Add to Queue #2: Signature Scents
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Welcome back!
Since the first issue, I’ve been thinking through how I want this newsletter to be structured overall and what seemed to make the most sense to me was to dive into one topic instead of trying to cover all the things.
As a result, you may not care to read some issues and that’s okay (at least that’s what I’ll tell myself). I’ll still throw a mixed bag of recommendations at the bottom though, because why not! With that, let’s dive into today’s topic: perfumes👇
Note: I’ll probably be using perfume, fragrance, scent interchangeably.
The smelly smell that smells...smelly good.
To be honest, I really didn’t start using fragrances until about a year and a half ago. Before then if you’d asked me what my “signature scent” was I’d probably say it was a combination of Old Spice deodorant and…shea butter body lotion. I mean I’m still rocking that combo nowadays—just I’m layering on top of it, ya feel me? I’m by no means a professional when it comes to any of this stuff, mind you, but it’s been a great way to elevate my everyday vibes. Plus, who doesn’t like getting complimented every now and then because of the way you smell?
Starting with the basics
When it comes to perfumes, you’ll find there are usually some recurring notes or “themes,” if you will. Whether they’re more masculine or feminine forward scents, you’ll typically see notes like floral, woody, spicy, citrus, etc. Think about how you want to smell—what are the vibes you want to give off? Fragrantica has a hefty list of notes you can peruse through if you need some help.
You’ll also notice varying levels of concentrations, usually ranging from eau de cologne (lightest wear), eau de toilette (medium wear), and eau de parfum (heavier wear). The heavier the wear, the longer it’ll last, and the pricier it’ll tend to be.
It’s important to wear any fragrance you’re interested in, as obvious as that sounds. The way the fragrance reacts with your skin’s oils can make a significant difference (compared to when you spray a tester on paper). Trial and error, baby.
I’d recommend always going in person to try fragrances if possible—don’t be afraid to ask for a sample! Scent Split and Frangrance Net are also great ways to order trial scents if you can’t find something in-store.
The different seasons of you
What do I mean by that? Well, not all fragrances work best during all parts of the year. Some will be warmer, some will be woodier. Spraying something that makes you want to cuddle and cozy up by the fireplace might feel out of place during summer, for example.
One thing I’ve been trying to do is pair new or existing fragrances with specific memories I really want to cherish or remember. Traveling to a new country? Buy a fragrance (preferably there) and use it during your trip. Any time you use it after will feel like walking down memory lane.
Bonus: if you’re ever traveling and don’t want to lug around your full-sized perfume bottles (they’re so lux…yet so inconvenient to travel with…!), refillable travel perfume bottles are the way to go.
Some of my personal favorites
So what’s my current signature scent? Right now it’s definitely Diptyque Orphéon: a j00cy scent that’s woody and floral 🤌🏻 to me, it gives “put together, suave but not over-the-top, mature but still getting my life together”
The website’s description of this fragrance is also so elegantly written I have to include it:
Freeze frame: curls of tobacco smoke mingle with powdery trails of blusher, lingering on burnished wood. At the heart of the composition is the atmosphere of that unforgettable place, recognizable through the warmth of the tonka bean, the depth of cedar and the vivacity of juniper berries.
Other fragrances I really vibe with, both male (m) and female-forward (f), include:
Santal 33 - Le Labo (m/f): if and when you want to smell like clean, crisp sheets—sandalwood, musk, and violet. I don’t know how else to explain it but it gives green.
Pear Inc - Juliette Has A Gun (f): pear, oh so much pear…but in the best way possible. Not super in-your-face and wears down to almost a sweet musky scent while still feeling clean.
Fragrance 01 “Taunt” - Dedcool (m/f): creamy vanilla and amber, with a tinge of masculinity with the bergamot. If you want to be a walking aroma of vanilla pound cake, this is the one for you.
Double bonus: there are usually dupes of pricier fragrances available online that could be a good starter option if you’re not looking to commit heavily from the get-go—it’s best to do your own research.
Triple bonus: Le Labo makes everything to order in-store and they even let you engrave a personal message on your bottle + where you bought it from—could be a great gift!
Miscellaneous Mentions
What I’ve been listening to: No One – brb.
brb. is this Singaporean alt-R&B group I discovered a little over a year ago and their music just puts me in a good head boppin’ mood—a little funk, electronic jazziness, and smooth vocals. No One is their latest single.
What I enjoyed drinking: 2019 Verdelho – Ashbrook Estate
Really enjoyed drinking (and finding!) this, despite the cold and the rain this week. Pretty high acid, with notes of citrus, pineapple, and a little bit of spice. On the nose it reminded me of a Riesling almost…just the faintest hint of petrol. Overall, crisp and easy to drink.
It was also really interesting because I’ve only seen Verdelho used in Madeira port wines from Portugal (more dessert-y wines) and this was from Australia. Turns out, Australia had brought back Verdelho grapes way back when!
This was at boutique wine shop in Redwood City called The Bottle Shop and their selection is great. They look to feature a lot of smaller producers and are super knowledgeable of all sorts of wine. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area (+ the food is fantastic).
That about wraps it up—what’s your signature scent? What are you enjoying this week? I’d love to know in the comments.
And as always, thanks for reading. What’s not pictured in all of this is how much time I spent hemming and hawing over what to include, what not to include, if this was even worth publishing…you know, just rampant imposter syndrome doing its thing. But I’m reminding myself that at the end of the day this is a writing exercise and it’s simply a bonus that people care enough to read at all.
-Alex
Enjoyed reading this Alex! Gonna check out some of the eaus you mentioned. Scent is powerful & underappreciated. Really like the idea of tying scents to seasons and certain places.