fresh/cool Herbal, coniferous, vegetable, green, lemons,
lavender, minty
Rose, lilac, apple, gardenia, watery fruity

Ask your Air Esscentials rep about the best fragrance for your seasonal scenting.

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