Know Your Notes

We’re not talking piano lessons, but rather knowing what you are smelling when you are smelling it.  There are three basic kinds of notes in a fragrance.  The first thing you smell is called a top note and is the freshest part of the fragrance.  It’s the ‘hook,’ the one that gets an initial reaction.  The body of the fragrance is identified by the middle notes.  These give the scent a distinctive characteristic, like spicy, fruity or elegant.  Base notes are what you smell after hours of wear.  It will be soft and warm.  This is the part that people will smell on you.  It will last the longest and will smell different on everyone who wears it, because of unique skin chemistry.  Fragrances are made to react with the oils on our skin and that’s when a fragrance really becomes your own.  Talk about personalization!

Expert Advice


Alfred Sung, Canadian designer and creator of his self-titled fragrance, says that a fragrance should reflect how you want to be interpreted by others.  For men, he says, the three main options are spicy, woody or citrus.  Women have a lot wider range when it comes to fragrance, usually because of the flower-infused options.  At Elizabeth Arden Canada, the communication manager of the company agrees that fragrance can truly be an extension of not only who we are, but who we want to be.  Research has shown that if you are a person with a light heart and a bubbly personality, you may opt for a lighter scent.  Similarly, those who are more serious, both career-wise and emotionally, may opt for a muskier scent.  It’s about who you are, how you feel and how you want others to feel about you.

Some Tips To Remember

DO hunt for new fragrances to try.
DO wear fragrances every day.
DON'T always wear the same one.  Give your nose a rest so you don't end up feeling like you can't smell your favourite fragrance anymore!
DO layer and use fragranced body care products.
DON'T be afraid to mix and match to create your own blend.

Picking your fragrance can be a rewarding and challenging experience.  When you do find that right one, wear it with confidence since it is the sexiest accessory of all!