How to stimulate all 5 senses for the best date night ever

Promotional feature with BOSS The Scent Attraction is all about playing to your sensory strengths...

When it comes to dating, the right chemistry is critical, but why do we feel an instant attraction to some people more than others?

Believe it or not, relationship experts are now encouraging those of us who are looking for love to disengage from the digital dating world, and tap into the powerful link between seduction and our senses for greater dating success.

This new ‘augmented sensuality’ is a key theme in the latest BOSS fragrance ad, starring Irish actor Jamie Doran and Dutch model Birgit Kos as would-be lovers sitting side-by-side in a grand concert hall.

The chemistry between them is palpable as they disappear behind the virtual reality glasses everyone is wearing for the piano performance. As Kos leaves the concert, Doran takes off his glasses to find her IRL. When he does, the magnetic attraction as they gaze into each other's eyes is pretty intense – a perfect example of disconnecting to reconnect.

Of course, there's more to falling in love than eyes meeting across a crowded room. Studies have revealed there are three key stages when it comes to falling in love – lust, attraction, and attachment. Each involves different chemical reactions within the body and brain, with feelings triggered by hormones during each stage.

What's more, the five senses – sight, smell, touch, taste and sound – can heighten our powers of attraction if they're stimulated the right way. Here's what you need to know...

The allure of scent

Recent studies have suggested that a staggering 75% of our emotions are triggered by what we smell* – proof that scent is probably one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to dating.

The perfumiers behind BOSS The Scent know what they're doing... Using feminine and seductive top notes of honeyed peach and freesia, with delicate heart notes of oriental osmanthus, and aphrodisiac base notes such as roasted cocoa, this scent is designed to arouse and stimulate the senses. And wearing a fragrance that makes you feel great is a surefire way to radiate inner confidence.

The beauty of sight

Whether you’re planning a night on the town, a spontaneous post-work tipple or a walk in the country, beautiful scenery and settings have a powerful effect on our brains that trigger all kinds of emotions (no wonder couples pop the question in beautiful landmark locations). Suggest a trip to a rooftop bar with a fabulous skyline view or a cosy pub with a roaring fire.

And don't underestimate the importance of eye contact either. Studies have shown staring into each other's eyes triggers the brain to release lovey-dovey hormones within just 0.2 seconds**.

The tease of touch

The smallest of tactile interactions can ignite a spark, and lightly touching your date's arm is a great way to connect. If you've been dating for a while and feel at ease, suggest a massage – sensuous rather than sports-style obvs. Or step things up a gear by suggesting a spa break somewhere fabulous where you can both indulge in soothing massage treatments.

The sense of taste

It's well known that oysters and chocolate have aphrodisiacal qualities, but it's a little obvious. Suggest a dining in the dark experience to heighten your sense of taste... You'll savour not just the food but every moment – just make sure you know where your wine glass is!

The power of sound

Music has the power to change our mood, to energise and lift us up or calm and soothe us, and studies show that listening to music can cause a release of dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and reward.

So book tickets for a romantic concert, cool jazz club or glitzy musical – and just wait for the right moment to exchange sweet nothings.

Now, if you want to high-five in the romance stakes, we say combine all five sensory experiences. First, take a leaf out of Brigit Kos' book for style and spritz on a seductive fragrance like BOSS The Scent.

Next, choose a beautiful setting with plenty of soft candlelight, delicious food (in the dark if you're dining at home), something sublime to listen to – whether that's Nina Simone or Arvo Part depends on you – but make it lingering and sensuous, then maybe just slip off your shoe and run your toes softly around your date's ankle...

*Source: The Scent-It Palette, August 2014

**Source: Nature.com