A Guide to Fragrance
By Paloma Pariente
It’s no secret that our sense of smell is closely intertwined with our memories. We all know what our favorite places and things smell like- clean laundry, fresh baked cookies, gardens. We also know what our favorite people smell like. For this reason, it’s important to have a selection of fragrances that are unique to you. Let’s begin by reviewing the scent families to help you better recognize the notes in fragrances which will allow you to create the ideal capsule collection.
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Part I: Getting to know Fragrance Families
There are four scent families with subfamilies in which every perfume falls into- fresh, oriental, floral, and woody. Once you figure out what you like out of these groups, finding your favorite perfumes will never be easier.
Floral
This is one of the most common families used in well-known perfumes. These scents smell like fresh flowers, perfect for the spring and summertime.
Common Floral Family Notes: Rose, Jasmine and Orange Blossom
Examples: Bloom by Gucci, Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf, Gabrielle by Chanel
Oriental
This fragrance family is known for being exotic and seductive. Think of opulent spices and herbs sweetened with hints of amber or cinnamon. Sensual, warm, and intoxicating- the oriental fragrance family is my personal favorite,
Common Oriental Family Notes: Vanilla, Myrrh, Anise, Musk, Patchouli, Incense
Examples: Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, Black Orchid by Tom Ford, Back to Black by Kilian
Fresh
The easiest fragrance family to wear, think of clean laundry or a day at the beach for these fresh scents. This family is most used in men’s fragrances and is usually paired with spicy notes to create a more robust fragrance.
Common Fresh Family Notes: Sage, Grapefruit, Sea Salt, Lavender, Cotton
Examples: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana, Wood Sage and Sea Salt by Jo Malone London, Beach Walk by Maison Margiela
Woody
This fragrance family combines incense-like scents with the dry notes of various woods. Perfumes in this family are sophisticated and cool, their sultry appeal is categorized by notes of cedar, amber and sandalwood.
Common Woody Family Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Bergamot, Pine, Cypress
Examples: Santal 33 by Le Labo,The Only One by Dolce and Gabbana, Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
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Part II: Creating a Capsule Fragrance Collection
You want the people in your life to be able to pick your perfumes out of a police lineup- and that’s what we are going to do.
To begin, everyone needs an everyday scent. This fragrance should reflect your personal style the most, and contain the notes you frequently gravitate to. This scent should be easy to throw on and reapply throughout your day.
My scents:
Aventus Cologne by Creed
Not a Perfume Superdose by Juliette Has a Gun
Santal 33 by Le Labo
Next, you need an evening scent. This fragrance should be used for dinners, drinks and date nights. These tend to be warmer, sensual and intoxicating.
My scents:
Tobacco Vanille- Tom Ford
Good Girl- Carolina Herrera
Alien- Thierry Mugler
Although not a necessity, seasonal fragrances are special and representative of the time of year. Fall and winter scents are dark and comforting, while spring and summer scents boast floral and beachy notes.
My Fall/Winter scents:
Myrrh and Tonka- Jo Malone London
Mojave Ghost- Byredo
The Noir 29- Le Labo
My Spring/Summer Scents:
Soleil Blanc- Tom Ford
Light Blue- Dolce & Gabbana
Wood Sage and Sea Salt- Jo Malone London
Finally, everyone should have a perfume for special occasions. Reserved for black tie events, this is a formal scent that makes you feel sophisticated and confident.
My scents:
Baccarat Rouge 540- Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Black Orchid- Tom Ford
For me, there is nothing better than being complimented on my perfume. I’ve learned to invest in my fragrances, and this is your sign to start too.
-P