Making Scents Of It
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A scent, on the other hand, has the power to divide over a single note.
So, its subjective, right?
You smell the whole thing and then over time that pyramid starts to flatten out, he explains.
You lose the top and then you go down to the heart and the base.
Then that’s just the base that’s left.
Molecular size determines where a scent lives on a notes pyramid and how quickly it evaporates off the skin.
Citrus, Gilbert advises, is a popular note but doesnt have lasting power.
This doesnt mean you should buy perfumes because theyre buzzing across social media.
Instead, pay attention to specific descriptions that mention standout notes or definitively explain how a scent feels.
I dont want to hear people say This is so pretty.
It was the best.
Solifleurs are single-note scents or fragrances that directly represent notes youll find in more complex perfumes.
However, what I would do is start paying attention to these things in the real world.
When a notes list mentions jasmine or patchouli, youll now have a scent memory to refer to.
Becoming familiar with fragrance categories can also create reference points for understanding scents.
Nicole explains that aromatic perfumes are strongly scented, spicy and herbal with notes like rosemary or sage.
Aquatic fragrances mimic beaches or bodies of water and may contain sea salt.
Look for patterns in your favorite perfumes, body washes, candles and other scented products.
For my fragrance consultations, I [ask clients to show me] their entire collection, says Nicole.
Most times I find a recurring theme.
Every one of these fragrances has jasmine in it.
In addition to thinking about what you like, be sure to get clear on what you dont like.
I dont like coconut because I was really sick on coconut rum once.
So, I never want to smell coconut in anything ever, says Gilbert.
KAYALIUtopia Vanilla Cocohas jasmine and coconut.
It doesnt have to be matchy-matchy.
So, you pair it with something really musky.
Things like diet and hormonal state all of these things play into how your skin smells.
Take some time to smell the roses literally to build your scent memory and find your preferred scents.
And when in doubt, always buy the sample size first.
This article was originally published onJan.