Whether we actively realise it or not, fragrance plays a major role in everyone’s life. A certain fragrance can transport you back in time to your grandmother’s house, to your wedding, or to an old job. It can remind you of a person or a place, it can lift your mood or even make you feel emotional. Fragrance is powerful, and we simply can’t go a day without it.
On 21 March we celebrate National Fragrance Day, an opportunity to honour all things fragrant. If you haven’t yet found your signature scent, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
A signature fragrance is one that truly defines you – it’s your go-to scent; one by which people recognize you and one that makes you feel fantastic whenever you spritz it on. If you have not yet found yours, we recommend you get to know your scent profile.
Fragrances belong to olfactive families, which gives us insight into how a fragrance smells. There are eight olfactive families divided into two categories: Warm and Cool.
The warm group consists of:
Fougère (fragrance notes include bergamot, lavender, rose, geranium, vetiver, moss, tonka bean)
Oriental (fragrance notes include vanilla, woods, balsamic, amber, powder)
Leather (fragrance notes include honey, tobacco, wood, wood tars)
The cool group consists of:
Citrus (fragrance notes include orange, grapefruit, bergamot, lemon)
Floral (fragrance notes include rose, neroli, jasmine, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, violet and peony)
Aromatic (fragrance notes include thyme, tea, tarragon, star anise, chamomile, mugwort, basil, sage, lavender, rosemary, peppermint)
Chypre (bergamot, oakmoss, patchouli and labdanum) and woody (sandalwood, pine, patchouli, vetiver and cedarwood) scents are a cross between warm and cool.
If you already have a few favourite fragrances, we recommend taking a look at their fragrance notes in order to classify them into an olfactive family. You may find a common thread among them, such as similar base or top notes.
If you’re in the market for a new scent or want to establish your signature scent, we recommend starting off by determining the best scent profile for you. If you like scents that are sensual, inviting, spicy or cosy, you’ll be attracted to warm fragrances. If you like scents that are fresh, light, airy or sporty, your fragrance preference is likely to be cool scents.
Warm scents to try:
Mercedes Benz Woman Eau de Parfum (R1495.00 for 60ml)
Enchanting and luxurious, this rich and sophisticated scent for women comprises sandalwood, vanilla, musk and cashmere woods.
Superdry Soho Eau de Toilette (R495.00 for 100ml)
A combination of leather and zesty notes, this fragrance is designed with the artist and maverick in mind. The top notes include grapefruit and pepper, the heart notes include cardamom and orris and the base notes include elei, patchouli, vetiver and moss.
Mercedes Benz SIGN Eau de Parfum (R1895.00 for 100ml)
A fougère-oriental fragrance, SIGN is powerful, intense and sensual. Its top notes include cardamom and pink peppercorn, heart notes include grapefruit, apple, lavender, orange blossom and rose geranium and base notes include tonka bean, white musk, cashmere and woody patchouli.
Cool scents to try:
Mercedes Benz Pop Edition Eau de Parfum For Women (R1295.00 for 60ml)
This colourful fragrance is simultaneously gentle yet full of energy. It opens with fruity notes of bergamot, mandarin, peach and kiwi, features a floral bouquet at the heart (white jasmine, gardenia and frangipani flower) and dries down with soft notes of whipped cream, sandalwood powder and vanilla.
Superdry Kyoto Eau de Toilette (R495.00 for 100ml)
Sparkling and bright, this luminous scent features bergamot, mandarin and cardamom as top notes, freesia, geranium, orris and nutmeg at the heart and vetiver, moss and musk as base notes.
Mercedes Benz For Men Eau de Toilette (R1750.00 for 120ml)
A bright and distinctive fragrance, this is a must-have for citrus lovers. The top notes include bergamot, Amalfi lemon and mandarin orange; middle notes are violet, pepper, galbanum and nutmeg and the base notes are vetiver, Virginia cedar and patchouli.
Whatever your favourite scent, wear it with pride this National Fragrance Day!