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Part 2: Should you change your home and body fragrance as the seasons change?
Seasonal scents – are they a thing, what are the ‘rules’ and why does weather change how your fragrance smells…? Find out here.
Scented candles and aroma incense sticks on table in living room | Picture: iStock
One of the things that most people pay barely any attention to is how much of a factor temperature plays in how we experience most things in life. Food, drinks, clothing, beauty products and even fragrance.
Temperature can either be artificially applied before or during usage of consumption or it can come from the surrounding environment.
According to Perfume Society, hot weather intensifies fragrance notes and makes them “boom” on the skin more quickly.
This is because when molecules heat up, they evaporate more quickly. Just think of boling water…
Additionally, Perfume Society further explains that colder weather slows down the evaporation rate, allowing the top and “heart notes” to last much longer.
You may also find that as a result, your scent doesn’t project as much in the winter.
For part 1 of this series, check out: How to change your fragrance as the seasons change, according to experts
If you’re a fan of fragrances, both for your body and home, here are some tips from experts about what to keep in mind when it comes to your fragrances as South African weather gets colder.
Yumnaa Waja, General Manager L’Oreal Luxe
Q: Do you recommend changing your perfume as the seasons change?
A: Yes, I do! In spring/summer, I suggest using something fresh, energising and floral. These pretty scents linger on as the skin is hydrated and your fragrances last better. In winter, heavier, spicy warm scents are better suited. The skin is dehydrated, so scents don’t last as long; that’s why heavier juices make sense.
Customers are experimenting with fragrances and have learnt that layering fragrances allow you to create your signature fragrances.
I call it transitional juices; you lighten heavier fragrances with a touch of floral or fruity or vice versa.
Q: What should people keep in mind when changing perfumes for this reason?
A: In spring/summer, floral fragrances are quite a bit! White floral bouquets are more distinctive; peony and rose scents are romantic, soft and elegant, which can be deepened with vanilla and musk.
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In autumn/winter, woody and spicy notes dry down and last longer. Introducing ingredients like amber, patchouli, pink pepper, sandalwood, and saffron notes are sensual, warm and long-lasting.
Floriental fragrances are well suited to our market for ladies and Oud fragrances for men. They are longest lasting, intense at the beginning but dry down and last all day.
Q: What signature scents do you have in store that work well for South Africa’s upcoming season?
A: At L’Oréal, we have quite an extensive portfolio of fragrances. La Vie Este Belle, Si and Libre EDP is still a firm favourite in the market, with intense versions, especially during winter. I love to layer and experiment with collection fragrances firstly because of the quality of the ingredients, the long-lasting capability and the fact that not everyone smells alike. Armani Prive and Maison Lancome are high on the list of favourites.
AP Pivoine Suzhou, Musc Shamal, Cyprus Pantelleria and Oud Royal. Libre Le Parfum, Spice Bomb, and YMan Le Parfum are strong contenders for a great winter fragrance. I am super excited to try the new launches in our department – Valentino, Emporio Armani Amber, La Vie Est Belle Iris Absolute and Shantal Dansha.
Q: Would the same concept apply to home fragrances?
A: I prefer lighter, less overpowering home scents, but I am almost confident you will find a peony note in my home scents. I don’t think you go far out of the list of fragrances families you like; I feel you end up with a lighter version. So if you like a darker heavy oud, you end up with a white oud with your home scents.
Tocara, Skin & body Science, Dr Hauschka
Dr Hauschkais a brand that offers 100% certified premium natural and organic cosmetics. The products are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives, as well as mineral oils, silicones and PEGs.
Q: Do you recommend changing your perfume as the seasons change?
A: Remember, when choosing scents for the changing seasons, it’s important to find scents that not only match the season but also your personal preferences and skin type.
Dr Hauschka offers a variety of fragrances that would work well for winter and autumn. Here are some suggestions:
Rose Nurturing Body Oil: This fragrance is ideal for winter and autumn as it has a warm and soothing scent of rose. It helps to hydrate and protect the skin from dryness during colder months.
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Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil: This fragrance has a calming effect on the mind and body, making it perfect for the winter months. Its lavender scent is also great for promoting relaxation and restful sleep.
Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Oil: This fragrance works well for the cooler autumn months and winter as it has a fresh and invigorating scent that can help to energise and uplift the senses. It’s also great for promoting healthy circulation and giving your skin a healthy glow.
Blackthorn Toning Body Oil: This fragrance is ideal for the winter months as it helps to support and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier against the harsh elements of winter. It has a warming scent that works well for colder months.
Zaweer Ebrahim, brand manager at PlayBoy/PlayGirl
Q: Do you recommend changing your perfume as the seasons change? If so why?
A: Some people feel that a seasonal perfume change is as essential as switching out your wardrobe from winter to spring. Fragrance is subjective and everybody experiences their own fragrance differently but there is some science behind why you might consider changing your perfume in different seasons.
Why?
Temperature makes fragrances change on your skin.
Hot weather intensifies the fragrance notes and makes them ‘bloom’ on the skin more quickly – when molecules heat up, they evaporate more quickly.
Colder weather slows down the evaporation rate (so top and heart notes last much longer) and you might find your scent doesn’t project as much in the winter.
Also, hot weather can intensify fragrance notes but also cause them to evaporate quicker. In winter this evaporation rate slows down but you might find that scents don’t seem as strong or become lost. Whilst heavier, warm, ambery, musky and woody scents are seen to embody the colder months, many people opt for these scents because they have better longevity in colder weather.
Q: What should people keeping mind when changing perfumes for this reason?
A: Depending on the season you might consider picking a fragrance that has complimentary notes. In spring you might prefer fresh and invigorating scents from the Citrus or Fern family with watery and green notes. summer might call for something light from the floral family with powdery notes. Spicy fragrances work well in autumn – Oriental or amber family with a Leather and spicy facet. In winter, a heavier sweeter fragrance from the oriental or amber family with a gourmand facet
Q: What signature scents do you have in store that would work well for South Africa’s upcoming change of season?
Summer: PlayBoy VIP Rio; PlayGirl VIP New York Nights
Winter: PlayBoy VIP Miami; PlayGirl VIP, Milan Style
Autumn: PlayBoy VIP Ibiza; PlayGirl VIP London Glam
Spring: PlayBoy VIP New York: PlayGirl VIP Paris glitz
NOW READ: South Africans want perfumes that last longer, studies show
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