Making sense of scents

 How Do We Smell?

The Science, Emotion & Magic Behind Every Scent

Smell is one of the most powerful—and underrated—senses we have. Unlike sight, which dominates most of our daily experiences, scent takes a more emotional route. When we inhale a fragrance, it doesn’t travel through the brain’s “filter” for conscious thought (the thalamus). Instead, it connects directly to the olfactory bulb, which communicates with the hippocampus and limbic system—the parts of our brain responsible for emotion, memory, and mood.

That’s why a single can smell of a scent can transport you to another time, place, or feeling. A scent can remind you of someone you love, a holiday by the ocean, or a moment you thought you’d forgotten.

The Underrated Power of Smell

While sight and sound often take centre stage, our sense of smell works quietly in the background, shaping our daily experiences. Humans can distinguish at least 1 trillion unique scents, even though most don’t have names.

With over 350 odor receptor genes (compared to only 15 serotonin receptors), scent plays an enormous role in our emotional and physical wellbeing. It’s our most instinctive connection to the world—a bridge between body, mind, and memory.

The Science Behind Scent & “Olfactory Fatigue”

If you’ve ever stopped noticing your favourite perfume or diffuser, you’ve experienced olfactory fatigue—also known as “nose blindness.” When your brain is exposed to a scent for a long time, it starts to tune it out to prevent sensory overload.

Your diffuser is still working; your fragrance is still there. Your brain has simply adjusted. This is why your guests might comment on how incredible your home smells—while you can’t smell a thing.

Stacey’s tip: To keep your scent experience fresh, alternate your fragrance pods every few weeks. Rotating between two or three scents keeps your senses awakened.

How Air Flow, Temperature & Fragrance Notes Affect Scent Intensity

The way you experience fragrance is influenced not just by the scent itself—but by your environment.

Too much airflow or heat from air conditioners, fans, or direct sunlight can cause the scent molecules to disperse too quickly, making your fragrance pod seem less strong.
If your space is too cool, too warm, or has constant airflow, it can all impact how your fragrance performs. For best results, place your diffuser in a well-ventilated but stable environment—away from direct drafts or heat sources—to enjoy a balanced, long-lasting scent.

Temperature:
Fragrance intensity increases with warmth. Heat helps release scent molecules faster, so your diffuser may smell stronger in warmer months or smaller rooms. In cooler conditions, scents diffuse more slowly—offering a softer, more subtle experience.

Fragrance Notes:
Every scent has its own personality.

-Top notes (like citrus or fresh florals) appear first and fade fastest.

-Heart notes (like jasmine, amber, or woods) form the main body of the fragrance.

-Base notes (like vanilla, musk, or sandalwood) are the foundation—lingering the longest and often the most noticeable in home diffusers.

Personal Sensitivity & The Environment

Each person perceives scent differently based on genetics, mood, and health, and even small shifts in humidity or air pressure can change how a fragrance carries. That’s what makes scent so personal—no two noses experience it exactly the same.

Scent, Memory & Emotion

Fragrance has a direct line to our memories. When you smell something familiar—like sweet vanilla or fresh linen—your brain links it to stored emotions and experiences. That’s why scent is often called the most nostalgic sense.

Research even shows that emotions themselves can produce subtle scent signals, influencing how others feel. It’s the invisible language of connection—and one of the reasons scent can instantly lift, calm, or inspire us.

Final Thoughts

At Stacey Jane The Label, we believe scent is more than fragrance—it’s feeling.
It’s how you tell your story without saying a word.

Our collection is crafted to awaken your senses, evoke emotion, and create a luxurious atmosphere that feels like you. Because when your home smells beautiful, you feel beautiful too.