A Scent-City Series
Every morning, you spritz on a touch of perfume. You do this almost automatically. But have you ever pondered why you repeatedly return to that same bottle?
Perfume is not just a pleasant aroma, but something more: while it instills in us that iconic sense of confidence and security, there’s something deeper going on, something most people don’t notice. Behind the pretty bottles and lovely scents, there’s a lot of psychology and business at play, for real!
Let’s explore how your love for perfume might be a quiet addiction… and how brands are making money from it.
When a scent feels like “You”
When you discover a scent you adore, it feels personal, as if it understands you. That perfume becomes an integral part of your identity. You start saying things like, “This is just who I am.” But really, it’s how the perfume makes you feel, elegant, happy, or special, that keeps you attached to it.
You may even feel uneasy when you don’t wear it. You may feel incomplete without its presence. Much of it is influenced by advertisements and marketing. Perfume brands want you to feel that way, as it ensures your continued patronage of the brand and recommendation to people in your social circle.
When a scent connects the dots.
Smell is directly linked to the part of your brain that processes emotions and memories. That’s why a certain scent can bring back memories of a date, a job interview, or a special trip. It reminds you of a certain feeling, right? Some time ago, I saw a video of a dog that recognised its estranged boss through his scent after a long time of separation. Those who saw it would agree it was very emotional.
Perfume companies know this. They have mastered the art of perfume psychology. They don’t just sell an exclusive fragrance; they sell feelings: confidence, romance, nostalgia, luxury, connection, name it. They use stories, celebrity ads, and “limited editions” to make us feel the worth of each bottle and earn a special reward from it. You’re not just buying a product, you’re buying a feeling, a lifestyle. And slowly, without even realising it, that emotional connection becomes a buying habit.
A shift from loving a scent to depending on it
You might think you’re just being loyal to a brand. But what’s happening is a subtle shift from liking something to depending on it.
Have you ever felt the need to buy the latest version of your favourite perfume? Or did you feel less confident going out without wearing it? That’s not just preference. That’s a pattern, perhaps of dependency, aroused by “emotional branding.”
Perfume brands apply clever tactics like:
Scarcity: “Limited edition” releases to make you act quickly
Status: Fancy packaging or celebrity names to make it feel exclusive.
Personal connection: Scents that match all or part of who you are.
Such tricks could lure people, believing the perfume is irreplaceable. So even if prices go up, they’ll buy it, sometimes without even noticing a slight change in the price. Trust me, I’ve had to buy one without seeing the change in price until I looked at the receipt, OMG! It was funny, my friends laughed so hard.
A friend once told me she had used a certain perfume designed by Christian dior, for five years consistently and when I asked her why, she quickly replied “ there’s something about that perfume that I cant explain, each time i don’t wear it to an ocassion I don’t feel complete, it’s as though a part of me is missing. I value wearing it the way I wear my undies. I asked her, “What would you do if the company stopped producing that brand? Again, she replied, “To be honest, I haven’t thought about that.”
That’s what dependency can do to a person: it makes one blind to the possibility of change. And when this continues for a long time, it turns to addiction.
Addiction Nicely Packaged.
Most people wouldn’t call themselves addicted to perfume. But consider this:
Did you feel a certain way (less confident without it, anxious to buy, overly excited about the brand)?
Did you reach for perfume to feel better?
Did you feel rewarded, i.e., a compliment, feeling assured, or a mood lift?
Did this happen repeatedly at least three times a week?
If your answer to the questions above is “yes”.
This is exactly how habits and even scent addictions work. However, in the world of beauty and merchandising, it’s termed “passion” or “brand loyalty,” making it sound professional, yet it works the same way.
In other words, scent addiction creates a powerful cycle, one in which consumers feel deeply connected to brands, causing them to overlook minor flaws in a product.
This emotional attachment can lead to unreasonable spending, as this group of people prefers their loyalty to a brand over practicality or necessity.
