A few weeks ago, my friend forwarded me this TikTok by user @sadiefire.
The video goes through each of Taylor Swift’s albums, matching a Bath and Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist (FFM) scents to each one. As a long-time Taylor Swift fan and a Bath and Body Works Employee…I had some opinions. Inspired by the original TikTok, I decided to put my own spin on this list.
After watching @sadiefire’s TikTok, I had some thoughts on what I would recommend for a fan of each Taylor album.
Taylor Swift (Debut)
@Sadiefire’s Version: Country Apple (mcintosh apple, apple blossom, fresh muguet, sheet sunlight, orchard woods)
My Version: I agree with @sadiefire on this one. Country Apple really is the only scent that I feel fits the down-home, country essence that Taylor highlights in her first album.
Fearless
@Sadiefire’s Version: Warm Vanilla Sugar (vanilla, white orchid, sparkling sugar)
My Version: In the Stars (starflower, sandalwood musk, sugared tangelo, white agarwood, radiant amber)
While the TikTok suggests Fearless = Warm Vanilla Sugar, I disagree. The art for the album (Taylor’s Version, of course) and the packaging for the scent are aesthetically similar, but I don’t believe the scents match.
Warm Vanilla Sugar’s vanilla scent can be – in my expert opinion – overpowering, and it’s often hard to even catch the hint orchid involved in the scent’s mix. In the Stars on the other hand is much more appropriate. Although it’s overall soft, like some of the songs on the album, it also has a rough musk (which comes from the sandalwood and amber) that fits well with many of the breakup songs on the album, like Mr. Perfectly Fine or The Way I Loved You.
@Sadiefire’s Version: Be Enchanted (frosted florals, sparkling sugared pomegranate)
My Version: Be Enchanted is another scent I agree with. The packaging and the scents go perfectly with the album art and music on Speak Now.
Red
@Sadiefire’s Version: Forever Red (fiery pomegranate, red peony, rich vanilla rum, oak wood)
My Version: Red is another I mostly agree with. I think the packaging and the scents go along with most of the album. However, I also feel that Red can be represented by the Black Raspberry Vanilla (fresh raspberries, ripened blackberries, vanilla orchid, creamy sandalwood, cashmere woods) scent.
1989
@Sadiefire’s Version: Endless Weekend (summer mandarin, magnolia, coconut water)
My Version: Moonlight Path (fresh jasmine, blue violets, sheer lavender, soft musk)
Don’t get me wrong, I love Endless Weekend (especially as a soap), but do I think it matches the vibes and energy of 1989? OMG, no.
Endless Weekend could match this album, but I believe that Moonlight Path is a better fit. My pick is a bit more floral, and I think it better resembles the synth-pop aesthetic that Taylor was going for in several of her 1989 songs and music videos.
Reputation
@Sadiefire’s Version: Black Cherry Merlot (dark cherry, black raspberry, sumptuous merlot)
My Version: Noir (black cardamom, smoky vanilla, hint of musk)
Black Cherry Merlot is my least favourite scent at Bath and Body Works. To have it associated with such an amazing album makes me cringe.
Now, I know that Noir is technically a “men’s fragrance,” but it really fits well with this album. The name and aesthetic of the scent matches Reputation’s grungy, rebellious feel. The scent’s notes of black cardamom and musk represent the most upbeat songs on most of the album, while the vanilla matches some of the softer moments. Another choice I would recommend for Reputation is a cheeky scent called Little Black Party Dress (frosted nectarine, black peony, white patchouli).
*PIC*
Lover
@Sadiefire’s Version: Mad About You (black currant, bright peony, pink jasmine, white patchouli, vanilla musk)
My Version: Magnolia Charm (dewy pear blossom, blooming magnolia, fresh cedar)
Mad About You is a pretty good choice for this album, but I think there are better options. When I think of Lover, I think of songs Cornelia Street, Paper Rings, Lover, and Afterglow. To me, Magnolia Charm is these songs in essence. The floral and light fruity scents feel like falling in love, which Is what the album is all about.
Folklore
@Sadiefire’s Version: Sleep Aromatherapy (Cedarwood and Vanilla)
My Version: Confetti Daydream (fresh raspberries, sparkling pear, blue iris) or Aromatherapy Restore (Sage and Mint)
I love all the Aromatherapy scents at Bath and Body Works; they’re honestly some of my favourites. I can see how Cedarwood and Vanilla can represent Folklore, and I don’t really disagree. However, I think there are a few others that also represent Folklore, which is my favourite Taylor album, by the way.
There is something about Confetti Daydream to me that screams Folklore. The mix of the fruit scent and notes of Iris (rather than another flower) recalls songs like Betty, Invisible String, and Mirrorball. The softness of the scent and the softness of the album match up perfectly. Obviously, it’s a bit easier to understand if you know the scents, but the notes give a good description of what you can expect with Confetti Daydream.
Sage and Mint is one of my favourite Aromatherapy scents sold at Bath and Body Works. It’s a very light scent, and the perfect mix of sage and mint, giving it a very spring/summer feel. I think this better represents the album art for Folklore. Taylor released many images that represent the album, depicting her in the woods, surrounded by greenery. So, while Confetti Daydream better fits the songs, Sage and Mint represents the album’s overall aesthetic.
Evermore
@Sadiefire’s Version: Dahlia (dahlia petals, crisp pear, praline)
My Version: Aromatherapy Love (Jasmine, sandalwood)
Dahlia is one of those scents we carry at Bath and Body Works that I just can’t get on board with. There’s nothing wrong with it, really, I just think that there are just so many better scents out there. I can see why this scent was chosen, though. The packaging aesthetic does match the aesthetic of the album art, as well as some of the songs. I can see it relating to songs like No Body, No Crime or Tis the Damn Season. However, I think I’ve come up with a better option.
I’ve never used Aromatherapy Love in a body mist, but I am in love with the cream, and the scent is the same. The jasmine and sandalwood are evenly spread through the scent and reminds me of that short-but-pleasant time between summer and fall. I think this scent really grasps what Taylor was trying to convey in songs like Right Where You Left Me, Champagne Problems, Evermore, and Cowboy Like Me. The old packaging from jasmine and sandalwood was a similar colour to Taylor’s coat on the album cover that truly makes the scent tie into the album. The only downside to this? Aromatherapy Love is a retired fragrance, meaning it is no longer sold in stores or online.
The scents both from @sadiefire’s original TikTok and from my own opinions are only fine fragrance mists and body mists. If soaps, candles, and more were included, this would be a whole other ballgame!
Bookmark this guide for your next visit to Bath and Body Works, especially if you’re a Swiftie looking to rep your favourite tracks without splurging on merch!