Article: Shannon Smith from FAIRLADY
Image: Megan Williams

Which smells come to mind when you remember your childhood? Freshly cut grass, the smell of the seaside or clothes soaking in bleach?

According to scientists at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, the smells you associate with childhood indicate the decade that you were born in.

Take a look at the following lists and choose one that you remember most from your childhood:
a) moth balls, koki pens, baby powder, plastic, hairspray, suntan oil and chlorine or
b) baby powder, your mother's perfume, window cleaner, your father's cologne, detergent, disinfectant, factories, motor oil and exhaust fumes or
c) baby powder, your mother's perfume, your father's cologne, crayons, pine and Play Dough.

Chances are if you were a child in the '70s you would have chosen a; in the '60s, you would have chosen b; and if you were a '50s babe you would have chosen c.

Over 80% of respondents in the original tests matched the corresponding years and smells. Clever marketers are using this type of research to appeal to target audiences, and fragrance developers or 'noses' are skilled at zoning in on specific emotions using ingredients that have an effect on our thoughts and feelings.

You can do the same. By wearing fragrances with specific 'notes' you can boost your memory, take on a business meeting with extra confidence or even seem slimmer (scientists have proven that a spicy floral fragrance can make men perceive women to be as much as 5kg lighter).

And if you want to catch someone's eye, wear notes of musk. Test subjects who were exposed to the scent of musk took twice as long to complete a task – proving its power of distraction.

Star light, star bright
Dazzling and vivacious, iridescent and outspoken, notes of fresh spring flowers combined with sparkling fruity notes and a modern shimmering basemake these fragrances bright, and modern. They're glamorous with just a hint of mischief.

Out on the town – Cartier Délices is a fruity floral fragrance that’s perfect for a night out. The notes of frozen Morello cherry, jasmine and amber are vivacious, charming and delightfully mischievous. R570

You're the star – Exude confidence and femininity with this crisp, rich floral fragrance that brings out the star in every woman. True Star Gold combines melon and golden kiwi with the dewy brightness of pumpkin flower and raspberry. R420

Playful and sparkling – Lacoste Inspiration flirts with notes of pomegranate, plum and mandarin zest, feminine florals and exotic vanilla and iris. R350

Lucky in love – Lancôme Trésor Eau de Printemps maintains the feminine sweetness of the original Trésor, but has the added sparkle of lychee rose, red currant sorbet and peach blossom. R425

Sheer audacity – Guerlain Insolence opens with a heart note of violet, but this is no shrinking violet; it's accompanied by jubilant red berries, making it contemporary and audacious. R555

A burst of laughter – Nina Ricci Nina is a youthful, vivacious and magical fragrance that combines notes of toffee apple with exhilarating lemon and lime, velvety flower petals and light woods. R565

Happy days – an ode to the queen of flowers, the peony, Van Cleef & Arpels First Été 2006 is a luminous and sparkling fragrance with a delightfully modern twist. Notes of mandarin, Casablanca lily and white cedar, together with rose and peony, make this a contemporary floral. R750

Fresh and vibrant – as refreshing as a cocktail in the heat of summer, Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet Colours of Summer is a fresh, floral and fruity fragrance. It's easy to wear, evanescent and fresh. R400

And for him...
Joop Beach Clubbing R490
Hugo Boss Boss Selection R425
Ferrari Passion R325
Lenthéric Solo R165

By the light of the moon
Sexy fragrances with alluring notes of incense, musk, amber and vanilla seduce as they warm with the heat of your body. Sensual fragrances can be quietly mysterious or unmistakably sexy – the choice is yours.

Like crisp, white sheets, Monteil Soon is both sensual and alluring. Charming top notes of yellow mandarin and bergamot precede a base of vanilla, musk and sandalwood. R310

Drop-dead gorgeous – Dior Pure Poison is utterly sexy and enthralling. Scintillating top notes introduce a heart of orange blossom and jasmine which dries down to a deep, rich base of wood, almond and vanilla. R740

Sexy and sensuous, Chanel Allure Sensuelle is a more intimate interpretation of the original Chanel Allure, making it perfect for hot summer nights. R625

Red hot – The original love affair of Donna Karan DKNY Be Delicious is sultrier and sexier in this interpretation. DKNY Red Delicious is sensual, with a soft kiss of red raspberry and lush notes of drenched violet petals. R595

Sheer and sublime – Clinique Aromatics Elixir Velvet Sheer is a liquid perfume gel that feels as luxurious as it smells. Slightly lighter in concentration than the original Aromatics Elixir, the same bouquet has a calming effect on the body and spirit. R395

Close to the skin – Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum is a dusky, sensual fragrance with a sublime heart of musk and hints of rose and peach pulp. It's exquisitively feminine and gentle. R765

A hot little number – Intimately Beckham Women offers a unique glimpse into the strictly off limits, world-behind closed-doors of David and Victoria. The women's fragrance is wickedly flirtatious, sexy and enticing, and has a corresponding men's fragrance. R325

Addictive, exotic and sexy, Calvin Klein Euphoria is a delectable blend of black orchid, exotic fruits and seductive florals. The Limited Edition Deluxe Collectable features a classic atomiser spray. R695

And for him...
Avon Black Suede R240
Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme R405
Hermes Terre d'Hermès R415
Calvin Klein Euphoria for Men R455

A ray of sunshine
Bright, sunny fragrances are reminiscent of bright, sunny days. Watermelon, citrus, the beach and armfuls of pretty flowers are all notes associated with summertime, vitality and happiness.

A happy summer's day – Decleor Arôme Euphoric. This aromatic water is a fragrance and skin treatment in one. The rosy floral contains no alcohol, so it can be worn safely in the sun. R340

Wear it with linen – Estée Lauder Pure White Linen is a fresh, clean and clear luminous fragrance. Notes of fresh greens and just opened florals are enhanced with red tulips and rosebloom. R360

A fresh, cool breeze – CK One Electric contains notes of zesty lime and uplifting neroli. It's bright, energetic and invigorating. Perfect for a summer's day. R495

Summer in the city – Guinot Bien Vivre Energizing Body Mist not only invigorates but firms and tones skin as well. Orange, mandarin, lemon and lime are combined with watermelon for freshness. R485

A zest for life – Davidoff Echo Woman Summer Fizz is an invigorating, fresh take on a favourite. It's the original 'Echo' with a twist of orange and mint. R445

Day into night – Thierry Mugler Angel Innocent Summer Flash (Limited Edition) is a joyful, mischievous and sparkling summer sorbet that will take you from the beach to cocktails in one spritz. R490

Easy living – As fresh as a summer breeze with a pretty touch of floral, Escada Into The Blue is an aquatic floral with a heart of peony, blue lotus and watermelon. R525

Pretty threads – Prada Tendre is a fresh, sparkling and vibrant take on the sensual original Prada fragrance. Although the amber accord is still there, it's the perkier, fresher and younger floral and citrus notes that take centre stage. R585

And for him...
Azzaro Bright Visit R495
Yves Saint Laurent Kouros Cologne Sport Eau D' Été R375
Revlon True Blue R180
Carolina Herrera 212 Men On Ice R445

What's your favourite fragrance? Do share in the comment box below.