Mood-setting with scents

MANILA, Philippines - There is a collection of half-empty perfume bottles stashed away in my closet, like capsules prepared to take me back in time on command. Exactly how scents trigger memories is a lesson for another day, but we all know how it works –– we walk past our favorite store and the smell of brand new leather and something sweet and powdery assaults our senses and suddenly we are inside, perhaps to browse, perhaps to buy. When I spritz on a fragrance I once loved using everyday, the same thing happens. I am taken back to a specific place and certain feelings surface. Scents create first impressions and stimulate mostly pleasant memories.(Ever noticed how bad smells rarely ever remind you of anything but the stench?) We associate our favorite scents with certain emotions. Some boost our confidence, others make us happier, or more relaxed. This is why it’s important to pick the right perfume or room fragrance –– they can alter how we perceive our experiences in more ways than we can imagine.

Knowing how important and powerful scents can be, Michelle Asence-Fontelera, founder and president of Zen Zest Asia has embarked on yet another venture –– personalized scents called All Occasions, a body and lifestyle fragrance brand of customized scents. Michelle recommends Fresh Linen, “a combination of orange, suckle and musk, and a hint of grapefruit.” For amore romantic alternative, there is also a scent that combines musk, rose and vanilla.When choosing your favorite fragrance, opt for notes that complement and reflect your character. Here are some essentials to remember:

For the free spirit. Delicious fruity scents like grapefruit and mandarin orange instantly lift the spirit. Also called mood energizers, they give off a youthful and vibrant impression. A crisp and colorful fragrance highlights the wearer’s fun-loving and radiant personality. Spritz on a fresh fruity scent with a hint of freesia for a positively feminine appeal.

In the zen: All Occasions fragrance diffuser and soy candle set

For the sweet and not-so-innocent. Vanilla is a sweet and seductive scent that can be used on the body and in the bedroom. It’s considered as a subtle aphrodisiac. It has also long been associated with purity, simplicity and warmth. A vanilla-based fragrance and perhaps a vanilla-scented candle are comforting scents for home.

For the femme fatale. The smell of rose usually reminds people of their grandmothers. One must note that rose is a heady scent; it can’t be pure or too strong. But a hint of rose in perfume actually bespeaks old world glamour and romance. It allows the wearer to feel more sophisticated , like having an entourage of blooms to signal your arrival. Wear it during elegant affairs and watch heads turn.

For the stressed-out and sleep-deprived. Lavender is a relaxing scent that calms the mind and body. Used in aromatherapy, this light floral scent has properties that actually help reduce anxiety, stress, and even insomnia. Ease your senses with the fragrance of lavender combined with the unexpected scent of bergamot and eucalyptus for a deep, relaxing sleep. Spray it onto your linens and prepare to slumber.

For those seeking escape. Eucalyptus is a fresh scent for the home, which uplifts and invigorates the senses. Reminiscent of a rejuvenating afternoon at the spa, this herbaceous scent is also good for colds as it aids in decongestion. The crisp but calming mix of eucalyptus and lime also keeps the sniffles away. Spritz a small amount, breathe in, and exhale the stresses of the city.

Three scents worth: SFM Sunday & Michelle Fontelera fragrance set which includes Grapefruit and Freesia, White Moss and Mimosa, and Orange, Honeysuckle and Musk.

For a festive, welcoming home. The smell of freshly baked cinnamon always calls for celebration. It’s festive, homey, warm and ideal for the holidays. This scent symbolizes inspiration and prosperity, perfect for Christmas and other equally cheerful celebrations with the family.

* * *

Choose your favorite scents and mix and match to suit your mood and lifestyle. To order All Occasions, call (0917) 883-2045.