Scents have a remarkable ability to stir our emotions, transport us to cherished memories, and even enhance our daily experiences.
As seasons change, so too do our fragrance preferences. In this article, we’ll explore how to match scents with your emotions, using fragrance to connect deeply with your feelings and surroundings, according to Woolies Beauty Academy Tech Corey Goldman.
Corey and GLAMOUR’s Editor-In-Chief Nontando Mposo together hosted the Woolworths Beauty Masterclass at Cavendish Square, in Claremont last Thursday. With the theme “Scents and Mood” the masterclass series spent the evening learning about how to find the right perfume for your mood.
G: Is there a special scent that evokes a special memory for you?
Corey: Floral scents (especially notes of orange blossom and rose) always remind me of my mom. She especially loved the elegance and timeless femininity of a bouquet of flowers. One of her signature fragrances was Elie Saab Le Parfum, and whenever she walked past, she left behind this unforgettable trail. Every time I catch a whiff of that scent, I’m instantly reminded of her warmth and joy.
G: What is one winter beauty secret you can share with us?
Corey: With winter in full swing, I love embracing the enveloping warmth and depth of oud fragrances. My favorite is WBeauty Tobacco Oud which I layer with the WBeauty Oud Body Souffle from the Vanilla & Oud Collection. The combination creates an opulent, long-lasting scent trail. I approach fragrance layering just as I do with my winter wardrobe, combining pieces to create a statement. I often get many compliments while pairing this pairing.
G: How can someone choose a fragrance that complements their personality?
Corey: Start by identifying your core personality and lifestyle– are you bold and audacious or subtle and reserved? Then, match those traits with a fragrance family that fits. Additionally, it is important to understand how fragrance notes work (top, middle/ heart, and the base notes) and how they develop on the skin. The best way to know if a fragrance works for you is by trying different scents directly on your skin as this reveals how they interact with your unique body chemistry.
G: Which scents do you associate with different moods, and why?
Corey: Scents have a powerful connection to our emotions because the olfactory system is directly linked to the brain’s memory and emotion centers. A fragrance can instantly remind us of a special person or a significant moment, whether happy or sad. Different fragrance ingredients can evoke specific moods – For example, citrus scents may provide a sense of upliftment, joy and positivity, while rose tends to evoke femininity and elegance.
G: What seasonal fragrances do you think best enhance feelings of joy or relaxation?
Corey: Joy: Citrus scents, while very popular during the warmer months, are often paired with woods and florals during the colder winter months to create a joyful and uplifting yet luxurious and rich experience.
Relaxation: Vanilla and spicy scents bring a sense of warmth and coziness. Like a comforting hug. Lavender scents also evoke feelings of relaxation and calmness.
G: Can you recommend a signature scent that works for both day and night?
Corey: A new fantastic duo has entered the scene – Michael Kors Pour Femme and the Michael Kors Pour Homme. These fragrances evoke a sense of luxury and escape, making them versatile for both casual daytime outings and romantic evenings. Each bottle features a sculptural chain-link design which gives it that luxurious look and feel. Michael Kors Pour Homme is a modern and masculine fragrance with notes of bergamot, sage and patchouli. Michael Kors Pour Femme radiates beauty, femininity and strength and features a floral bouquet of jasmine and rose blossoms.
G: How do you layer fragrances to create a unique personal scent?
Corey: Start by layering scents within the same scent family, such as Woody, Floral, Oriental, Fresh or Citrus. Also use matching scented shower gels, scented soaps and body creams to make your fragrance last longer. Fragrance layering is a personal experience and enables you to curate a scent uniquely yours, reflecting your personality and style. Most importantly, have fun with it.
G: Are there any fragrance notes that are particularly impactful for confidence?
Corey: There are several fragrance notes that are known to boost one's confidence. Citrus notes like bergamot and lemon are energizing and can improve mood. While, warm comforting notes like vanilla and sandalwood are linked to confidence and well-being. Spicy and more oriental notes can also evoke a bolder sense of confidence.
G: How have you seen trends in fragrance change over the years?
- There is a growing trend towards a more sustainable approach in fragrances – from packaging to ingredient sourcing.
- There has also been a rise of gourmand perfumes, with notes like caramel and cinnamon, which add a sweet and edible dimension to fragrance wardrobes.
- I’m also very happy to see a wider range of fragrances marketed as unisex, or fragrances to share, appealing to diverse gender identities.
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