Advertisers tap into this psychology, crafting narratives that appeal to consumers’ desires and aspirations, which strengthens the bond that glues customers to the brand.
Social media plays a crucial role in reinforcing these behaviors, as influencers and peer reviews create a sense of validation and acceptance. The trend of “FOMO” (fear of missing out) drives consumers to act quickly and impulsively, often leading to excessive purchases.
While passion for a brand can foster community and identity, it can also pave the way to consumerist patterns that resemble the nature of addiction in their pursuit of satisfaction and recognition. Though this may not adversely affect your health, it does give an advantage to certain stakeholders, such as producers, retailers, and brand owners.
ROI of obsession
Here’s the twist: your love for perfume isn’t just personal. It’s part of a bigger system.
Every time you post about your favourite scent, recommend it to a friend, or buy a new bottle, you’re helping the brand grow. It’s called “ free advertising”. You’re providing data. And your choices help shape their future product decisions and market strategy.
Without knowing it, your quiet little obsession becomes valuable business information.
Staying in Control (Without Giving Up Perfume)
Loving perfume doesn’t mean losing control. You don’t have to stop using fragrances to stay in charge of your habits. Perfume is a wonderful self-care accessory; it can lift your mood, increase your confidence, and showcase your personality. The key is to enjoy your favourite scents wisely, without letting the habit control you.
Here are simple, practical tips to help you stay in control while you enjoy your scents without feeling entrapped:
1. Mix Things Up: Explore Scent Layering
Wearing the same perfume every day can feel like a routine. Try layering different scents to create a unique scent. For example, use a floral body lotion and then add a light citrus perfume. Be careful, some scents don’t blend well. Make sure the fragrances are compatible. Many brands offer products from the same scent family, which match safely. This makes it exciting, like they say, “variety is the spice of life.”
2. Discover Smaller or Independent Brands
You don’t have to stick with the big, expensive designer labels. Many small perfume brands create amazing scents when compared to popular brands. Supporting these lesser-known brands can help keep prices fair by creating more competition in the marketplace. Plus, you’ll be wearing something unique that not everyone else has.
3. Set a Personal Budget
Perfume shopping can be fun, but it’s easy to get carried away. Try not to buy on impulse just because you saw a pretty bottle or a big discount. Before shopping, decide how much you’re willing to spend for the month. Make a list of what you need or want to try. That way, you’ll avoid spending too much and hurting your finances in the process.
4. Make a Shopping List Before You Go
A shopping list can help you stay focused. It ensures you avoid buying unplanned items on the spot. i.e,. Items not included in your shopping list, therefore, help you keep track of your financial goals. Even if you’re browsing online, keeping a note on your phone or notebook of the items you’re looking for can help limit unnecessary spending.
5. Speak to a Professional if You’re Struggling
If you feel overwhelmed by a perfume, it may be helpful to talk to a psychologist. They can help you understand what’s going on emotionally and give you tailored support. Sometimes we turn to perfume or shopping to fill a deeper need. Don’t forget that talking to someone can bring clarity to your mind and feelings.
6. Pause and Reflect Before You Buy
Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I want this? Or do I feel pressured by adverts, trends, or friends? It helps to take a moment to reflect. You are the one in charge. Being honest with yourself can help you stay in control. You may even realise that all you need could be simply to reduce purchasing perfume to wean you off its addiction.
You don’t have to give up perfume to be in control. By being mindful, making a budget, exploring new options, and taking care of your emotional well-being, you can enjoy your fragrance without regrets. Let it be a reflection of your style, not a burden on your wallet or peace of mind.
Your choice is your power.
Are you choosing your scent? Or has it been selected for you by habit, emotion, and clever marketing?
The truth is, if your love for perfume is real, so is the business behind it. Yet the most beautiful scent is the one you wear by choice, not by conditioning or extraordinary influence.
The next time you reach for your favourite perfume bottle, do it mindfully. That simple spritz should be your joy, not addiction. ,