In the beginning of the 20th century, Marcel Proust took a bite out of a madeleine and the smell of it brought him back to his aunt’s home, to a time when he felt carefree and joyful as a child. The memory was so strong that it inspired the writing of a now famous novel called “In Search of Lost Time”. We’ve all felt that from an emotional perspective, a scent that’s so deep ingrained into our very being that every time we smell it, the feeling associated with it overtakes us.
Known as the fifth sense, smell might be the least developed and the most mysterious of all our senses in this modern world, it has retained something so ancient that even scientists are puzzled by it. Odors take a direct route to the limbic system, including the amygdala and the hippocampus, the regions in the brain related to emotion and memory. It is the oldest and most primitive part of the brain, so old that it was present in the first mammals on Earth.
It’s so powerful that it allows a baby to instinctively know their mom the second they come out of the womb, it plays an important role in falling in love, as well as in keeping us away from potentially hazardous situations.
When thinking of Averal, Jennifer Revello knew the scent of each soap was just as important as its moisturizing, healing, and nourishing capabilities as she wanted the soaps to over a full experience of self-care, much like walking into a spa where you are first welcomed by a beautiful aroma.
At Averal, the scents are often related to seasons and to the sensation they elicit with every person that uses the soaps.
Winter
For the winter, something warm to give comfort like Argan oil and honey, which most people know as promoting calm, relaxation, and restful sleep, yet it has also been proven to have anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties help soothe irritated and sensitive skin, as well as supportive of the respiratory, lymphatic, circulatory, muscular, and immune systems.
Dating back to more than 4000 years ago, honey has a sweet flowery scent and is one of the best sources of antioxidants, used throughout history for its antibacterial, soothing, and healing properties, as well as its nourishing properties that add a natural glow to your skin.
Spring
For spring, there’s nothing better than the smell of fresh flowers like Jasmine or Rose. With an exotic and sweet scent, jasmine is known to promote confidence, optimism, and creativity, as well as being a symbol of personal growth and transitions, just as spring.
Rose on the other hand boosts confidence, self-esteem, and mental strength and it is commonly thought of as an aphrodisiac.
Summer
Summer is the time for fresh scents like Lemon Verbena or Mint. Native to South America, Lemon Verbena has a citrusy smell and was once used as a medicinal herb due to its high amounts of antioxidants and its anti-inflammatory properties.
Mint is believed to help relieve headache symptoms and provide relief from nasal and respiratory congestion caused by allergies or the cold. It also nourishes dry skin and relieves irritation and dryness.
Fall, the gentle transition between summer and winter full of glowing warm light, rainy days, and beautiful rusty colors is associated with Coconut and Vanilla in the Averal world.
Coconut is probably one of the most well known healing oils of the aromatherapy and homeotherapy worlds. With its sweet, yet fresh scent and its incredibly nourishing capabilities, coconut is just like fall - warm and inviting, full of comfort and tranquility.
Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron and for good reason as it’s been treasured for centuries ever since the height of the Aztec empire. With its rich history, flowery and sweet scent, and calming properties, vanilla creates positive associations and evokes feelings of warmth and happiness.
With all the options available, it’s easy to get lost in a world of fragrances and aromas and to find a soap that brings back beautiful memories, soothing and nurturing your body and soul at the same time.