Hold up, cupid calling! Dress? Nailed it. Shoes? Fire. Makeup? On point. But wait... something's missing. That final flourish, the scent that screams "spontaneous romance" (or "confident single, ready to mingle!")? We got you, boo!
Let's unleash your inner scent rebel with a scent that matches your vibe, not some dusty rulebook. Whether you're rocking a last-minute date or celebrating self-love with a solo soirée, ditch the "perfect" and find a fragrance that makes you feel damn good.
Ditch the Plan, Smell Amazing! Here’s Your Last-Minute Guide to Valentine's Scentsation!
Remember these terms: longevity, sillage, and notes
These are the things you need to look out for when buying the perfect perfume. Longevity simply refers to how long the fragrance will last. Sillage, on the other hand, refers to how potent the fragrance is (a.k.a. if people around you can smell it). Notes are the different scents that make up the fragrance. When doing your research, you would often find perfume labels to include “top notes,” “middle notes,” and “base notes.”
There are five main types of fragrances
And their main differences lie in their concentrations. According to the New York Times, the mildest are eau fraiche (has only 1 to 3% of perfume oil) and eau de cologne (2 to 4%), meaning they have short longevity and need frequent reapplication.
Eau de toilette (EDT) is stronger with 5 to 15% perfume oil, perfect for daytime wear. Meanwhile, eau de parfum (EDP) lasts longer (15 to 20%) and is ideally worn for a night out.
For all-day wear, go for a parfum, also known as extrait de parfum, or simply pure perfume, with 15 to 30% oil concentration, ensuring lasting scent and good sillage.
Something to wear to work
Go for something light but also aromatic and spicy. The light notes give off the friendly feeling, but the aromatic and spicy notes say you’re also someone with grit and tenacity.
Try: Marc Jacobs’ Ever So Fresh - spritz this on and let its fruity top notes from pineapple, mango, and mandarin orange uplift your mood. Display your femininity with its floral mid tones, and let its woody cashmere base notes alert everyone that you mean business.
Try: Chloé’s Naturelle - available at SM Beauty, this EDP from Chloé features citrusy top notes, floral middle notes, and woody base notes. Together they bring a balanced scent that simply spells professionalism and confidence.
Try: Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach - also available at SM Beauty, this delightful scent has that powerful woody notes that exude power and strength, but also offers warmth and class through its fruity, floral, and spicy profiles.
Something to wear to a hangout with friends or family
Then going for something fresh and light is the key. It’s the perfect balance between fun and carefree, which is what hangouts with your loved ones are all about.
Try: Zara’s Golden Decade - this scent is clean and light with touches of sweet vanilla and fragrant florals.
Try: Clinique’s Clinique Happy - here’s a classic scent that’s loved by all, known for its uplifting citrus notes and its long-lasting warm and musky profile that is both comforting and memorable.
Try: Bulgari’s Omnia Amethyste - a favorite since its introduction in 2006, this perfume combines fresh, floral and comforting elements in one beautiful purple bottle. Its leafy top notes set a positive vibe. The powdery mid notes and the woodsy base notes of the Amethyste give off an inviting ambiance, making it perfect for a daytime hang with your loved ones.
Something to wear for a date
When going on a date, you’d want to wear something that’s floral and sexy at the same time. It’s the perfect opportunity to display your femininity but also leave your date with a lasting impression of you.
Try: Elizabeth Arden White Tea - here’s a scent that is perfect for easy-going and chill date nights. The top aquatic notes are reminiscent of ocean breeze that are refreshing and inviting. The elegant mid notes from white tea, white iris, and mate give off that alluring sophistication. The exotic woody base notes cap the experience off with its warm and romantic scent.
Try: Dior’s Miss Dior - Its scent profile is a combination of all things elegant and romantic: citrusy, floral, and earthy. These evoke femininity, poise, and a romantic aura that are perfect for an intimate outing with your significant other. It has good longevity, allowing for one spritz to go a long way.
Try: Jo Malone’s English Pear and Freesia - the fruity accords of English pear and the floral notes of freesia evoke a sense of quiet sophistication. It’s sweet but not overpowering, and it’s a scent that lasts all through the evening—something that your date will surely never forget.
It’s now time for you to go out and find your signature scent. Whether it’s a scent you’ll use for work, for spending quality time with your loved ones, or for going on a memorable date night with your beau, all these fragrances are available at the Beauty section of SM Store, LOOK SM Aura, and LOOK SM Mall of Asia.
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