In the ever-evolving world of fragrance, trends come and go as quickly as the changing seasons. One day, the spotlight is on a celebrity-endorsed scent or a viral TikTok sensation, and the next, something entirely different takes centre stage. As a fragrance blogger, I’m, of course, very much involved in this whirlwind of new releases, popular perfumes, and the endless buzz surrounding them. While I absolutely enjoy this, the truth is that the best fragrance for you isn’t necessarily the one that’s trending—it’s the one that genuinely resonates with who you are.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand the undeniable allure of discovering the latest trend. Whether it’s a gourmand fragrance that’s suddenly all the rage on social media or a fresh, minimalist scent (you know the one) that everyone seems to be wearing, the pull of collective enthusiasm can be hard to resist. It’s easy to find yourself thinking, “If everyone else loves it, surely I will too.”
But let’s be honest—fragrance is a deeply personal experience. What works for one person might not work for another, and therein lies its beauty. A scent that’s sensational on someone else might not evoke the same magic for you. Even as a fragrance influencer, I’ve often found myself caught up in the hype. A new fragrance lands on my doorstep, I quickly unravel the packaging and excitedly spray it on my skin, only to be underwhelmed and frustrated that I followed the flurry of excitement. But even if we sometimes slip (we’re only human), there are a few golden rules you can follow so you don’t get swept away by the tide of trends.
1. Take Your Time
Finding the right fragrance is a journey, not a sprint. Allow yourself the time to test and retest perfumes, experiencing how they evolve on your skin throughout the day. Fragrances can smell very different on a blotter compared to your skin, so don’t judge a fragrance on the first spray. If you can’t visit a store, most brands offer handy discovery sets and samples. Perfume subscription companies such as Sniph, Fiole, and Bloom Perfumery are a good way of trying fragrances before you decide to buy the full bottle.
2. Understand Your Preferences
Take the time to explore the notes and scent families you naturally gravitate towards. Are you drawn to the warmth of vanilla or the brightness of citrus? Do you prefer woody, spicy, or floral scents? Knowing your preferences will help you cut through the noise of fleeting trends.
3. Trust Your Instincts
When you sample a fragrance, pay attention to your immediate reaction. Does it make you smile? Does it remind you of something comforting or exciting? Trust those gut feelings—they’re often the best indicators of a scent that genuinely resonates with you.
4. Resist the Hype
It’s perfectly fine to step back from the trends and choose something that might not be as popular. The fragrance world is vast and diverse, and there’s a special kind of joy in discovering a hidden gem that speaks to you, even if it’s not the current talk of the town. I often feel extra special when I’m wearing something unique that everyone else doesn’t have.
5. Stay Informed, but Be Selective
It may seem contradictory, but don’t completely shy away from fragrance reviews on social media or other platforms. Often, reviewers showcase fragrances that are genuinely unique or introduce new and lesser-known brands that might otherwise escape your notice. These reviews can be valuable resources for discovering hidden gems—scents that aren’t necessarily ‘trendy’ but offer something truly special.
So, the next time you’re tempted by the latest social media sensation or a perfume that everyone seems to be obsessed with, take a moment to pause. Explore it, experience it, but remember that your perfect fragrance isn’t necessarily the one that’s trending—it’s the one that resonates with your unique essence. After all, a truly great fragrance doesn’t just follow the trends; it transcends them.
BLU BLAZER GUY 