Boost confidence via your cologne

Lamenting a ho-hum haircut? The effects of too many summer cocktails on your waistline? A less-than-inspiring job?

Get thee to the perfume counter.

A fragrance-themed study conducted for L’Oreal Canada* has reported that for 49% of Canadian women, wearing fragrance makes them feel more self-assured. “Forty-six percent of women said that they don’t feel fully dressed until they put on their fragrance,” says the company’s Marie-Josée Lamothe, vice-president and general manager of luxury brands.

The study also showed that 75% of Canadian women believe that wearing fragrance makes them “feel clean and well-groomed.” And for 64% of them, “wearing a fragrance makes them feel special.”Not that we condone excessive retail therapy. That would be irresponsible. So buy small, but well.

A spritz of a new fragrance—one that makes you feel beautiful, in the know, sophisticated and sexy—can do wonders for your mood and outlook. Not that fragrance will cure all ills or calm all worries, but it certainly is a great place to start.

*Source: L’Oréal Canada Fragrance Usage & Attitude 2008 Survey (4,000 respondents: 2,000 male and 2,000 female).

PHOTO: iSTOCKPHOTO/YURI ARCURS