Rain, biscuits and old books have emerged among a list of weird and wonderful scents which get us in the mood for love.
Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults also found fragrances such as bonfires, baked bread and Sunday roasts evoke romantic tendencies.
More traditional aphrodisiac aromas such as flowers, perfume aftershave featured high on the list too as did Autumnal aromas such as mulled wine, gingerbread and log fires
Commissioned by Yankee Candle®, the research found 42 percent of us associate our favourite fragrances with romance.
Dr Lynda Shaw, cognitive neuroscientist and psychologist, said: “When we inhale a scent it reaches the olfactory receptor cells at the top of our nose and then travels to the limbic system in our brains, resulting in chemical and physical stimulation.
“The limbic system is associated with memory, emotion and mood which therefore explains why our sense of scent plays such a powerful role in physical attraction.”
Other romantic scents to make the list include fresh linen, vanilla and coffee, along with chocolate, cherry and whisky.
Cinnamon, mixed spices and saffron feature too.
The research also found over three-quarters of UK adults consider smell to be important in a partner.
Amid this, three in ten single Brits said not liking a date’s perfume or aftershave would be a major turn-off and ten percent admitted this would also end any chances of a second date.
Thirty-five percent of women said they find deep, woody fragrances most appealing on a partner and quarter a quarter find ‘fresh’ scents the most attractive.
While 24 percent of men like ‘fresh’ scents too and 13 percent prefer sweet scents such as vanilla.
Amid this 29 percent of the population said autumn makes them feel more romantic than they do during the rest of the year.
While almost a fifth of single guys are more likely to use a dating app to find a partner during the colder months.
The research also found the perfect autumnal romantic night in would feature a roaring fire, a home-cooked meal, movie – and a bottle of wine.
While our favourite things about the pre-winter months include cuddling up on the sofa, long walks and the changing colour of the leaves.
Snuggly in the autumn
Having the heating on, watching movies at home and home cooking are also some of our most cherished things as the nights draw in.
Hannah Jenkins, Brand Activation and Channel Marketing Director EMEA Yankee Candle®, said: “Whether it’s the warm and vibrant colours of the leaves or the fruity and earthy scents of the forest, there is certainly something about the autumn season that is magically romantic.
“It is this feeling of love and contentment that Yankee Candle aims to capture in its new Fall in Love collection.
“For those looking for love, or hoping to reignite a sense of romance in their relationship, snuggling up on the sofa with a warm cashmere blanket and an ambient scented candle can help to soothe and seduce the senses and allow love to blossom as the colder weather sets in.”
FAVOURITE ROMANTIC AROMAS – TOP 30:
1. Perfume
2. Log fires
3. Aftershave
4. Fresh flowers
5. Fresh linen/cashmere
6. Rain
7. Vanilla
8. Mulled wine
9. Bonfires
10. Mixed spices
11. Coffee
12. Cinnamon
13. Freshly washed clothes
14. Spiced apple
15. Freshly baked bread
16. Chocolate
17. Sunday roast
18. Cakes baking in the oven
19. Apple crumble
20. Gingerbread
21. Fireworks
22. Cherry
23. Leather
24. Leaves
25. Saffron
26. Whisky
27. Old books
28. Sparklers
29. Conkers
30. Biscuits
