Background:
Whether you just decided to renovate the house (or buy a new one), graduated from college (or decided to enroll again and change careers), conquered an illness by God’s mercy, or experienced any other kind of glorious revelation, transformation is inevitable for survival in a universe that is always in flux. Truth is notoriously difficult to capture, and even more challenging to tend. Who would want to move backward instead of forward, and what authentic, evolved transformation is complete without the correspondingly enlightened personal fragrance? You may even find that you love some fragrances but would prefer them as room scents. (Feature photo by Pixabay of Pexels.com)
From sizzling Autumns (Gamine Autumns, Spicy Autumns, or one of the other interesting Autumns in David Zyla’s rather exhaustive guide Color Your Style), to one of the various types of cute, lively Springs; luxurious, delicate Summers; or sweet, classy Winters; we all want to ensure our fragrance elevates us and subtly introduces our distinct character.
Perfume is one of my favorite topics regarding authentic character expression through fashion. Since people tend to make initial flash judgments that they also tend to retain, fragrance is another vital piece of the puzzle that paints the most authentic picture of our character and personality when we first meet someone new.
While it is true that we had better have the personality to match after we make that crucial first impression (whether it is for a job interview, meeting a new friend group, etc.), that first impression happens within the first five seconds, before anyone even has a chance to let that unique inner self shine through the veil.
Below are several ways to recognize your perfect new perfume (most of which I referenced myself before I found a fragrance I love and feel represents me). David Zyla describes each Winter archetype thoroughly in his book, along with each subcategory of the Spring, Summer, and Autumn season style expressions (even including the artists and flowers/nature elements that best express the essence of each season and sub-season, or archetype, within each of the four main seasons). Based on the general scent categories included for each archetype, I explored the seemingly endless possibilities and came up with the below character fragrances (keeping it elegant, of course).
What is your favorite fragrance family? This can be:
Fresh, “wilded” floral with citrus — Springs
Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfiger for several Spring types (maybe the Floral Spring, Early Spring, Mischievous Spring, or a neutral Tawny Spring), and perhaps the unique “Jeweltone Summer” — feels like a light green, youthful aura with a mix of crisply-rounded and elongated shapes;
Slightly Subversive, Pert, Edgy Floral — Springs
L’Interdit EDT by Givenchy (the strong, “resolutely underground flower”) for Tawny Springs or perhaps Mischievous Springs — seems like a cherry-coral, somewhat youthful, bubbly aura with circular shapes;
Fruity floral gourmand — Springs
Anais Anais Premier Delice — maybe a very round, peachy-pink aura of a “young girl in the springtime,” or Amor Amor by Cacharel — warm red aura, youthful, rather round, feminine impression — for some Springs, perhaps the Floral Spring, Mischievous Spring, or maybe some Tawny Springs on romantic occasions;
Warm, rounded citrus and/or beachy — Springs
Eau d’Hadrien by Annick Goutal — light orange aura, rounded shapes for Tawny Springs (unfortunately, according to one reviewer who wrote to the company, Annick Goutal does not sell to Amazon); Orange Star by Tauer Perfumes — high-end, somewhat classic, deeper blue aura, rounded with crisp outlines; Beach Walk by Maison Martin Margiela or Fawn by Ellis Brooklyn — light, warm-to-neutral beige, rounded and young/coming-of-age — for various Springs, perhaps a more neutral version of the Tawny Spring (such as myself), although most Tawny Springs are warmer/closer to gold but still more clear and warm than rich, and would be able to wear Tainted Love by Tokyo Milk Parfumerie Curiosite (for evenings) or spritz the lovely, woody, warm home fragrance mist Moonflower by Thymes (like Amy Adams), both a bit quirky with warm peach-to-cognac auras and very rounded shapes;
Fresh citrus/sweet/woodland fairy or elf — Springs
Fairy Juice Blue by Naf Naf (historically, the French version of H&M) — slightly elongated, ethereal circles with pointed tips and a warm blue aura, freshly delicious and girly with a mix of magical elf and edgy tomboy — for Tawny Springs or perhaps Buoyant Springs (this ebay seller has 100% positive feedback); Wood, Sage, and Sea Salt by Jo Malone for some Springs, perhaps the athletic Buoyant Spring or free-spirited Tawny Spring (see Color Your Style by David Zyla);
