Don’t deny it. We’ve all been running the highs of these words: “You smell so good. What perfume are you wearing?”
And though nobody might be fishing for that specific compliment, it feels so good when it happens. Because it’s a sign, you definitely have found your signature scent. But what a journey that is!
Often, it seems finding your favorite perfume is one of the most difficult tasks ever, especially if you’re moving from your go-to scent to a newer one.
So, if you’re in that transitioning period, this article is for you. Below you will find personal recommendations of perfumes: the classics and some you might not know about:
Understand the Science and Begin Practicing your Fragrance Language
But before we dive into my favorites, let’s talk about perfumes, their science and specific language, which are often too hard to understand.
You might have heard of these terms: Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne. These very confusing words refer to the concentration of essential oils used in the fixture of alcohol and water to create a fragrance according to Carolina Herrera’s website. With their smell trail’s intensity and concentration ranging from highest to lowest as shown above.
Every perfume is composed of different scents combined to create a unique formula. The different layers are called “top, middle and base notes,” writer and co-host of the Smell Ya Later podcast Tynan Sinks said to Vogue.
The top represents the first minutes and impressions, the middle or “base” notes comes after the top notes fade away between 20 minutes to one hour later and the base notes last until the scent completely fades away according to Carolina Herrera’s website.
And though its layers remain the same, not all perfumes will translate the same according to science. “When worn, fragrances interact with body chemistry, temperature, humidity, beauty products, and even clothing,” Co-founder and CEO of Elorea Wonny Lee said in an article for Who What Wear.
So, consider these factors before buying a perfume.
For the Vanilla Lovers
Before I found this perfume, I hadn’t bought a celebrity perfume since Justin Bieber’s last fragrance hit the market making my 12-year-old self happy. So, imagine the surprise I had when Ariana Grande came out with “MOD Vanilla.”
Encompassed in a futuristic-like white plastic bottle, you will find the base notes of vanilla absolute and cocoa butter combined with other aromas such as the fruity smell of pink freesia and plum with floral jasmine petals.
Type: Eau de Parfum
Pros: A light scent of vanilla that will not give you a headache.
Cons: Wears out too fast.
The One to Channel your Inner Confidence
A breath of boldness and sexiness, “Good girl” by Carolina Herrera takes away the award to show your confidence channeled by its own fragrance bottle, a black stiletto.
The fragrance mixes key ingredients like the exotic and sweet smell of the Tuberose flower, the vanilla-like scent of the Tonka Beans and pure Vanilla with Patchouli, Orange Blossom and the first impressions of pink pepper and Almond.
According to the brand’s website, the fragrance is for those who are feeling seductive and strong but still want to be in touch with their feminine side.
Type: Eau de Parfum
Pros: Super strong scent, which means less sprays used per wear.
Cons: It can be expensive as the pricing starts at over $80 for a one-ounce bottle.
For the Girly Souls
Described by the Burberry’s website as “a burst of red and dark berry notes lightened by a luminous, white woody accord,” the fragrance named as “Her” channels every woman’s pink dream from its pastel pink bottle to its delicate yet adventurous aroma.
The Eau de Parfum, which means a medium concentration of oil, is a staple of the luxury Burberry represents.
Type: Eau de Parfum
Pros: The scent is not overbearing even if you wear a lot.
Cons: It’s expensive with the price starting at $100 for the well-known fragrance, which means a lot of people use it.