For instance, we envision citrus scents as having bright lemon yellow or lime green and orange hints, whereas a marine floral evokes blue & crystal watery freshness and clarity.  A full-bodied floral brings to mind rich red roses or vibrant pink petals, whereas an ambery or oriental scent recalls rich golden or reddish brown tones. 

When a scent is described as having green accents, we immediately think of green grass, fresh watery green fruits, or of bamboo-like freshness.  In contrast, spicy or woody-based fragrances conjure up images of terracotta and earthen colors reminiscent of exotic spices and deep, warm woods.

The Scent-Color relationship is an especially helpful tool during the fragrance creation process, particularly when used with clients who might lack a technical fragrance vocabulary.  This imagery and color-association becomes integral to the descriptive process because it bridges an intangible concept –fragrance notes– with a tangible descriptor that is relatable to a person’s experience, regardless of their inexperience with fragrance terminology.  Most importantly, it is critical for infusing a scent creation with an individual identity and character that can also later be translated to the consumers in a well-defined fragrance positioning.

Well, since fragrance is what inspires and drives millions of consumers in their product choices and ultimately their purchases, then it is our responsibility to let its notes continue to ‘play on’.

It’s no coincidence that many words in the language of fragrance have origins in the world of music. Fragrance creation is another type of art, after all.

We speak of fragrance ‘notes and accords’ that make up a scent ‘composition’. In fragrance creation, we aspire to develop unique scent ‘interpretations’ that can be worn or enjoyed by many, for many years.

We say that a ‘medley’ of notes ‘harmonize’ when they work well together and complement each other, or otherwise look to make modifications and additional submission trials when the notes are ‘dissonant’ or discordant and lacking harmony.

Fragrance notes are also used to ‘bridge’ or transition from the initial ‘leading notes’ to its middle heart and later on to the base, bottom or ‘finale’ notes, in a similar way that music is composed and organized.

When a top note lacks lift and is unable to make its mandatory initial impression, we describe it as ‘flat’, whereas when notes are overly strident or overwhelming they are described as ‘sharp’. Fragrances notes that are textural and contrasting are described as imparting ‘movement’ to a scent, and having an emblematic ‘key signature’ scent is the desire of many.

Fine ‘tuning’ and ‘orchestrating’ a fragrance creation is an art that demands perfect ‘timing and tone’, to maintain the scent’s ‘tempo and rhythm’ within a consumer-acceptable ‘range’. When all the pieces fall together, you are rewarded with a winning fragrance ‘symphony’ that endures in consumers’ homes, hearts and minds!

As fragrance creators, it is our goal to design ‘the perfect scent’ for our clients. But how do we define ‘the perfect scent’? “Perfect” is a highly subjective term, and in the fragrance world, attaining ‘the perfect scent’ is influenced and limited by many constraints and considerations.

A perfect laundry scent should smell clean, fresh and comfy in order to support the product attributes and positioning, whereas the scent for an anti-aging skincare product should have a very upscale discrete smell that connotes gentleness and caring attributes, while also hinting at its promise of youthfulness.

In fine fragrance and home fragrance, the challenges are greater since consumers use those scents to communicate their many complex and changing feelings, emotions and aspirations. Therefore, is it even possible to identify and create ‘the perfect scent’?

The answer is YES, it is possible. We must bear in mind, however, that it will exist in many incarnations because ‘the perfect scent’ is one that evokes a profound emotional response and connects with what the consumer is feeling at that moment. A scent that ‘speaks to’ and understands what consumers are feeling and are wanting will instantly be ‘the perfect scent’ for them.

It is our job then, to stay very focused, open and in tune with the changing consumer landscape so that we may continue to fulfill our goal of providing them with ‘the perfect scent’ for their lives’ many changing needs and desires.

Home comforts can take on the simple expression of just-washed linens, a tray of warm-from-the-oven cookies, or freshly-picked goodies from a home-based garden and the deep sense of satisfaction that they evoke.  A nostalgic look at themes from our past always takes us back to happier times when the living seemed easier, less complex than it is today.  This ‘grass is greener’ way of thinking has re-ignited interest in themes that harken back to key childhood reminiscences that still make us chuckle today…The sticky buttery goodness of caramel popcorn, being totally soaked by a sprinkler on a sun-filled day, or an early attempt at entrepreneurship with a curbside lemonade stand.

And although aspirational themes of out-of-reach luxury and über-exotic destinations no longer dominate product concepts, the promise of relaxation that comes from popular island destinations and their uncomplicated living still has a hold on our emotions, and serves as a nice antidote to our stress-filled lives.

But a symbiotic relationship between product concept and scent must exist to bring a  product to life and make it believable and relevant to consumers.  Fragrance becomes a key element in this artful interpretation of simplicity.  Hence the importance of carefully selecting fragrance notes that will become the brushstrokes that paint the full product ‘pictures’, with all the emotions that they aspire to tap into.  As long as there are products to launch and consumers to keep interested and engaged, scent will continue to have a featured role in their artful interpretation.