Fruity floral — Floral Springs
Circus Fantasy by Britney Spears (surprisingly good for a celebrity perfume) — very simple round, youthful, even whimsical, light, warm blue aura with a noticeable, fresh-water aquatic vibe for cute, light-handed Floral Springs; and if you love sweet plus playful, not too serious, Lolitaland — very sweet and rounded, but a playful, whimsical (elfish?) kind of sweet with only slight crispness from the fickle pepper note — for warmer Floral Springs and perhaps warmer Tawny Springs;
Fresh marine — Many Springs
Mirto Di Panarea by Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo for Vital or Buoyant Springs — fresh, slightly sharp edges, seems ageless; or that hidden gem which is amazing and even niche-smelling for its price, Guess 1981 Indigo for Women — round, young-ish, pale blue, relaxed, casual-but-unique aura — although some Tawny Springs can pull this off, this one can be ever-so-slightly syrupy with wine notes, in which case the outlying, rich, Renaissance Summer might wear it better;
Light, sweet, elegant floral — Cool(er) “Early Springs,” a/k/a “Playful Princesses”
Lucy B’s Australian Wild Jasmine (which is clean and infused with the Australian Dogwood flower to boost confidence!) and L’Interdit Nocturnal Jasmine by Givenchy;
Delicate, beachy, subtle, even ethereal — Mermaid-like, Iridescent Summers
Classic, subtle-but-compliment-garnering Eau des Merveilles by Hermes (rumored to be a favorite of the great athlete Serena Williams) — broad, bluntly rounded angles, sophisticated, naturally sexy, shimmery, very soft nuanced rose color, otherworldly, soothing, soft-spoken aura — for sensitive Summers or more understated types of Autumns such as the Mellow Autumn; or Phlur’s Missing Person — subtle, translucent/pink aura, clean, almost otherworldly, transient nature;
Poised, successful-type florals — Summers
Ameline (a clean, modern twist on rose) — softly broad, slightly rounded angles, soft reddish-pink mature-in-a-good-way, smart, “real” aura — by Phlur (a rising, reputable clean fragrance company whose olfactory offerings actually smell great and have decent longevity); Anais Anais by Cacharel — more pink than peachy, rather blunt angles instead of circles; Idole by Lancome — ageless, classy, “willowy,” soft pink aura; Lou Lou by Cacharel for successful, reliable “Jeweltone Summers” — cool-toned, twinkling, alluring, slightly powdery, capable aura, soft, blunt angles, slight elongation; or (the ultimate if it’s in your budget) Joy by Jean Patou — aristocratic, champagne beige, super feminine, irresistible vibe (for fans such as Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly);
Delicate floral marine — Summers
Dune by Dior (a legendary favorite of Kate Middleton); or either Cool Water by Davidoff or L’Eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake for Summers (I believe this one was discontinued) — both nuanced, soft blue auras with some demure florals, wise, entrancing;
Spicy and cool/fruity — The Renaissance Summer
Enchanted Forest by The Vagabond Prince, gorgeous for the Renaissance Summer — ageless, woodland paradise with some soft angles, lots of adventure, and a cozy drink in a fantastical, creative atmosphere;
Rich, heady, oriental floral — Autumns
Poeme by Lancome, or Shalimar by Guerlain for Autumn types — deep yellow aura, some angles, extremely womanly but edgy;
Musky floral chypre (basically adding wood and herbs) — Autumns
Chloé Nomade Eau de Toilette by Chloé — architectural angles, brave, compelling, rich green aura; or Chanel Chance — her slightly mellowed-out, oriental sister;
Spicy and hot/sexy/smoky/edgy — Autumns
Moab and Hepcat by Phlur — beautiful angles, rich, fascinating, slightly vintage aura; or Bois d’Hadrien by Annick Goutal — smells exactly like the forest if you’re feeling nostalgic, sweet undertones, like a sweet kind of incense, green or khaki aura, naturally sculptural angles like pine needles — for Autumn personalities; Tom Ford Black Orchid (actually more of an oriental chypre sported by Michael Jackson); Velvet Orchid by Tom Ford (a slightly lighter version which Gigi Hadid is rumored to wear); Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent; Bvlgari Black for Unisex (which Angelina Jolie supposedly wore at one point); and L’interdit Intense — nutty, creamy, deep cognac aura, slight oval or leafy shape with some angles, spiced — for certain Autumns in the evening; Velours d’Orient Eau de Parfum by Les Indemodables — rich, polished, amber aura with understated angles for perhaps the Bronze or Mellow Autumns; or Twilly d’Hermes Eau Poivree — burnished, spicy aura with crisp angles for Gamine Autumns.
