The Perfume Mindset

The Perfume Mindset: A Journey Into the Science, Soul & Art of Scent

In a world where trends come and go, scent remains timeless. It can lift moods, unlock memories, change atmospheres, and even support emotional wellbeing. This deep connection between fragrance and the human experience is at the heart of my book, The Perfume Mindset. According to readers, the book is “an informative guide to learning about the science of perfume and scent making”  and “a joy to learn about the science of perfume and of perfume making”.

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Why I Wrote The Perfume Mindset

For more than a decade, I’ve been blessed to work with some of the finest natural ingredients from around the world - particularly the rare and treasured Oud. My journey has taken me from Leeds to Dubai, from local customers to global royalty. Through this experience, one truth kept returning:

Fragrance is more than a product. It is a journey - emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.

As one supporter beautifully expressed: “Fragrances are magical bookmarks in our lives… they can transport you to different places and times in your memories.” This book was written to help others understand that magic and perhaps discover the perfumer within themselves.

What’s Inside the Book

1. The Science of Scent

The Perfume Mindset explores how fragrances are constructed, how notes interact, and why different scents evoke different emotions. Reviewers praise it for its clarity and depth, calling it “an excellent source for those seeking to acquire greater knowledge of perfumes and scents.” 

2. The Art of Perfume Making

I take readers behind the scenes:

• how premium ingredients are sourced

• the craft of blending oils

• the patience required to perfect a fragrance

• the way scent interacts with memory and mood

This includes my own reflections on how aromas contribute to mental and emotional wellbeing—something readers found especially powerful. One review highlights: “Aromatherapy can have such a powerful effect on mental health… seeing the difference that scents can make to people’s wellbeing is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.” 

3. My Personal Journey as a Perfumer

Readers will also find a personal narrative, my leap into perfumery, the creation of Scent Salim, and encounters with mentors, customers, and global fragrance experts.

The book has been described as “an intriguing account” of my journey, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at how high‑quality fragrances arrive on shelves.

4. The Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance

Scent has always held a place in spiritual traditions from the use of bakhoor to oils used for calmness and reflection. The book touches on these traditions and how scent can support mindfulness and emotional grounding.

What Readers Are Saying

The response to The Perfume Mindset has been overwhelmingly positive:

As a personal user of his products, I am aware of the quality and the effect Scent Salim creations have.  Aromatherapy can have such a powerful effect on mental health, looking after our mental health has an immediate effect on our physical and spiritual health.  As Ilyas comments in his book, ‘seeing the difference that scents can make to people’s mental health, well-being, and relationships is certainly one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

Rev’d, Sr. Kathy Green

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to this book, by Ilyas Salim, I have had the privilege of knowing him for several years. Ilyas took the brave decision many years ago to follow his passion and interest in the world of perfumery and through considerable effort has established a successful brand called Scent Salim. This book serves as a reflection of his personal journey and acts as excellent source for those seeking to acquire greater knowledge Perfumes and scents.

Hanif Malik OBE

I believe that fragrances are magical bookmarks in our lives because scents have the incredible ability to transport you to different places and times in your memories. This was an amazing book by Salim who I met at the Dubai Beauty world middle east.

Mona Kattan

Where to Get The Perfume Mindset

On Scent Salim’s official website The Perfume Mindset – Scent Salim