There are some smells we all agree on: fresh cookies, clean laundry, maybe a good lavender candle. They’re nice, they’re comforting, but they don’t exactly start a conversation.
Weird scents? That’s a whole different story. The second you say you love the smell of something unexpected, people light up, laugh, get mad (my favorite reaction), or instantly launch into their own memory. Weird scents are social magic.
Nostalgia You Can Smell
Some scents are basically shortcuts to memory lane. Cherry cola isn’t just cherry cola, it’s sticky fingers from roller rink nights or grabbing a soda at the movie theater. The smell of spumoni ice cream feels like an after-dinner treat at a family restaurant. Weird scents connect people to a moment in time, and that makes them way more fun to talk about.
A Little Bit of “Wait, What?”
Gasoline. The desert after rain. New tennis balls. These are the scents that make people pause. You can almost see the memories play out in the reactions on their face, from “nope, hate it.” to “absolutely, I totally get it.”
Part of the joy is the surprise. When someone finds out there’s a dill pickle lip balm in our lineup, it’s instant curiosity. You can see the shift from confusion to delight (or furious rage). It’s playful, and honestly, people want to be surprised.
Proof That Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Serious
Sometimes the best way to connect with someone is by not taking things too seriously. A conversation that starts with “Okay, but have you smelled maple bacon doughnut lip balm?” is already on the right track. It's fun, it's unserious. And in a world that's very, very serious right now, boy could I use more unseriousness in my life.
The Takeaway
Weird scents don’t just smell good, they create moments. They turn strangers into storytellers and spark memories you didn’t know you still had. And honestly? That’s what makes them way better than playing it safe.
Your turn: What’s the weirdest scent you’ve ever loved? Tell me below, or on Instagram @exoh.co I want to know the strange smells that make you smile :)