Despite having well-trained noses, perfume industry professionals cannot escape from their individual olfactory quirks. Some may be unable to detect certain types of musk or woody ambers, which is a testament to the fact that each person’s experience with scent is unique. This diversity of individual interpretations of common smells is what makes perfumery a rich and beautiful art form.
Here’s a possible rephrasing:
What defines a perfume lover? Is it a vast collection that would put Saks Fifth Avenue’s fragrance counter to shame? Is it a deep knowledge of every detail in Serge Lutens’s biography? Or is it a passion for fragrance ingredients that rivals that of a Michelin-starred chef? The answer is no to all of these. Simply put, a perfume lover, or a perfumista, is someone who loves scents.
Here’s a rephrased version:
Fragrance, like any hobby, can be approached with as much esotericism and passion as one desires, but what I find truly remarkable about this pursuit is its infinite diversity. Our sense of smell is shaped by many different factors, such as childhood memories, individual preferences, and unique characteristics of our noses. It’s a known fact that we all experience scents slightly differently, depending on a combination of our personal sensitivities and anosmias.
Starting to explore fragrances can be daunting due to the vast amount of information and choices available. Hearing others discuss high-end fragrances like Mitsouko and Serge Lutens can make it feel like you need to play catch-up, especially if you’ve only sampled scents from your local department store. It’s not uncommon to see comments from new perfume enthusiasts apologizing for liking more affordable department store fragrances or not enjoying classic scents, but the response should be “So what?” Everyone has their own preferences and there is no right or wrong way to enjoy fragrance.
There’s no need to feel sorry or apologize for your perfume preferences. Your individual experiences and perspectives shape them, making them unique. While it’s good to be open-minded and explore different scents, don’t be afraid to wear what you love with confidence and style. I find it absurd that one’s choice of fragrance should be used as a measure of their sophistication or intellect. For example, liking Chanel No. 19 simply means you enjoy green and mossy scents, while enjoying Lancôme La Vie est Belle could simply mean you have a craving for caramel.
Sofie, one of my readers, recently said, “There are no strict rules or things you should like. It’s your own journey after all, and it’s your money too, so spend it on fragrances that bring you joy.” These words of wisdom remind us that the price and brand of a fragrance don’t determine its quality. Although niche brands can offer unique and exceptional blends, some artisanal perfumery is overpriced and unremarkable. The distribution channel often determines the label’s price, rather than the fragrance itself. As a perfume enthusiast, it’s best to explore all brands, as it can lead to discovering hidden gems and more enjoyable experiences.