We recently sat in on an industry only beauty event for a behind the scenes look at consumer buying influences behind fragrances.

It seems that perfumes infused with essence of vanilla and/or amber fly off the shelves during uncertain economic times. In December, The New York Times reported on the surge of scents with feel-good food based ingredients. What is the reason for all the warm top, heart and base notes?

Fragrance marketers call it “The Nuzzle Factor“.  Evidentially, in uncertain economic conditions, consumers flock to fragrances that remind them of warm scents that make them feel cuddly and cozy. Signature classics are also more popular than ever right now, with fragrances like Fracas selling very well at Saks Fifth Avenue as women look for timely perfumes and familiar scents with staying power.