Closer to home, young perfume house Loucil is developing fragrances that respond to our state of mind. Founder and perfumer Simon Van Cauwenberge starts from the link between scent and the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions and memories. "Scent is the fastest route to the brain," he says. "You don't ingest anything, but it can have a noticeable influence on how you feel." Loucil is launching three perfumes – Relax, Focus and Energy – each designed to support a specific state of mind. The formulas are built around ingredients whose effect on the emotional brain is described in literature, such as lavender, bergamot and rosemary. "We start from molecules that are linked to relaxation, focus or energy, and translate them into an elegant scent that people actually want to wear." The perfumes are applied via a roll-on and have been deliberately developed as a wearable ritual. "It's not a miracle solution," Van Cauwenberge nuances. "But in a busy context, small stimuli such as scent can help you feel better or switch gears for a moment."
