There’s something truly magical about the way scent weaves itself into our everyday lives. It’s invisible, yet powerful, and has the ability to stir memories, spark emotions, and even shape the way we see the world around us. From the perfume you spritz before heading out the door to the fragrance of a luxury, handmade scented candle filling your home, scent is far more than just a pleasant background; it’s an essential part of how we experience life.
At Melt, we love diving into the little-known corners of fragrance and sharing the details that make it so captivating. Here are five of our favourite scent facts that highlight just how fascinating our sense of smell really is.
1. Your scent print is as unique as your fingerprint
Just like no two fingerprints are alike, your body has its own individual “scent print.” It’s so distinctive that the only time two people share it is if they’re identical twins. That means the perfumes and fragranced products you wear blend with your personal scent to create something entirely your own, a truly one-of-a-kind signature.
2. Smells move faster than pain
Believe it or not, it takes just half a second for you to respond to a smell, compared with a full second for pain. That’s why a familiar fragrance can make you smile almost instantly or transport you back to a memory before you even realise it. Scent has a way of slipping past logic and going straight to your emotions.
3. Scent is tied to memory like nothing else
The smell of plasticine, crayons, or freshly sharpened pencils might instantly take you back to childhood, and there’s a reason for that. Most of our scent memories are formed in the first decade of our lives. Because smell and memory are so closely linked in the brain, we can recall scents with around 65% accuracy even a year later. No wonder a favourite handmade luxury scented candle can feel like coming home.
4. Women have a sharper sense of smell
Science has confirmed what many have long suspected: women tend to have a more acute sense of smell than men. In fact, this sensitivity becomes even stronger during ovulation. It’s one of those fascinating reminders of how closely scent is connected to our biology, and how finely tuned our noses really are.
5. Our sense of smell is behind most of what we taste
The next time you sit down to a delicious meal, remember that up to 80% of what you’re “tasting” actually comes from your sense of smell. That’s why food tastes so flat when you’ve got a blocked nose. It’s also why scented candles in dining areas should be chosen carefully; the fragrance can subtly influence how you enjoy your meal. A thoughtfully chosen luxury, handmade scented candle can set the perfect atmosphere without ever overwhelming the food itself.
A world worth savouring
Scent is far more than a fleeting pleasure; it’s a vital part of our lives, shaping memories, emotions, and even how we experience flavour. Whether it’s your favourite fragrance, the comforting smell of a candle, or the nostalgic whiff of something from childhood, scent is always there, quietly working its magic.
At Melt, we celebrate this fascinating world with every one of our handmade perfumed candles and luxury reed diffusers. Each fragrance is designed not just to fill your space with beauty, but to enhance how you feel in it. Because when you truly pay attention to scent, everyday moments become extraordinary.
