Happy National Fragrance Day! Fragrance is something that I pride myself on having knowledge of, and it honestly took a long time for me to develop the nose I have for it. Fun fact: when I first started at my current job, they put me in the fragrance department where I had absolutely no clue what I was doing, and yet people were asking me my opinion and for suggestions on fragrances. I think the art of scent is so particular to each person that there’s no wrong answers when it comes to fragrance; not only does each scent smell different to us, it also smells differently on us. Fragrance is powerful in that the slight whiff of a familiar scent can take us back to a specific time and place from our past. Personally, I am someone who has a different scent for the time of year, as well as for the occasion, which means that now I have unintentionally started a fragrance collection. So let’s take a little peak inside what’s currently living on my self.
Most Loved: Clean Classic’s Skin EDP
Key Notes: Lotus Blossom, Dewey Petals, and Creamy Vanilla
As you can probably tell from how much is left in the bottle, this clean fragrance is one of my go-to’s. It’s light, with subtle notes of vanilla and lotus blossom that warm up on the skin to leave just this soft, feminine scent. This fragrance also lasts for hours on the skin, which is super impressive, and is 100% vegan and cruelty free.
Most Complimented: Ellis Brooklyn Sweet EDP
Key Notes: Pear, Bergamot, Violet, Marshmallow, and Cashmere
An homage to E.E. Cummings poem “In Time of Daffodils”, this fragrance is the perfect way to do sweet the adult way. It’s light, airy, but at the same time makes a statement. Not to throw any shade, but I am pretty sure that Ariana Grande took a whole lotta inspiration from this fragrance when it came to her scent God is a Woman. Though honestly, Sweet knocks Ari out when it comes to lasting power. This scent is also vegan, cruelty-free as well as being paraben and phthalate-free.
Most Recent Favorite: YSL Black Opium Extreme EDP
Key Notes: Jasmine, Coffee, and Vanilla Bourbon
I have a confession to make: I hate the original Black Opium. I know, I know, as a self professed coffee addict, I should love it, but I think it’s just too heavy in my own personal taste. That being said, Extreme just hits differently for me, and was a go-to for me over the winter. It might be the way that the bourbon vanilla cuts through the coffee, but balances out the sweetness of the jasmine, but it just hits different. The quality of the fragrance is just amazing as well (as you would expect from YSL), so you just need a little to last for hours.
Date Night Favorite: Valentino Donna Born in Roma EDP
Key Notes: Blackcurrant, Jasmine, and Bourbon Vanilla
Even though this is one of the newer additions to my shelf, I have been in love with this fragrance ever since it launched. To me, this is the epitome of the perfect date night scent. She’s sweet, yet still has this headiness to her that makes her sexy. She’s bold enough to make a statement, yet light enough to not overwhelm. It’s just the perfect scent.
Girls Night Favorite: Coach Dream EDP
Key Notes: Orange, Cactus Flower, and Joshua Tree
One of the first perfumes that I ever bought for myself, a quick whiff of this scent takes me straight back to all of the fun nights that my friends and I use to have before the great shut down of the world. She’s fresh, yet woody and a whole lotta unique. And just so you’re aware the nozzle is the flower so DON’T pull it off of your bottle (you’d be surprised how many people do).
Power Fragrance: Maison Lancome Figues and Argumes EDP
Key Notes: Mandarin, Fig, Jasmine Sambac and Tonka Bean
So this is the most expensive fragrance, which is why I break her out for very special occasions (or when I need a confidence boost). This scent is supposed to evoke the feeling and freshness of being in a Mediterranean orchard, and it hits it spot on. Unfortunately, this scent has been discontinued but I would give Maison Margiela’s Under the Lemon Trees or Ellis Brooklyn’s new Sun Fruit a try if this sounds like your cup of tea.
I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something a little bit about me and about fragrance. If any of these caught your eye, make sure you head over to Ulta for 5x the points on fragrance purchases today (3/21) in honor of National Fragrance Day! My socials are linked below if you want to give me a follow. See you next time!
Blonde With Coffee 