Our perfume PR consultant gave it a try and this is what she thinks…

As the new year unfolds, January often brings shorter days, colder weather, and post-festive holiday slumps. Today is Blue Monday – the so-called most depressing day of the year – so we’re here to offer some uplifting advice. Did you know that certain fragrances can positively affect your emotions? It’s true, and we’ve got the lowdown on how to boost your mood with the perfect scent.

In tough times, people often turn to small luxuries to lift their spirits – a phenomenon called the "lipstick index." In recent years, PerfumeDirect.com has seen a similar trend with fragrances. Every January, searches for “happy scents” and mood-boosting fragrances spike, reflecting our collective desire for positivity and comfort.

We also got one of our team to put it to the test and she spills the beans on her own personal experience of try out the fragrance notes that experts say can have a positive effect on your wellbeing.

The Science of Smell and Emotion

The power of fragrance lies in its connection to the limbic system – the part of the brain that governs emotions and memory. According to specific aromas can activate our brain’s emotion centre and even influence hormone release, impacting stress levels and overall mood. Fragrance notes like citrus and musk can invigorate, while lavender and bergamot help calm and relax.

Research supports the mood-enhancing benefits of fragrances, with scents like grapefruit, orange, and lemon rated as "happy and stimulating." Meanwhile, notes like vanilla evoke warmth and comfort, and jasmine is a proven mood-lifter.

Fragrance Notes to Lift Your Spirits in 2025 

Here are five essential fragrance notes for January – and beyond – to keep you feeling your best.

Ylang-Ylang

Effect: Aids relaxation, boosts self-esteem, and reduces anxiety.

Fragrances to Try:

Prada La Femme: A blend of ylang-ylang, magnolia, and spices for a refined, feminine scent.

Gucci Bamboo: A floral-woody fragrance featuring ylang-ylang and Casablanca lily.

Jasmine

Effect: Helps relieve depression and promotes alertness.

Fragrances to Try:

YSL Black Opium: Energizing notes of jasmine, coffee, and patchouli.

Gucci Bloom: A bouquet of jasmine and tuberose with a sweet neroli twist.

Citrus

Effect: Energizes and uplifts, reducing stress.

Fragrances to Try:

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue: A fresh blend of Sicilian citron and Granny Smith apple.

Armani Code: Sophisticated with lemon, bergamot, and tonka bean.

Rosemary

Effect: Improves focus, memory, and alertness.

Fragrances to Try:

Davidoff Cool Water: Refreshing with rosemary, peppermint, and lavender.

Vanilla

Effect: Creates warmth, happiness, and relaxation.

Fragrances to Try:

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess: A creamy mix of vanilla, coconut, and amber.

Armani Stronger With You: Spicy pink pepper and vanilla with a warm, woody base.

Beat the January Blues we put the best Mood-Boosting Fragrances for 2025 to the test! 

“As someone who experiences the January Blues, and SAD, I was keen to see if changing my perfumes over the New Year and start of January had any impact on how I feel.

“I chose three fragrances to wear everyday day for two weeks, swapping out my normal perfumes which include Madamoiselle, Creed Aventus for Her and Idole by Lancome. I applied one in the morning – refreshing at lunchtime - and another after work, alternating between the three. To keep things as scientific as possible, I didn’t really change anything else regarding my lifestyle so continued to eat well, exercise and work.

“So what did I think? I’ll be honest, I was pleasantly surprised!!! I read and write about the positive effect that fragrance can have most weeks, so of course I am a fan of perfume and advocate that I don’t feel fully ready for the day or an evening out without a spritz or two. But when I switched my signature scent to the mood-boosting fragrances I did feel calmer, relaxed and more energised during the day.    

“The three fragrances I chose were Gucci Bamboo, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, and Armani Code Femme.

“Gucci Bamboo - my new go-to fragrance when I need an instant mood boost! Perfect for mornings, the initial citrus burst of bergamot awakens the senses, giving me an instant boost of energy and optimism. The scent unfolds with exotic ylang-ylang, rich Casablanca lily, and delicate orange blossom that feel both uplifting and empowering, while the creamy warmth of sandalwood, Tahitian vanilla, and amber lingers, evoking feelings of grounded strength and sophistication. This is a perfume that transforms my mood, making me feel ready to take on the day.

“Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue is akin to spraying a little burst of sunshine onto your skin, its Mediterranean holiday vibe instantly lifting my mood. The crisp, invigorating blend of Sicilian citron and Granny Smith apple makes it ideal for a lunchtime spritz to ward off the mid-afternoon slump. The lingering warmth of cedarwood, amber, and musk grounds the scent, leaving me feeling both refreshed and confident.

“Armani Code Femme – this scent is a mood-boosting elixir in a bottle. The initial burst of jasmine and Italian orange instantly stimulates my senses, while notes of spicy ginger, vanilla, and sandalwood make me feel feminine, relaxed, and less stressed after a busy day. Wearing this perfume not only transforms my mood, but also feels like an instant boost to my confidence.

Ready to explore our full collection of mood-boosting fragrances? 

Whether you’re looking to banish the January blues or simply find your perfect pick-me-up? Browse our online store today and start 2025 with a spritz of happiness – because sometimes, the right fragrance is all you need to turn your day around.