Build your own scent wardrobe, let it speak your state of mind: From zesty citrus to warm amber, more

Best perfumes for your personality: The right perfume instantly changes how you feel. Many now build scent wardrobes to suit daily shifts, from boardroom whiffs to bedtime calm (Image: Canva)

Perfumes help you smell nice, lift your mood and are also good for  emotional styling. From citrusy highs to woody calm, each scent mirrors your mood. With the right fragrance, you don’t just reflect your feelings, you shape them.

Scent is fashion’s silent partner, subtle yet powerful. Like jewellery or lipstick, the right perfume completes the mood. But it’s more than a finishing touch; it’s an emotional armour. “Fragrance lets us dress our feelings,” says Edyta Kurek, Senior Vice President, Oriflame India and Indonesia.

“Today’s perfumes are wearable moods, and your bottle is your mood ring. Your brain stores scent with emotion. One whiff of orange blossom can calm you; vanilla might recall warmth. That’s why the right perfume instantly changes how you feel. Many now build scent wardrobes to suit daily shifts, from boardroom whiffs to bedtime calm,” explains Kurek.

Kurek shares tips on how to pick the perfect notes for every emotional moment:

• Happy and uplifted: Go for juicy fruits and soft florals that feel like bottled laughter. Try mandarin, pear, peach candy, ylang-ylang. These are perfect for brunch dates, spontaneous outings, or anytime you want to wear joy on your skin.

• Peace and refreshment: Choose clean, soothing scents that feel like a breath of fresh air. Opt forlavender, sandalwood, bergamot, violet. Ideal for post-yoga wind-downs or quiet evenings. “These notes help the mind reset, they soothe and centre,” says Kurek.

• Dreamy and romantic: Floaty florals and soft fruits mirror the sweetness of nostalgia and tenderness.Pink rose, cherry blossom, white strawberry are perfect for slow weekends, date nights, or writing love letters to yourself.

• Bold and confident: Pick spicy, bright blends that announce your arrival before you speak. “Scents like pink pepper, grapefruit, red ginger, vanilla are spicy -citrus notes project power and modernity,” says Kurek. Wear them when you want to feel unstoppable.

• Sensual and mysterious: Layer on warm, indulgent notes that linger like a secret. Use amber, raspberry, dark chocolate, peony. Perfect for candlelit dinners, velvet evenings, or when you want to leave a lasting impression.

• Feeling elegant and sophisticated: Choose timeless florals and woods that whisper luxury, not shout it. Try white gardenia, jasmine, sandalwood. Think formal events, quiet confidence, or Sunday mornings wrapped in silk. “These are refined, lasting impressions,” says Kurek.

• Feel fresh and energised: Opt for crisp herbs and citrus that feel like a splash of cold water to the face. Focus on lemon, peppermint, basil, vetiver. Great for early mornings, workouts, or busy days ahead. “Citrus and herbs bring clarity and sharp focus,” Kurek explains.