by Candace Adrian
Whether you prefer a rich musk with hints of oriental and lavender or a dainty feminine fragrance with floral tones, Americans love to wear fragrances. Often, the scent we wear describes to others the type of person we are. Pleasant smells can even evoke feelings of attraction and satisfaction. So powerful is the daily accessory of fragrance that a mere whiff can induce memories from moments of people in our past.
This spring, there are several new fragrances available to women to help give your fragrance collection a new spin and keep you smelling great while creating new memories with the ones you love.
Jane Calkins, Macy’s buyer of women’s fragrances, says there are many new, lighter fragrances available for the warmer months just ahead.
In stores now is “Dreaming” by Tommy Hilfiger, “Delicious Night” by DKNY, “Deseo” by Jennifer Lopez, and “My Voyage” by Nautica.
Other expected new fragrances in the months of March and April are “Gucci” by Gucci, “Burberry The Beat” by Burberry, “Armani Code Sheer” by Giorgio Armani and “Fabulosity” by Kimora Lee Simmons, which Calkins says is a really fun, new fragrance. Lastly, “Princess Flower” by Vera Wang and “Versace” by Versace will be in stores in April.
Calkins says a woman having multiple summer fragrances is a growing popularity and many designers are now turning their original fragrances into something to be worn in the summer months.
“It is really a growing pedigree for us,” she says. “These fragrances are lighter and sparkly for the warmer time period.”
Some of these fragrances are only being sold for a limited time and at a limited supply between March and June, so it would be best to sample them and make your purchase as soon as possible. These fragrances are “Be Delicious” by DKNY, “Unforgiveable” by Sean John, and “Capri” by Michael Kors.
No matter the time of year, Calkins says there are a few fragrances that are always in demand, like “Romance” by Ralph Lauren. Most recently, the sales of classic scents such as, “Euphoria” by Calvin, “Light Blue” by Dolce and Gabbana, and “Cashmere Mist” by Donna Karen, have really surged.
With so many different fragrances, it can be tough to tell which new fragrance is not only right for you, but which is most functional to your lifestyle. By adding more scents to your collection, you are sure to have the perfect scent for every occasion.
“Many women now have a wardrobe of fragrances,” says Calvin. “That way, they have one for the office, like ‘Euphoria’, and then they also have something more fun and playful for the weekend.”
However, there are ways to make your favorite fragrance appropriate for both day and night. You can wear a heavier scent during the day by only using the shower gel to produce a milder hint of the scent. If you’re planning a night on the town, applying a few different types of the fragrance (body splash, body lotion, etc.) will produce a stronger scent and will last longer. As with anything, however, the rule of thumb is to not overdo it.
If you are interested in trying out a new fragrance, Calvin says the best thing to do is think about the fragrances you currently wear and then think about where you would like to go with your scent. After that, consult a fragrance advisor and try a few different scents on your arms and hands, then walk away for a few moments.
“Since (fragrance) is an emotional connection, it is important to take time to see how it makes you feel,” she says. “Fragrance is very personal.”
For the Men ...
For the past several years, “Acqua Di Gio,” by Giorgio Armani, has dominated the men’s fragrance market. Sold as a hair and body shampoo, spray or stick deodorant, aftershave and eau de toilette, you simply cannot go wrong with this product, says Linda Miller, men’s fragrance sales associate at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing.
“It has been No.1 for well over seven years,” she says. “I think it is so appealing because it’s so clean. It’s also a light scent, so there are not very many people allergic to it.”
Because of its cool, fresh scent, Miller suggests “Acqua Di Gio” as cologne to wear during the day and at the office. For night wear, she suggests something with a little stronger scent, such as the new fragrance “Attitude,” also by Armani; “Black,” by Kenneth Cole; or “Jean Paul Gaultier for Men.”
Other popular men’s fragrances over the holiday season were “Code,” by Armani, “Usher,” by Liz Claiborne and “Black,” by Ralph Lauren.
Candace Adrian is a contributing writer for CityScene.