Written by Spencer Nguyen
Edited by CHIQIO
Keywords: Perfume, Memory, Fragrance,Emotional Connection
A Personal Signature: My Perfume Journey
I have been wearing perfume since the beginning of high school. What started as a way to smell good around others became a form of self-expression. For me, fragrances tell a lot about my personality and style, allowing people to gauge what I am like before meeting me.
I have experienced many different notes and scents during the time I’ve been wearing scents. My all-time favorite scents are fresh citrus scents; I love how bright and crisp they are and reflect how I am an uplifting and positive person around everyone. I also choose fragrances depending on the occasion and season. For example, during summer months I like to choose more crisp and light fragrances compared to woodsy, smoky, and vanilla, during colder seasons. I also enjoy different scents during the day and night; if I’m going out during the night I like a sweet and smoky fragrance as it is alluring and I enjoy how the scents linger on my jackets throughout the entire night.
Another aspect of fragrances I appreciate is how scents differ depending on the wearer. The different notes sit differently and react differently because of our skin chemistry. This makes every perfume unique to each person. For example, the same vanilla fragrance might smell more like alcohol on my skin compared to someone else who might smell more sweet. This means two people can enjoy the same fragrance and wear it for different reasons, as it shows different sides of each person.
The Emotional Connection: More than Just a Cosmetic
Perfume has a deeper connection beyond scents; perfumes are connected to emotions, moments, and experiences, I’ve had. I remember my first experience shopping for perfume at Sephora. Getting to test all the scents is a memory I will never forget. When picking out the fragrance, I was searching for one that was versatile for day and night, was not too overpowering, yet left an impression on those around me. I also wanted to find a unisex scent so everyone around me could also wear and experience the scent. I remember labeling different scents based on where I would wear them and the feelings I experienced when I smelled them. For example, floral flowers gave me a sense of springtime and carefreeness; I associated this with spending a day in the city. Peppery and spicy were associated with boldness and wanting to leave an impression; I pictured wearing this on a night out in LA at a fancy dinner.
One of the most significant scents in my life is Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford. This fragrance always reminds me of a cruise I went on with my family. Every time I smell it, it reminds me of the fun-fueled nights on the cruise. It takes me back to that amazing week and the carefree feeling I had while exploring the ship, watching comedy shows, and hour-long dinners. It’s always fascinating how just smelling something can bring back and even create such vivid memories and emotions.
Conclusion: Perfume is Necessary
More than a mere accessory; perfume is an essential part of our human experience. The sense of smell is one of the most important senses; it evokes a reaction; links memory and emotion to the scent; reflects our true selves and reveals our identity. Its significance in my life is profound, as it has allowed me to understand myself better and others around me. Whether it’s a comforting scent that brings back fond memories or a bold fragrance that boosts my confidence, perfume continues to be an integral part of my daily life and daily routine.
[all photos are royalty free]