The Power of Fragrance

For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan/collector of fragrances.

As a young girl I would watch with admiration as my mother applied her Elizabeth Arden Red Door, wondering when I would be grown up enough to do the same. Even back then, I could see how much power is held in a single scent.

Fragrance has the ability to dictate your mood and the attitudes of others towards you.

But most importantly, a good fragrance has the the power to instil confidence. The kind of confidence that comes from no other source.

At this point in time, I have 14 fragrances- and yes, I do actually wear them.

And to the probable embarrassment of my future self, I’m going to analyse each one and give you my general thoughts. Hopefully, this will inspire you to find a signature scent of your own.

As a tiny bit of background before I begin, I typically enjoy sweet, floral and slightly fruity scents. Most of the time I also prefer them to be fresh and somewhat light, but I also enjoy quite warm and spicy scents from time to time.

Some of my favourite notes are jasmine, freesia, grapefruit, vanilla, caramel, water lily and musk.

Wrapped With Love- Hilary Duff (EDP)

This is a perfume that is very special to me, as it was the first I ever received. This signifies a very important time in my life and the very scent of it brings back an abundance of beautiful memories.

Unfortunately I think this was either limited edition or it’s no longer available, but it’s gorgeously sweet and fruity- just how any young fragrance should be.

Top: Melon, Mandarin, Mangosteen, Pink Grapefruit

Middle: Lily, Plum, Violet, Mangosteen Blossom

Base: Vanilla, White Chocolate, Musk, Raspberry

 Scent:★★★★☆

Longevity:★★★★☆

Showtime- Kylie Minogue (EDP)

This scent is super sweet and fruity on the surface, but for a celebrity fragrance especially, it has quite a lot of dimension. It takes quite some time for the base notes to come through, but when they do, it totally transforms to a warm and softly spicy scent. This is one of those perfumes that really gives you that model-worthy level of confidence as you strut down the runway of life. (Don’t worry, I can’t understand what I just said either)

Again, I can’t seem to find this sold anywhere but keep your eyes out for it- it’s worth a try if you can get your hands on it!

Top: Blackcurrant, Strawberry

Middle: Heliotrope, Liquorice

Base: Vetiver, Caramel, Marshmallow

Scent:★★★★☆

Longevity:★★★★★

Wonderstruck- Taylor Swift (EDP)

If you’re looking for something classic and timeless, with a modern twist- this is the one for you. It’s very warm and inviting, but with a little skip in it’s step.

Only problem I have with it is the spray- it doesn’t mist very evenly so be prepared for a scent overload at first!

Top: Freesia, Tea, Blackberry, Raspberry, Apple Blossom

Middle: Vanilla, Honeysuckle, Hibiscus

Base: Musk, Sandalwood, Amber, Peach

Scent:★★★★☆

Longevity:★★★☆☆

I was lucky enough to be given these in the mini sized box set from a close friend for my birthday, so this is why they’re included together- but I will review and link to them separately if you’re interested in trying them out.

Left     Reb’l Fleur- Rihanna (EDP) 

This scent is definitely a lovely classic amongst countless modern fragrances. It’s very warm and inviting with that sweet patchouli scent that everyone loves, especially in Winter. It’s definitely Rihanna-esque!

Top: Apricot, Plum, Red Berries

Middle: Tuberose, Violet, Coconut, Hibiscus

Base: Musk, Patchouli, Amber, Vanilla

Scent:★★★★☆

Longevity:★★★★★

Centre     Nude- Rihanna (EDP)

This one is a little less warm and slightly more fruity and floral. It’s basically Reb’l Fleur’s younger sister who likes to make daisy chains as she dances in a field where the trees sway in the breeze.

Top: Guava, Mandarin, Pear

Middle: Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Gardenia

Base: Sandalwood, Orchid, Musk

Scent:★★★★☆

Longevity:★★★☆☆

Right    Rebelle- Rihanna (EDP)

Compared to the others, this perfume is much spicier and very warm. It’s not one that I wear a lot, but when I do it’s usually in Winter or if I’m going somewhere super fancy. This fragrance is the older sister who maintains a high level of class and wears only the very best in designer brands.

Top: Plum, Strawberry, Ginger

Middle: Heliotrope, Cacao, Orchid

Base: Musk, Patchouli, Amber, Coffee

Scent:★★★☆☆

Longevity:★★★★★

Circus Fantasy- Britney Spears (EDP)

This scent can only be described by its name- it embodies fun and living life to it’s fullest. It’s beautifully sweet and floral and lasts all day- it’s honestly perfect and I need to get back into wearing it.

I couldn’t find this exact one in any major stores, but Britney’s Fantasy line has so many variations and they all smell amazing, as well as being affordable and long lasting. I’ve linked a number of variants on the title above, so if you’re in store, I highly suggest giving some of them a try.

