How to Wear Fragrance Now
A SPOTLIGHT ON SCENT As we celebrate National Fragrance Week and look to update everything ahead of the new season, from our wardrobes to our beauty regimes, there’s never been a better time for a fragrance refresh. The power of fragrance is undisputed, and the introduction of a fresh scent can easily change your whole day, but how do you choose a new addition to your perfume collection? And, more importantly, when you’ve chosen your new scent, how do you make it last? To help navigate the minefield of finding a new scent, we spoke to Fragrance Expert, Presenter and Host of Harvey Nichols Beauty School fragrance panel, Alice du Parcq. From how to layer your fragrance and the importance of body lotion, to the one thing we’re all doing wrong when applying perfume, consider your spring scent purchase, sorted.
Skin is the foundation and if it’s dry and uncared for, your perfume won’t hang on properly. I’m a big fan of using soft exfoliating gloves on the forearms and décolleté area, followed by a neutral body lotion to make the skin as conditioned and healthy as possible. Generally, big and heavy base notes, including vanilla, tonka bean, musk and creamy woods – such as sandalwood and cedarwood – have great staying power, while breezy citrus and herbal notes tend to flutter off quickly.
Start layering with the fragrance in your collection that most mimics a body lotion: one that’s soft, creamy, milky, woody and musky, maybe even with hints of vanilla. Then layer with a floral fragrance, as the base underneath will bring a velvety texture to the overall scent. Start with that basic perfume partnership, then tweak according to your mood, the weather and the occasion.
ON UNEXPECTED WAYS TO WEAR FRAGRANCE I’m a body lotion and body oil girl, so I love the cocooning effect of a top-to-toe scented ritual. I also like a solid perfumed balm applied behind the ears – especially with something warm and comforting in lieu of a pillow spray before bedtime.
I ask myself whether it’s credible and ethical, and made with integrity. Then whether I love this brand and what it stands for, plus who the people are behind it. I look for as much information as possible and read customer reviews, as they often use keywords or compare it to other fragrances I might recognise. Once I feel captivated by a perfume online, I’ll also see if there’s a sample offer or a small travel sized bottle option.
If you can afford it and want to build a perfume wardrobe, I suggest rotating three to four bottles every season. That way, you don’t get conditioned to the same scent every day. Think of your curation like your foundation makeup; some days you want an easy, glowing tinted moisturiser. Sometimes you want more oomph, and other days, it’s a full glam out-out situation and you need a room rocker to party the night away.
Personally, I have a favourites collection of about 15 scents, which work for various scenarios, moods and emotions. They lean into seasons and time of the year too; the big, rich, suede-vanilla ones go into storage in the summer months. Instead of a signature scent, I like the idea of a signature note, where you can build a wardrobe of perfumes with one consistent theme, but with lots of variations. Iris is one of my favourite ingredients, but as it comes in many facets, I have some that are rich and buttery and others that lean towards green and steamy.
I think there’s a natural rhythm to perfume wearing, which flows with the seasons, outside temperature and our emotional mood. January, for example, is an odd time for perfume. It’s still cold outside so we should crave big, cosy blanket fragrances, but there’s a feeling of clarity and renewal in the air so heavy scents don’t feel right – instead, it’s a more fitting time for gentle florals or lightweight musks.
ON THE ONE THING WE’RE DOING WRONG Stop spraying fragrance on the undersides of your wrists – you’re more likely to wash it off throughout the day in that area. Instead, spray the tops of your forearms, where you have porous hairs that will keep hold of the perfume.
4 QUICK FIRE FRAGRANCES: 1. Best scent to boost your mood? Goutal Eau D'Hadrien Womens Eau de Parfum or Acqua di Parma Colonia for splashy, energetic, crisp and uplifting citrus sunshine. 2. Best scent for every day? Frederic Malle Iris Poudre Eau de Parfum is so elegant, soft and calming and has that puff of baby power that wraps you up in a gentle hug. 3. Best first scent? Anyone who has an interest in perfume at a young age needs to spend an hour at the Jo Malone London counter, and dive into its imaginarium of dreamy fragrances, easy-to-understand flavours and British eccentricity. 4. Best scent you’ve discovered recently? The new Fenty Beauty Eau de Parfum is so fun and unashamedly yummy. It’s squidgy and moreish with a creamy-fruity-vanilla linger, and if you like a gourmand perfume done in a sophisticated way, you’ll love this.
