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Women’s Brains Can Sniff Out Sexy Sweat
by Cristen Conger | January 21, 2011
We know that smell is one of the most emotionally powerful senses, triggering vivid memories from even a wisp of a waft. On Stuff Mom Never Told You, Molly and I have discussed how people unconsciously “sniff out” biologically suitable mates with complementary gene pools. A 2009 psychology study from Rice University adds another compelling note to this complex perfume of humans’ conscious and unconscious smell responses.
Oh man, do we have a nose full of Stuff From the Science Lab for you this week! We depend on our sense of smell to process the world around us, and both of this weeks’ episodes get down to the science of both fragrant and noxious odors. It’s quite a journey, as we’ll take you from the perfume bottles of Paris to the strange atmospheres of the outer planets.
Designed entirely to cater to the sense of smell, perfume occupies a unique position in fashion and society. But when we catch the whiff of a passing perfume enthusiast, what are we really smelling? Tune in and learn more about the science behind perfume.
Last week, I wrote about how to pick out perfume. Assuming I ever buy that L’Instant de Guerlain recommended to me by Sephora’s fragrance finder, I’ll want to preserve its original scent and extend its shelf life by storing it properly.
One reason why my Chanel Chance isn’t doing it for me anymore may be that I’ve apparently been storing it in exactly the wrong place.
A couple of years ago, I caught a whiff of Chanel Chance, and it smelled like destiny. And like many relationships, Chance and I went through the glorious honeymoon phase when I never left the house without a spritz. Now, aside from a cursory squirt from time to time, Chance sits unnoticed on my vanity, the original romance all but evaporated.
But I’m also looking forward to getting back in fragrance market. Anyone who’s ever searches for perfume or cologne knows this isn’t the easiest or most pleasant task. Headache-inducing musk, patchouli and floral bouquets can quickly overwhelm even the most intrepid shopper. Not to mention perfume’s bedeviling way of smelling differently on any given arm.
Deodorant Gum, Roller Girls and Fruity Musk
by Robert Lamb | September 8, 2009
I spent all last week researching and writing about saunas, so it feels right that I should happen on a mention of Fuwarinka Functional Candy and Gum in a Mental Floss article. Here’s the deal: eat this gum and your breath will smell like vanilla or citrus. An hour later, work up a sweat and you’ll coat yourself in a fragrant glaze of vanilla or citrus perfume.
If you’re like many women, you’ve spritzed on perfume before going out. But have you ever wondered what that sweet scent is really doing for you? Sniff out the science and stereotypes behind perfume in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
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