THE ART OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT PERFUME

Scents have the remarkable ability to stir emotions, transport us to cherished memories and even enhance our daily experiences. And the right one can lift our spirits in the best way possible.

- WORDS BY NONTANDO MPOSO

As seasons change, so too can our fragrance preferences. In this Q&A with Woolies Beauty Academy Tech Corey Goldman, we explore how to match scents to your emotions, using fragrance to connect deeply with your feelings and surroundings.

G: What are the steps to consider when choosing a fragrance that complements your personality?

Corey Goldman: Start by identifying your core personality and lifestyle – are you bold and audacious or subtle and reserved? Then, match those traits with a fragrance family that fits. Additionally, it is important to understand how fragrance notes work (top, middle/ heart and the base notes) and how they develop on the skin. The best way to know if a fragrance works for you is by trying different scents directly on your skin. This reveals how it can interact with your unique body chemistry.

G: Which scents do you associate with different moods and why?

CG: Scents have a powerful connection to our emotions because the olfactory system is directly linked to the brain's memory and emotion centres. A fragrance can instantly remind us of a special person or a significant moment, whether happy or sad. Different fragrance ingredients can evoke specific moods. For example, citrus scents may provide a sense of upliftment, joy and positivity, while rose tends to evoke femininity and elegance.

G: How do you layer fragrances to create a unique personal scent?