Fragrances, perfumes and body mists galore. Step into their world, and you'll probably be overwhelmed by fragrance families and note levels before you even figure out what the heck amber is supposed to be (spoiler; it isn't a real note).

Fragrance is absolutely subjective. I genuinely believe that fragrance families are nothing more than reference points, because some scents lean more into a certain realm depending on individual olfactory perception. For example, YSL Libre smells far more floral than vanilla to me, and I don't get even the slightest hint of citrus.

Fragrance dreams come true when your personal preferences and pheromones, or your skin scent, are a match made in heaven. So instead of sticking to technical fragrance families, I’m breaking it down by aesthetics and vibes. Clean girl?

That could be citrus, vanilla, or a mix of both. Let’s find your scent by the feels.

Clean Girl

What’s “Clean Girl”? A Pinterest aesthetic that blends an abstract pristine-ness with a sense of being put together, yet minimalistic and subtle.

A sweet vanilla is effortless and simple, yet feels organized and classy. Burberry Goddess perfectly captures this soft, polished vanilla vibe.

Another popular scent profile is a subtly tart apple or citrus note that exudes a fresh and crisp energy. Zara Applejuice, with its bright apple accord, fits right into this clean and easy-going category.

Beyond these examples, a more niche scent is white cotton, comforting yet sharp, with a hint of childhood nostalgia reminiscent of laundry softener and freshly washed clothes. The brand Clean is known for its offerings in this category.

credit: Photo by Kiersten Williams (pexels)

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Dark Muse

Now, for the gals who are all about vivid, rich and deep tones in their colour palettes and fashion, there's the Dark Muse. She carries an unapologetic, mysterious and refined magnetism that never goes unnoticed. Think crisp winged liner, a bold dark lip and a striking presence.

Not understated at all. In contrast to the effortless minimalistic approach of the Clean Girl, the Dark Muse is more precise and deliberate. She leaves behind a trail that feels straight out of a gothic romance; it's the kind that would’ve inspired poets and artists of the past. Quite the lovechild of dark cherry, dark feminine, and gothic romance aesthetics.

A blackberry or plum accord makes for a fresh yet rich scent profile that matches the Dark Muse perfectly. Signorina Misteriosa by Salvatore Ferragamo fits beautifully into the fruitier side of this aesthetic.

A trail of mysterious depth can also come from darker notes like patchouli, incense, or even a touch of dark chocolate ; all of which are bold, rich, and lingering. Tom Ford’s Black Orchid is the first thing that comes to mind in regard to this spectrum of notes, blending rich florals with dark chocolate and an earthier hint of woods. It’s the kind of perfume that walks in before you do, and lingers long after you’ve left.

credit: Photo by Erica Steeves (unsplash)

Cottagecore

We've covered aesthetics which are perhaps more contemporarily influenced, with elements of modernism. However, something that never goes out of style, is sweet ol' country warmth. It's the sense of fantastical nostalgia, while flipping through the wondrous pages of a fairy or folk tale. Of the quiet pleasures away from the bustling city; we have an aesthetic rooted in simplicity and innocence, Cottagecore.

What exactly evokes the Cottagecore feels? Perhaps elements of nature that spark a fond memory, whether from a lived experience or a vicarious one; something you once read in a beloved story. Maybe it’s picking wildflowers by the roadside, sucking nectar from a honeysuckle bloom, or baking something sweet with freshly picked berries in a quiet countryside kitchen. Cottagecore isn’t about a single moment, but about the soft, slow feelings those simple acts bring to life.

The strawberry accord in The Body Shop’s signature mist feels sweet and a bit juvenile. It's so reminiscent of childhood for so many people. Sugary and nostalgia ridden, laced with a distant memory of berry picking- even if you've never picked a berry before.

Demeter is a brand of perfumes that, much like its namesake- the Greek goddess of the harvest, feels closely tied to nature. Honeysuckle is like a spritz of sunlight; warm and breezy. It takes you back to the simplicity of childhood, of tasting nectar from dandelions and it’s a scent that brings you closer to nature and a more frivolous time.

credits: Photo by Dana Sarsenbekova (unsplash)

at the end of the day, perfume isn’t ever about notes or fragrance families. It's just about how it makes you feel! Fragrance is almost always tied to our fondest memories and can make a good memory 10x more memorable <3

(Note to Readers: This was my first article on TTM, so please feel free to leave feedback ^^)