In an ideal world, having a signature scent is like holding onto a precious memory shared with friends and loved ones, leaving a lasting impression on clothes and in spaces. Just imagine the thoughts that pop up when someone catches a whiff of your scent, like "Ah, Chelsea's arrived! It's Santal 33!" or perhaps, "Oh, Santal 33... Chelsea's here." But the quest to discover that elusive, perfect fragrance can be quite the adventure.
Here's a guide to help you find your perfect scent:
The Exploration Journey
- Try Out Three Scents at a Time: Initially, when you're unsure of your preferences, explore everything but limit yourself to three scents per visit. Your olfactory bulb needs time to appreciate each fragrance fully.
- Start with Lighter Scents: Begin with aqueous or musky fragrances, gradually moving towards heavier notes like woods. This progression allows you to discover your preferences.
- Rebound with Intent: If a particular sample draws you in, request a sample for yourself. Spray it on areas like your hands or wrists, areas that aren't constantly washed, to see if you truly like it.
Overcoming Challenges
- Don't Stress About Unfamiliar Scents: If you don't like a popular scent like oud, don't worry. Fragrance preference often stems from familiarity. Pay attention to how a scent makes you feel rather than conforming to trends.
- Understand What You Smell: Familiarize yourself with basic scent categories, from musk and smoky to citrusy and woody. This knowledge empowers you to articulate your preferences.
- Musk:This may sound like the under washed armpit of a college wrestler, but musk is actually a clean-laundry scent.
- Smoky: It can smell like a campfire burning, fragrant cedar chips, or a blown-out match.
- Citrusy: Lime, lemon, oranges. It often feels a little like a spa with a nice yoga studio.
- Woody: These scents can range from a creamy nutty flavour (like pralines-and-cream ice cream), to sandalwood, to spicy and dank like a musky old closet (patchouli), to an old No. 2 pencil (cedarwood).
- Green: Includes the chalky aftertaste of a wheatgrass shot as well as a dewy moss on a spring morning.
- Floral: Floral encompasses everything from white florals (gardenia, lilies, ylang, etc.), to roses, to violets, to peonies.
- Aquatic: Where 7 Up meets bubble bath.
- Oriental: Incense sticks. It can be slightly powdery with a hint of spice or sweetness.
Pro Tips for Perfume Shopping
- Skip the Coffee Beans: Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans might not be necessary for resetting your scent indicators. Instead, smell your unscented elbow to recalibrate your nose.
- Evaluate Over Time: Allow a fragrance to evolve on your skin over four hours, considering the top notes and the dry down. This gives you a holistic understanding of the fragrance.
- Deciphering Price Differences: Understand the complexity behind fragrance pricing. Cheaper fragrances often have strong top notes, while more expensive ones boast complexity and longevity.
- Try a Hair Perfume: Spray your chosen scent in your hair for a unique experience. Despite containing alcohol, your hair carries scents well, creating a captivating fragrance trail.
Embark on your scent journey with confidence, trust your instincts, and embrace the art of personal fragrance. Happy scent hunting!