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?