Your journey to finding your very first bottle of scent begins now in this guide, made for all of us, amateur and new to the beauty of perfumery.
Coming to my Senses
Words and Art by Nana Valdueza
navigating the fragrance section
Are you new to buying your very own bottle of perfume? Browsing online can be overwhelming if you are really not sure about fragrances. But here are some easy-to-remember facts about the art of perfumes.
The Three Common Types of Fragrance Bottles
You might find three types of fragrances as you scroll up and down the screen. Here are these three:
- Eau de Parfum - It has a long-lasting scent and can maintain its pleasant scent for up to eight hours a day.
- Eau de Toilette - It is appropriate for the summertime. Moderately high alcohol concentrations. It is also a great choice for regular day wear.
- Eau de Cologne - It is an excellent option for hot weather because it does not last very long, and you can reapply it frequently. Its high alcohol content makes it an unsuitable choice if you have sensitive skin
Adding these little knowledge on the type of bottle you see, helps you decide what to to choose and add to cart. Next, would be learning their scent through this visual guide.
visual guide to scents
Savor fragrance like no other in this visual experience of the most common scents in perfumery.
Read Higher Notes at ICONIC.
fLORAL
The most common scent of all. A usual choice among women, but is now likewise favored by men. Expect the floral notes of rose, tuberose, and orange blossoms in these fragrances.
SWEET
The taste of sweetness parallels scent. This particular scent would always remind you of candy, vanilla and any sweet gourmand.
SPICY
Exotic. Warm. Sensual. The addition of spices from peppercorns to anise adds to the oriental sensation of any perfume. A genderless choice for those who want to warm their senses.
FRUITY
The unique smell of fruits reinterpreted into a bottle of perfume. Mostly categorized for the tropical atmosphere and with the usual notes of mango, apple, and berries.
CITRUS
A must-have fragrance profile for man and woman alike, the fresh and tangy fragrance of citrus fruits needs no explanation. An effervescent top note of vigor coupled with the refreshing citrus awakes the senses.
FRESH
The scent of freshness can clearly be visualized by the constant motion of the sea. The zingy scent of herbs, grass, and cool feeling of water makes up the composition of this scent.
woody & musky
Dry and deep. The dominance of resin or the depth of dried woods make this scent perfect for men. It is opulent and rich, a classic scent for the senses.
building your PERFUME WARDROBE
Having a single bottle of perfume, you've recently discovered, is not the be-all and end-all of your perfumery game. What you might not know is that perfume plays a part to your wardrobe and on every occassion. That is why thinking of perfume as an accessory can help you build up your very own perfume wardrobe.
Specific scents may not work with the specific occassion or the season, so better curate your own, based on how you also want to be seen. Some classic looks would go well with sophisticated scents that match, as well as experimental scents can go with a party night look. Match your look with the best perfume that fits your lifestyle.
your new wardrobe
An assortment that fits your lifestyle.
discovering YOUR SIGNATURE SCENT
Finding your scent would not be easy. Once you get used to the beauty of perfumery then you can find your own signature scent. A beautiful journey as you come to your own senses.
Here are some quick advises from us:
- Looking for your signature scent can mean trials and errors with every bottle you discover.
- Know the alchemy of your skin and perfumes. Skin types and skin concern matters when choosing your scent. Also, what smells good for others won't be the same as you. The individuality of our skin and natural smell mixes with the perfumes we choose.
- Research as much as you want. Knowing the notes around the bottle, it's background story and the inspiration of the perfumer can also help you decide.
- Let your nose guide you. As much as instincts can help you with your gut, so as your nose instincts with finding the smell that would totally be yours.
Photographer: Oliver Tam and Joy Frances Ulit
Creative Direction and Art: Nana Valdueza
Production Stylist: Mica Carreon and Claudine Vizconde
Production Coordinator: Elaine Contreras
Shot on location at Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate
Visit www.staelena.com for more information