Choosing A Fragrance & How To Wear It
Perfume is a magical thing. A well-made fragrance helps you to express your identity, for the enjoyment of others, or simply for your own indulgence. It can help you create strong first impressions, it can give you an air of sophistication, or it can simply help you feel confident. Choosing the right scent however can be quite daunting. Whether the love of your life deserves a new fragrance or you simply want to treat yourself, we have you covered.
CHOOSING PERFUME
Choosing a perfume involves a few different considerations, but begins simply with deciding what appeals to you, and perhaps your partner. The most passionate fans of perfume often end up with a collection, with scents ranging from light to heavy, floral to woody, allowing for the perfect choice for any occasion.
Which perfume suits the moment can be decided by many factors. I choose from my collection based on weather, time of day, mood, even outfit colour can affect with bottle I use. I choose what feels right.
Often lighter scents will be worn during the day and in warm weather. Think neroli, lemon, and rose, notes that refresh. For evenings or winter, vetiver, spices, or smoke are often popular choices. These will evoke a feeling of warmth and can lend an intellectual quality.
One of the most important elements to choosing a fragrance is how it interacts with the chemistry of your body. You will find that certain scents truly come to life when they come in contact with your skin. Even if you love the scent as it comes out of the bottle, this reaction should be the greatest factor in your decision. So play, experiment, and have fun. If you buy a scent as a gift, ask us for a small tester to go with the bottle. That way the recipient can test it, and if it reacts poorly, or they don’t love it the way you do, they can exchange it for another.
When choosing a scent for someone else, think about when they would wear it, and what would compliment their collection. If they are new to using scent go for something that they can use in a variety of situations, like a perfume with a spectrum of notes from light to heavy or something that you think suits their personality.
HOW TO WEAR IT
Once you have the right scent picked, consider how you or the people around you should perceive it. Never go for the “teenage shower” method of dousing yourself, but think about the strength you want. Most scents only need to be sprayed onto the body once or twice. Those who prefer an even lighter dose can spritz a cloud in front of them and walk through it.
When I wear perfume I want to enjoy it, so I apply it to my chest. If you only want others to detect it, down the back is best. You can also dictate how long the scent lasts by choosing where you spray it. Fragrance disappears faster on skin, while it can cling to hair or clothing much longer.
Armed with this knowledge, you are now set to choose and wear perfume like a pro. Don't be afraid to try something outside of your comfort zone, you never know what may strike your fancy. A truly great fragrance will make you feel separate from the pack, and inspire joy every time you wear it.
SCENTS FOR THE RIGHT OCCASION
These are a few picks that would work for most people in a few different situations.
Date Night/ Evening Wear
These scents are designed to turn more than a few heads, without being heavy handed. If you’ve spent time looking good for a special evening, you deserve a scent to match.
Libertine - Burrow Libertine has quickly become one of our new favourite Albertan makers and this scent is one of many reasons why. Burrow's combination of Caraway and Tumeric make for a wonderful spicy profile while the hints of resin and char embrace you in a lovely blanket of natural earthy notes. Sure to make a statement with this fragrance!
Truefitt & Hill - Sandalwood Cologne A youthful update on English tradition best describes this unique take on Sandalwood by Truefitt & Hill. Its base of musk and tonka bean is well complimented by a hint of bergamot. Clean and refreshing - great for most folks!
Castle Forbes - Vetiver Forbes makes the most refined Vetiver fragrance I've ever seen, quite simple, but delightful to everyone who experiences it. To me it has a nostalgic familiarity to it - it reminds me of a spring day right after a rainfall, when the fresh green grass can be smelt in the air and you know summer is approaching.
Mistral - Black Amber Black Amber conveys an air of mystery, surrounded by a cloud of smoke. Like an Old Fashion cocktail it hits you with orange and lemony citrus followed up by smokey dark sandalwood and musk - This fragrance is moody and perfect for a night out.
Low-profile scents
Some environments call for minimal scent. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to smell good at work, but lighter fragrances will keep your coworkers happy while allowing you to be distinguished.
Crown Shaving Eau de Parfum Not only is it a barber favourite, it is also Canadian-made. Ontario’s Crown Shaving created an updated take on the classic Bay Rum - normally a deafeningly strong perfume. By balancing cloves with anise, leather and tobacco, Crown has created a truly refined and subtle update to an old stand-by.
Henri et Victoria - Duc De Santal This fragrance made by our friends in Quebec has an incredible balance of intensity with great staying power. It's simple but intoxicating muskiness is perfectly combined with a clean sandalwood finish which is sure to compliment but not overpower!
Persons of Interest - Two Wolves This bright and playful scent is perfectly balanced, despite its extreme freshness. Subtly sweet florals are grounded by middle notes of jasmine and vanilla. A bed of musk acts as a solid foundation for this light fragrance. It's versatile and welcoming - perfect for any occasion or space.
Every-day wear
To be worn everyday a fragrance must posses versatility while staying true to who you are. These perfumes are some of my all-time favourites because they have a vast appeal without being pedestrian and seem to fit just about every occasion. These are our desert-island scents.
Mistral - Cypress Oak A delightful and playful combination of bergamot and green apple start Cypress Oak off before settling into a refreshing oceanic wave of sandalwood and musk. It's unique and charming - Just like you!
D.R. Harris - Twenty Nine A specifically unisex blend from D.R. Harris, Twenty Nine is most noticeably rose geranium, floating atop a base of cinnamon and clove. Light and subtle - but never forgettable.
Libertine - Gilded This scent by local maker Libertine truly inspires confidence with its diverse blend of spice, citrus and woody notes - it's got it all and it'll have you walking out the door feeling the same. Ready for what the day holds, we find this scent great to tackle any occasion!
Truefitt & Hill - Grafton The lush green herbal notes of this fragrance lay on a bed of leather, bolstered by a robust spice making it a real every day wear. Named after a famous line of battleships, this fragrance should have you ready for any battle the day brings your way! Command the troops and smell great doing it.
To sum it all up!
I hope this gave you some ideas of where you’d like to start with your next fragrance purchase. With this information you can move confidently forward into the world of fine scents and find a personal favourite for each and every part of your life.