Top: Raspberry, Apricot Blossom, Sugar

Middle: Orchid, Peony, Water Lily

Base: Vanilla, Sweet notes, Musk, Woodsy notes, Violet

Scent:★★★★★

Longevity:★★★★★

Meow- Katy Perry (EDP)

This is the pinnacle of a girly scent- it’s almost sickly sweet and fruity but it has a lot of depth and dimension with hints of warmth at the heart of the fragrance. It’s for someone outgoing and kind hearted who is loved by everyone she meets.

This has honestly got to be one of my favourites, but I don’t wear it very often, simply because it doesn’t last very long in comparison to the rest of my collection.

Top: Jasmine, Gardenia, Tangerine, Pear

Middle: Honeysuckle, Lily of the Valley, Orange Blossom

Base: Amber, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk

Scent:★★★★★

Longevity:★★★☆☆

Girlfriend- Justin Bieber (EDP)

To anyone that knows me knows the story behind this- I hope you haven’t spat your drink all over the screen thinking about it.

This is a very typical girly fragrance once again- it’s sweet and fruity. It is very simple, but there’s beauty in it’s simplicity. I think any young girl would enjoy this one.

I wouldn’t recommend travelling with it though- the packaging really isn’t secure.

Top: Mandarin Orange, Blackberry, Pear, Strawberry

Middle: Freesia, Jasmine, Apricot, Orange Blossom

Base: Vanilla, Orchid, Musk, White Amber

Scent:★★★★☆

Longevity:★★★★☆

Our Moment- One Direction (EDP)

As a huge fan of One Direction, I wanted this as soon as I heard they were making a fragrance.

This is my perfect scent- and I say that with confidence. It’s that floral, slightly fruity and sweet scent which I love, but it’s beautifully fresh and crisp. All of my fragrances give me confidence, but this is in a whole different way. It’s the kind of scent that makes you want to run through a sunny meadow without a care in the world. The kind of scent that embodies natural, inner beauty and living life in the moment.

Top: Pink Grapefruit, Forest Fruits, Red Currant

Middle: Freesia, Jasmine, Frangipani

Base: Woodsy Notes, Patchouli, Musk

Scent:★★★★★

Longevity:★★★★☆

That Moment- One Direction (EDP)

That moment is the perfect name for this one. The fruity, citrus notes give you that extra bit of ‘sass’. It’s the scent of someone who is totally themselves, and everyone wants to know more about. They are confident and a bit cheeky, but still want to feel that moment- whatever it may be.

Top: Pink Grapefruit, Green Apple

Middle: Jasmine, Violet

Base: Musk, Woodsy Notes

Scent:★★★★☆

Longevity:★★★★☆

You & I- One Direction (EDP)

This fragrance is the cousin of Our and That Moment. It’s a heavy floral, sweet and slightly fruity scent- in the same realm of Showtime- that is a little classier and perfect for someone who is kind hearted and sweet, but with an air of mystery.

Top: Grapefruit, Mango, Citrus

Middle: Osmanthus, Orchid, Peony, Peach Blossom

Base: Sandalwood, Praline, Musk

Scent:★★★★☆

Longevity:★★★★☆

Princess- Vera Wang (EDT)

This is a favourite scent of so many people, that I think everyone and their dog knows what it smells like, but I’ll do my best.

It’s a lightly floral, sweet perfume that screams ‘Modern Princess’, hence the name. It’s for someone young and sophisticated who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it. But on the other side of that, the heart of the scent is quite deep and very classic- a scent that would make the perfect gift. Definitely worth checking out!

Top: Apricot, Mandarin, Apple, Water Lily

Middle: Guava, Tiare Flower, Tuberose

Base: Amber, Vanilla, Wood

Scent:★★★★★

Longevity:★★★★☆

Chance- Chanel (EDT)

Where do I even begin?

This scent is different to anything I have ever smelled before- you won’t find anything like it out there. It’s a sweet, citrus on the surface which really lures you in. But it quickly fades to a punchy, sharp spice, that is somehow beautifully soft at the same time. This is a scent for someone who is unapologetically confident. Someone who is always willing to take a chance.

I have it in the Twist and Spray version at the moment as it’s great value in my opinion. It comes with three 20ml bottles of the perfume, as well as the dispenser. So you’re getting extra fragrance, and much more convenient packaging for only a couple of extra dollars. It’s definitely worth checking out and is available for many of the Chanel perfumes.

Top: Pineapple, Iris, Patchouli, Pink Pepper, Hyacinth

Middle: Jasmine, Lemon

Base: Musk, Patchouli, Vanilla, Vetiver

Scent:★★★★★

Longevity:★★★★★

As for my favourite?

For day to day, Our Moment wins- hands down. For special occasions- Chance.

If you would like any more information about these perfumes or any others, I strongly suggest checking out Fragrantica.

But if you do have any questions, I’d be more than happy to answer them for you.