The Science of Nostalgic Feelings: How Scents Trigger Powerful Memories & Emotions

Have you ever noticed how a particular scent can instantly shift your mood or bring back a long-lost memory? That’s because our sense of smell is deeply tied to nostalgic feelings—bringing back childhood moments, special places, or even the scent of a loved one.

For me, this happens all the time—certain fragrances bring me back to school years, favorite family moments, or even memories I thought I had forgotten. That’s the power of fragrance—it’s more than just a smell; it’s a mood, a memory, and sometimes even a much-needed escape.

Fun Fact About Scent in History

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians were some of the first to use scents in everyday life? They didn’t just use aromatic oils for rituals—they loved them for personal enjoyment and even treated ailments with them. Scents like myrrh, frankincense, and cinnamon were considered so valuable that they were often traded like currency. Imagine living in a time when your favorite fragrance was literally worth its weight in gold!

Let’s dive into the fascinating psychology of scent and how fragrances affect your mood.

Why Does Scent Affect Mood?

The way scent works is fascinating. When you inhale a fragrance, it activates the olfactory system, which has a direct line to the limbic system in your brain. That’s the part responsible for emotions and memories—why one whiff of a perfume or candle can instantly trigger nostalgic feelings from years ago.

For example, the first time I tested Golden Hour, it reminded me of a childhood friend who wore a body splash I always associated with her. That scent-memory connection was so strong that I knew it had to be part of my collection!

How Different Scents Impact Your Mood

1. Relaxation: Scents like lavender and vanilla are scientifically proven to reduce stress and help with relaxation.

   • My Go-To: Vanilla Cedar. I light it every day in my office—it’s my cozy go-to that immediately warms my heart. Another favorite: Black Lavender from the spring collection.

2. Happiness and Positivity: Citrus scents like lemon and orange are instant mood boosters. They’re my secret weapon for a productive morning.

   • My Favorite: Desert Oasis. It smells like sunshine on a tranquil getaway. I often use it during this time of year to freshen up my space and boost my productivity. New in the spring collection: Lemon Lush and Honeysuckle Jasmine.

3. Focus and Clarity: Herbs like rosemary and eucalyptus can enhance concentration and mental clarity.

   • Focus Trick: I keep Pure Serenity nearby when I’m working on something important. Its fresh notes keep me motivated and sharp.

4. Comfort and Warmth: Scents like cinnamon, cedarwood, and amber evoke a sense of coziness and nostalgia.

   • My Cozy Combo: Alluring Amber or Vanilla Cedar, paired with a warm blanket and a good book, is my ideal way to unwind.

How I Use Fragrance in My Home

Fragrance is such an integral part of my day-to-day life. Here’s how I use it to create different vibes in my space:

• In the Morning: I start the day by turning on my wax warmer in the kitchen. I set it to 9 hours, since I work from home and will be passing through the space throughout the day. The constant background of freshness soothes me and makes the house feel alive.

• During Work Hours: My workspace is all about focus, so if I’m not pouring product that day, I use bright, clean invigorating scents like Seaside Retreat or Laundry Day.

• In the Evenings: After a long day, I light a soothing candle (usually lavender or vanilla) to help me transition into relaxation mode. I’ve been enjoying Apple Cinnamon from the Winter Collection—I’m burning one in my living room (sadly, it’s almost out).

• For Special Moments: On weekends, I’ll definitely burn something special, like Golden Hour, to make even the smallest moments feel magical. This scent won my heart, and I can’t wait for you all to experience it.

A Personal Memory

Scents have an incredible ability to transport us to specific times in our lives, bringing up nostalgic feelings we didn’t even realize we had tucked away.

When testing Berry Blossoms, I sought to capture the scent of Sweet Pea*, and this scent captures that adorable fragrance. The first time I tested it, I was immediately taken back to my first car. It had previously been my brother’s, who had accidentally backed it into a tree, which caused rain to get inside, leaving a distinct mildew smell. After a thorough cleaning, the scent was still off. So I grabbed a room spray and went to town on the car’s interior. That spray became the signature scent of my first car.

Driving to school or my after-school job as a youth attendant, I remember feeling proud and independent, even with a cute scent. Fun Fact: I used to work as an after-school counselor for a kids club—those kids thought I was so cool! Like a big brother, and it was such a fond time in my life I reflect on every now and then. Scents can transport us to moments like these—full of joy and personal growth. I hope one of my spring fragrances brings you a nostalgic memory just like this one did for me.

*Legally, we can't name a scent "Sweet Pea", so this scent is inspired by it.

How to Layer Scents in Your Home

If you want to create a multi-sensory experience, try layering scents throughout your home. It also helps reduce the chances of becoming nose-blind to your favorite scent. As you pass from room to room, you’re greeted with a refreshed aroma. For example:

• Use a warm, grounding scent like cedarwood in the living room.

• A fresh, clean scent like jasmine in the bathroom.

• A bright, citrusy fragrance in the kitchen to complement the space.

This way, every room feels unique, but the scents still flow together harmoniously. And you never get bored.

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What’s Your Mood-Boosting Scent?

I’d love to hear from you! Are there any scents have I made in the past that brought back a specific memory?

Let me know what scent and feel free to share a short story in the comments below—I might even bring your suggestions back for future collections and share your stories in future posts.