- Consumers are increasing their spending in the luxury fragrance category.
- Fragrances are perceived differently in warm weather, so spring is the perfect time to try something new.
- Perfumers recommend consumers switch to fragrances with woody and green notes for the warmer months.
While it’s natural for warmer weather to inspire a wardrobe change, a fragrance update might also be in order this spring.
As the mercury rises, colognes and perfumes may respond differently to fluctuations in humidity and temperature, affecting how a scent is perceived by your olfactory receptors (cells inside the nose that detect odors ).
For those who are ready to change, you are not alone. Fragrance sales have increased in recent years, and a McKinsey & Company report predicts that consumers will continue to spend in the fragrance category, trading them in for more luxury products in the years to come.
If you’re looking to get started on the lighter scents that will stand out the most this spring, here are the ingredients and scent profiles that two professional perfumers advised Business Insider shoppers to consider.
Aquatic scents mimic days spent at the beach
Salt, sand, and other scents reminiscent of a day spent at the beach can be fresh scent options for spring. Image source/Getty Images
Reminiscent of the seaside, aquatic scents can include aromas like sea salt or sandalwood.
These bright scents are often associated with freshness, making them a natural choice for spring, according to Clément Gavarry, a senior perfumer at Firmenich who also innovates fragrances for Inter Parfums, Inc.
“Aquatic scents evoke a feeling of freshness and cleanliness,” the perfumer told BI. These elements make them ideal for warm weather and casual wear, he said.
Solar notes evoke warm spring afternoons
Solar scents refer to those that suggest a warm, radiant feeling and include scents like almond and bergamot. These scents often borrow from other olfactory families, such as floral and aquatic.
“Solar notes, evoking spring afternoons, rather than warm summer nights on the beach, will continue their journey into our hearts,” according to Rodrigo Flores-Roux, vice president of perfumery at Givaudan, a company based in Switzerland which develops perfumes for luxury brands including Dolce&Gabbana and Tom Ford.
Woody scents can be a sophisticated, unisex choice
According to Gavarry, these grounding scents contain notes of various woods and botanicals, including cedar, sandalwood, vetiver, or patchouli.
And while there is a wide selection on the market, he said consumers can expect to see many inventive pairings of these scents in the near future.
Woody scents are also ideal for those looking for a unisex option that isn’t too masculine or feminine.
Silent Flowers Continue to Be Popular
Many familiar garden scents, including lilac, are popular in spring perfumes. Christophe Lehenaff/Getty Images
Silent flowers are flowers that have a natural scent that cannot be extracted for use in products, Gavarry said. Therefore, to use the note in perfumes, the scent must be created chemically.
Although synthetic, these perfumes will often make those who wear them feel like they are in a lush garden. Examples of silent flowers include lily of the valley, gardenia, wisteria, lilac, daffodil and hyacinth.
Crisp green notes exude everything that is spring
“Spring always begins with buds and green saplings, before the flowers bloom,” Flores-Roux told BI.
Crisp green notes like cucumber, arugula, fresh cut grass and ivy spark feelings of spring, making it a great addition to your perfume collection.
Flores-Roux said he expects green scents to see a surge in popularity before summer arrives.
Citrus and fruity scents have invigorating and refreshing qualities
Fresh culinary scents, including citrus and other fruits, are popular notes for spring scents. Oscar Wong/Getty Images
“Citrus scents are always popular in spring because they bring a refreshing and uplifting feeling,” Gavarry said.
These perfumes often contain notes of lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit or bergamot. And although they were once relegated to the base notes of many scents, today’s products let citrus take center stage.
These scents will not be used in conventional ways, like fruit sprays and perfumes you may remember from your teens. Instead, elevated and elegant combinations will take them to a different level, Gavarry said.
Gourmet fragrances, like vanilla, are on the rise
Today’s consumers are drawn to scents that delight and provide escape, according to Gavarry.
With this, there has been a growing interest in more indulgent and pleasant scents, and this will likely continue into spring.
Consider notes of vanilla, alcohol and gourmandise, all of which can add a sense of addiction to your perfume, the perfumer said.
businessinsider
