Fresh fragrances for a fresh start this year

Anyone else planning for a ‘new year, new you’ in 2018? If you’re ready for a fresh start, one of the best ways to change up your mindset can be through a new fragrance.
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No, seriously! It’s like picking a playlist to run to; it’s something that can pump you up on a more subconscious level. (I know I certainly have a little extra sass in my strut when I wear a new perfume.) Picking a new fragrance for the new year can make you feel more attractive, confident, empowered and put you into the right ‘new you’ frame of mind.
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When we choose a fragrance, we obviously pick a scent we like, but we also pick based on what we want to smell like. How we feel about adding a perfume as a layer of our personality for others to see (well, sniff), plays a part in our decision. So if we’re picking perfume based on what we want to smell like or who we want to be (see how deep fragrance can get?), perfume can be a great starting point for a fresh start.
Fresh Perfumes
If we go back to our trusty, old friends, perfume expert Michael Edwards and his Fragrance Wheel, there is one group of fragrance families that (I feel) can often be neglected: fresh fragrances. Think about it – how often do we talk about the newest green or aquatic perfumes on the market?
Image via @fragrancesoftheworld
If you’re looking for a new scent to complement your fresh start in 2018 though, fresh fragrances are a great option, not to mention, perfect for the summer heat. So let’s break this group of fresh fragrances down...
The Green fragrance family
Green scents are often associated with the smell of the outdoors – freshly cut grass and green leaves. Michael Edwards has previously spoken about how it isn't the most popular fragrance family.
“Greens have a chequered history,” he told Body & Soul. “People of [fragrance] education adore them, but to many women they are too assertively grassy. Historically they have not performed as well as your florals and other categories.”
Luckily, we can now get out hands on green fragrances that are blended with other pleasing notes, like the citrusy Clinique Calyx or the floral Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Verte. beautyheaven also loves Comme des Garçons Amazingreen Eau de parfum (www.mecca.com.au).
The Water fragrance family
Water or aquatic fragrances conjure up images of rain, fresh dew, lakes and sea breezes. According to Michael Edwards’ Fragrance wheel, the water fragrance family is for lovers of “the smell of fresh sea sprays, or wet air after a thunderstorm.”
beautyheaven loves: Crabtree & Evelyn Eau de La Source Eau De Toilette and The Body Shop Fijian Water Lotus Eau de Toilette.
The Citrus fragrance family
The citrus fragrance family is known for being tangy and refreshing. Think lemon, bergamot, orange, mandarin and grapefruit. Basically synonymous with summer, these citrus scents are light, fun and perfect for a fresh start.
beautyheaven loves: L’OCCITANE Citrus Verbena Eau de Toilette and Michael Kors Collection - Sporty Citrus Eau de Parfum Spray.
The Fruity fragrance family
On the Fragrance Wheel, fruity fragrances are about halfway between fresh and floral scents. So think sweet and tropical, but still crisp and juicy. Notes like peach, apple, berries and pear are big in this family.
beautyheaven loves: Juicy Couture Malibu and Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Cologne.
The Aromatic Fougère fragrance family
This is known as the ‘universal fragrance family’ because it includes elements from all of the other families. It’s nestled between the fresh and woody families in Michael Edwards’ Fragrance Wheel, so scents tend to be fresh, clean and uncomplicated. Lavender and aromatic herbs like basil and rosemary are common in these scents. Many fragrances targeted towards men come from this family.
beautyheaven loves: Aramis Tuscany Per Uomo Eau De Toilette Spray and The Body Shop White Musk For Men Eau De Toilette.
Happy New Year, beauties!
What do you do if you plan to have a fresh start in the new year? Do you like fresh fragrances?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
40 Member Comments
L'occitane and the Body Shop have some great refreshing perfumes ideal to have in collection.
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I have not tried any of these gorgeous fragrances, they all look divine. I love perfume.
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I love Calyx, and Fijian Water Lotus. I think the Body Shop make lovely fragrances.
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The Citrus Verbena EDT from L'Occitane smells incredible! I've been meaning to add this one to my collection.
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Wow! I've only ever seen the repurposed candles before - the others are fantastic. I'm all for having things look organised, but I'm glad I don't have quite as much stuff as some of them!!! That collection of Chanel lip glosses is probably my spending money for a year!!
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One of my favourite fresh perfumes is Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea.
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I'm a big fan of the smell of fresh fruits, so I guess citrus scents would be best for me! I discovered this page a little bit late for summer, but I'll be prepared for the next time it rolls around!
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Love a fresh fragrance! I want people to take a whiff and be like 'shit that's fresh'
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I like floral scents.
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I think citrus-based scents can bring so much vibrancy to your perfume wardrobe!
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I love fresh, water fragrances. But all fragrances usually give me a headache so I can't wear them often
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I think my boyfriend would like a water fragrance as he loves thunderstorms.
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Thanks for the breakdown, the circular diagram really puts the scents into perspective
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Summer is migraine season for me, so I usually skip fragrance altogether at this time of year.
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fruity/floral for me :)
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I love the L'occitane Citrus Verbena Eau de Toilette, plus other citrus fragrances, but I also don't mind a floral.
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I love a fruity floral or citrus perfume in the warmer months
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Wow there are so many different fragrance types. To tell you the truth i never really think of fragrance types when I pick out a fragrance but considering what is in this article then I would say that overall I prefer fresh citrus scents.
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I never used to either, Elunia! It's interesting though when you first see that wheel and notice that you do favour certain groups of scents. x
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When I pick a perfume it has nothing to do with what was written up top I just pick one that I like & that's it. Haven't heard of any of these one's but I definitely say no to the citrus one I hate anything that has grapefruit in it that taste sour so why would I want to smell it. The rest I would be open to.
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I think that's a great way to buy perfume, Goddess...! x
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Ah, I must say that we definitely differ there. I find that citus smells fresh and clean.
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The notion of using a new fragrance for a new year, a fresh start, is amazing! I never thought of it like that before, but it makes perfect sense to let a new scent pump you up for a new beginning. Wow! I think I'll go hunt down a fresh fragrance tomorrow!
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That's great BeeAy! Such a fun thing to do. x
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I think the Escentric Molecule is a fresh fun fragrance. None of the ones in this article tickled my fancy to be honest.
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