Fun fact: Smell is the single strongest sense that evokes memory and emotion. It’s why the lingering scent of Gucci Bamboo in the office elevator instantly takes you back to your summer trip with the girls to Rome, or the reason why you channel your inner Ariana Grande and sing your favourite tune when you spritz on Moonlight. There’s a special memory tied to every note.
Fragrance plays a big part in our past, and the fact that it comes in cute collectible bottles makes it easy to relive those moments on your vanity. We asked four trendsetting women which perfumes evoked the most captivating memories by scents.
“I get my love of fragrances from both my parents who, while traveling the world, whisked me away with them from a very young age. With those trips came the fragrances they picked up along the way. I've continued the tradition on my own, collecting postcards in scent form. Yves Saint Laurent's Parisienne will always remind me of my first solo trip to Paris when I'd see the ads plastered all over billboards.”—Mishal Cazmi, Fashion and Beauty Editor at Hello! Canada and Creator of 100ML
“When I was growing up in the 1980s, my mother would always go to glamorous events and her outfits were equally as stunning. However expensive the dress, the look truly wasn’t finished until she spritzed on her favourite fragrance, Shalimar by Guerlain. As a little girl watching her get dressed, I can vividly remember how beautiful she looked and how she would punctuate her style with a scent. Inspired by my mom, I always wear fragrance. One of my favourites is Terracotta by Guerlain.”—Melanie Ashcroft, Co-founder of The Collections and Re/Set
“I was a late bloomer when it came to fragrance. I admired the idea of signature scent but couldn't find one that really spoke to me—until I discovered Chloé. To me it smells like modern romance in a bottle, very pretty but not too precious. A friend once commented on it after embracing for a hug, noting he loves 'Chloé girls.' And I love being one.”—Ingrie Williams, Beauty & Style Director, Best Health Magazine
“My favourite scent memory would have to be discovering my first real perfume after using body spray in high school. I’m super picky so I spent around three hours testing out different scents in the store, and I finally selected Shalimar by Guerlain. It's been my go-to scent for a few years now, and it makes me feel super confident as I start my day.”—Zoë Edwards, Model & Dancer
Are you ready to make your next fragrance flashback? Head to beautyBOUTIQUE to find a scent that speaks to your style…and senses.
[Photo credits]
Ingrie Williams, Genevieve Charbonneau
