How to smell like a fancy perfume person

The rules and recommendations for elevating your scent game

1. Find your fragrance vibe.

Figure out which notes – the individual scents, like lemon or rose, that make up a perfume – you do and don’t like. Start a list and jot down what you associate with them. No need to be overly technical about it, though. In my ‘hell yes’ column are jasmine and gardenia (to me, they’re basically summer bottled) and in my ‘just no’ column is strawberry (it’s too candy-like for me).

2. Revisit your old favourites.

This can help you accomplish step 1, but let me also say that while discovering a new scent (see step 3) is a power move, there’s no shame in keeping a former fave in your mix (mine is, and always will be, Chanel No5 – it just smells rich). All Perfume People have an evergreen like this: it’s proof of good – and lasting – taste.

3. Now search for something unique.

Mass perfume brands are great. Almost too great

(aka why everyone in your squad still smells like Santal 33). Your feed is a good place for finding fresh indie scents. Smash the follow button on influencers like @TiffBenson, @JusDeRose and @FunmiMonet for not-yet-everywhere ideas.

4. Or DIY your own scent.

Combining different fragrances you already own is an easy way to create a coveted signature blend. My go-to concoction is layering a bold eau de parfum over something more subtle like a scented body lotion, mist or wash.

5. Oh, upgrade your space too.

True experts know how to make everything smell good – including their home, car, office, etc. It’s all about using a variety of different mediums (this is an art, OK?) like diffusers, candles, and room sprays to create a moment without dousing yourself in perfume, says fragrance influencer Tiff Benson. Just stick to one scent family (like citrus or all-white florals) so you get chic hotellobby vibes, not Grandma’s-house vibes (sorry, nan).

6. And choose your bottles wisely.

Honestly, finding a perfume that’s just as stimulating for your eyes as it is for your nose = next-level fanciness. So if you manage to do all of the above and score a lovely little work of art for your dressing table… well, then my work here is done.