Fragrance is any combination of oils, chemicals or compounds used to impart a pleasant odor on the skin or clothing. Often used in the form of perfume or cologne, it may be derived from natural materials such as flowers, trees and herbs or synthetically manufactured using a variety of chemical processes. Perfumes today are typically composed of tens to hundreds of individual fragrance ingredients. These components may be listed on the bottle as either “fragrance” or a specific ingredient such as linalool, hexyl cinnamal, or geraniol (skin allergens).
Historically, fragrance was an integral part of daily life for many people, with scented soaps and lotions helping keep hands clean and fresh. The scent of fragrance also permeated fabrics and homes, with scented bowls filled with rose petals and other fragrant flowers placed in rooms throughout the home. Even the famously-sniffed king Louis XIV wore fragrance, with his perfume so potent that his closest companions nicknamed him “the perfume king.”
While it might seem like an unnecessary indulgence, fragrance can make you feel more confident and powerful. It can boost your mood, and studies have shown that wearing a signature scent can affect how people perceive you. With that in mind, we’ve done the blotting and spritzing to compile a list of our favorite scents, from a light citrusy eau de toilette to a warm-weather cologne to an oud perfume with more than a whiff of rich woods and opulent amber.