How to choose the right perfume: Build your own fragrance wardrobe around emotions, not occasion

Fragrance wardrobe essentials: From vibrant citrus to soft musks, certain notes speak directly to our emotions. These curated combinations of scent and feeling are tools of self-expression (Image: Canva)

Scent is fashion’s invisible accessory, says Edyta Kurek, senior vice president, Oriflame. “Just as you dress for the day, you can use scent for how you want to feel. From being joyful to elegant, every emotion has its notes. We’ve decoded the world of fragrance through feelings, so your next spritz can match more than just your outfit, it can match your mood.

Gone are the days when perfume was just for special occasions. Now, fragrance is guided by intention, chosen to match your mood, not just the moment. “Fragrance has become emotional. It’s about connection. You can bottle confidence, romance, or calm. With blends that play between florals, fruits, spices and woods, today's perfumes are more personal than ever,” explains Kurek.

If you want to lift your spirits or steady your breath, scent now acts like a mood ring, changing with how you feel or who you want to be. “From vibrant citrus to soft musks, certain notes speak directly to our emotions. These curated combinations of scent and feeling are tools of self-expression. You don’t just want to smell nice anymore, you want to feel nice,” she says.

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Kurek suggests the following tips on how to build your fragrance wardrobe around emotion, not just occasion.

• Feel joyful and full of life: Use notes like Mandarin, peach candy, pear, ylang-ylang. Bright, fruity and bold, these scents are little bottles of joy. Perfect for brunches, holidays or moments when you want to celebrate just being alive.

• Feel calm and grounded: Lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, bergamot, can be your go to notes. Fresh and meditative, these blends work like aromatherapy. Spray them after a long day, before a quiet walk or during your yoga time.

• Feel romantic and nostalgic: Pick up pink rose, lychee, cherry blossom, lily of the valley. Soft and whimsical, these florals whisper of love letters and gentle touches. They’re ideal for date nights or slow afternoons in silk pyjamas.

• Feel bold and fearless: Nothing says boldness better than o ink pepper, red ginger, vanilla, pomegranate. Spicy and zesty, these are unapologetically confident. Wear them when you're taking charge, boardroom, bar or anywhere in between.

• Feel sensual, mysterious mood: Amber, raspberry, dark chocolate, red rose, are the notes to choose from. Rich and decadent, these notes are slow burners. Best worn for late-night secrets, candlelit dinners or when you're your own muse.

• Feel elegant and poised: Jasmine, sandalwood, cashmere wood, orange blossom., these notes can help. Timeless and graceful, these perfumes make quiet luxury speak volumes. Think art galleries, crisp linens, and soft power.

• Feel energy and freshness: Freshness is synonymous with lemon, peppermint, basil, vetiver, green apple. Lively and crisp, these scents are instant refreshers. Reach for them when you need to fake a good night's sleep or recharge mid-day.