Intense fruity/niche/unique — Autumns
Pulp by Byredo for some Autumns perhaps; not for everyone with the smell of very ripe fruit cut through with the actual rind and some calming cedar with a hint of praline, like hot-and-sweet — stunning, razor-sharp angles, gorgeous, unique sunset aura, more experienced and adventurous than mature — but Scent Split has a Pulp sample, as well as samples of almost any perfume you can imagine; or, the highly-unique Copper Autumn may want to try La Vierge de Fer (“the iron maiden”) by Serge Lutens — silver or bronze aura, a surprisingly warm pear juxtaposed with distant florals and a metallic edge, softer angles, ageless, even ethereal;
Resinous, nutty/woody — Autumns
Hanami by Phlur for certain Autumns, perhaps the Mellow or Bronze Autumn — unique, slightly creamy beige, classy touch, “squoval,” “weightless-but-grounded” aura; Bois d’Hadrien by Annick Goutal — green, mature in a good way, rather mystical aura, fascinating, naturally sharp edges; Gypsy Water or Bal D’Afrique by Byredo — unapologetically angular, charismatic, capable, burnt/spicy orange or khaki vibe;
Sweet, classy, romantic — Winters
Añoranza by Phlur — refreshing, elongated ovals, pink and white aura for young adults who are just starting out in the adventure of life and “romance” (or older, romantic ones) — spot-on for the Classic Winter (although the “Early Spring” could possibly wear it); or Wanted Girl by Azzaro — rounded, classy, slightly elevated by subtle, sparkling florals;
Sweet but deep, complex, majestic — Winters
Hypnotic Poison (Adele’s signature scent) by Dior — deep, sweet, magnetic, voluptuous, red vibe; or Fracas Eau de Parfum by Robert Piguet — icy, sweet, floral (with serious tuberose), oxblood-colored aura, slightly dangerous, slightly impish, extremely sophisticated for don’t-mess-with-me Winter types such as the “Dynamic Winter”;
Sweet, slightly spicy, fairy-like with hints of gourmand — Winters
Lolita Lempicka Mon Premier by Lolita Lempicka — crisp, rounded angles, one-of-a-kind, magical, sweet, periwinkle, fairy-like aura — for more neutral Tawny Springs and Vivid Winters; Vanille Exquise by Annick Goutal for Poetic Winters; or L’Interdit EDP for Poetic or Vivid Winters — voluptuous shape, sensuous, grape-colored aura.
What is your aura?
I also considered my aura, just for fun and to be more accurate. They say you can see your aura if you spread your fingers apart, place them on a white wall, and look in a very relaxed way until you see the light. I literally almost fell asleep and kept seeing light, warm blue. Expensive cameras can also show you your aura, or you can simply use the new Aura app (only for iPhone, unfortunately).
What general image does the fragrance have?
Does the fragrance feel like it has angles, is it rounded and happy, or is it majestic and sweet? How does this relate to the angles (or curves) in your body? If you are one of the Spring types, you will probably want to avoid anything too heavy (although the quirky Tawny Springs can get away with more than the normal Spring types). The “Classic Summer” will feel overwhelmed by perfume (according to Zyla’s book) and only want body lotion or powder.
Conclusion
The olfactory sense is a powerful, primal part of the human makeup. When you find your perfect new fragrance, you will feel comfortable, not like you are reaching to grasp it or hoping it will change you. In fact, it may not even distract you at all throughout the day when applied in an elegant manner (with one to three sprays to the wrist, depending on the sillage, and then dabbed on the pulse points with the help of the other wrist). However, others often know and remember people by their signature fragrances.