Natural Beauty: Finding Your Perfume Mood — A fun way to explore the world of perfume.
During high school, I began a long, meandering search for my perfect signature fragrance. I knew it would be feminine, light, sensual, complex, dreamy, floral, spicy…the list went on. Of course, I never found just one scent—or even a highly competitive two or three or four.
As the years went by and I still hadn’t found The Fragrance, I started to realize that I don’t need a signature scent to still enjoy perfume and use it to express myself. In fact, I can indulge in multiple fragrances. Loving several perfumes gives me options. I don’t have a single scent identity—which is why I didn’t title this piece, “Finding Your Scent Identity,” as I originally thought I would.
Just like my identity as “Mary” resists easy classification, so, too, does my taste in fragrance. I once thought of myself as a strictly “floral” person, but that label doesn’t really apply anymore. Now, I adventure among, florals, floral orientals (or “florientals”), and woodsy fragrances, among many others!
Below is a very simplified list of scent profiles. I encourage you to try something new. Branch out from the Eau de Everyday. Match a scent profiles to your mood. Explore the multiple version of yourself through fragrance.
Citrus
Common citrus notes: verbena, lemongrass, bergamot, blood orange
The mood: refreshing, crisp, contemporary, light
Perfect for: anytime you need to express your inner joy—or, alternatively, anytime your spirits need a quick lift.
Our pick: Designed to remind the wearer of the California coast, Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom invigorates with notes of lemon blossom, litsea cubeba, flowering angel’s trumpet, and delicate herbs. I can breathe easier just thinking about it!
Floral
Common floral notes: tuberose, rose, ylang ylang, cherry blossom, jasmine
The mood: ethereal, feminine, romantic, timeless
Perfect for: picnic dates, coffee with the girls, and those times when you just want to feel like you’re surrounded by a garden.
Our pick: The delightful Harvey Prince Cherie Blossom offers a pleasing bouquet of cherry blossom, sparkling pink grapefruit, vanilla, and (vegan) musk.
Greens
Common green notes: fig leaf, fern, basil, green tea leaves, mint
The mood: fresh, spicy, sometimes unisex, sometimes masculine
Perfect for: anytime you want to feel clean, crisp, sporty, and one with the great outdoors.
Our pick: Inspired by a swim on a spring morning, Honoré des Prés Nu Green Verrine Eau de Toilette blends mint leaves, cedar wood, and dewy grass to conjure images of pure, fresh water.
Woodsy
Common woodsy notes: cedar wood, pine, sandalwood
The mood: deep, pensive sometimes austere, sometimes soft
Perfect for: cooler months, evening outings, and times of reflection.
Our pick: Vetiver root, basil, and dried cloves flowers come together in the smoky Honoré Des Prés Chaman’s Party Verrine Eau de Toilette, for a daring, unisex woodsy fragrance.
Fruity
Common fruity notes: peach, plum, almond, apple, passion fruit
The mood: youthful, flirty, sexy
Perfect for: anytime you want a little extra flirt in your step and when you want to express your fun-loving, playful spirit.
Our pick: Seductive passion fruit, guava, and peach nectar make LaVanila Vanilla Forever a deliciously enticing blend. Wear with caution 😉
Oriental
Common oriental notes: amber, vanilla, incense, myrrh, clove
The mood: voluptuous, heady, exotic
Perfect for: pairing with your LBD and anytime to want to add a little mystery to your persona.
Our pick: Grasse Roots Geisha, a beautifully sophisticated perfume, is a bouquet of jasmine, ylang ylang, neroli, dusky rose, and a little spice. Très chic.
All perfumes featured are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of phthalates and parabens.
Related: Letting Go of Synthetic Perfume
Using Chakra Oils for Meditation and Beauty
How to Find Your Signature Style
Photos: Vetiver Aromatics via Flickr, Pacifica Perfume, Harvey Prince Perfume, Spirit Beauty Lounge, Lavanila Laboratories, Grasse Roots Perfumery
