Why fragrance should be unisex

Why fragrance should be unisex

Fragrance can be associated to a particular memory or experience and naturally is really personal, so why enforce human gender roles to a liquid?

The World's best selling fragrance. 

Ever since Coco Chanel chose the formula for Chanel No 5 in 1921, fragrance for Men and Women has been placed in strict boxes. In these boxes, perfume has been separated into fragrance types for both Men and Women. For example, Men’s fragrance is typically spicy, warm and citrusy, whilst women’s fragrance typically is floral, sweet and fruity. It saddens me to think that we have to conform to scents only marketed towards out gender, because in todays society it is taboo to tell someone that what we are wearing is actually not marketed towards us but someone else.

An iconic mens fragrance

As you’ve probably guessed, I’m not a fan of fragrance marketed toward men (there are exceptions but take this as a rule of thumb) simply because I find they are all frustratingly similar with their spicy top-notes, black glass bottles and pretentious adverts. So, I recently purchased Chanel No 5 L’eau, a fragrance marketed towards women So, why would I wear it you ask? because well, science. Fragrance smells different on everyones skin because of your skins acid mantle (a very thin layer of amino/lactic acids and oils protecting skin from environmental factors (bacteria, pollutants) that contribute to premature aging and irritation) and on me, Chanel No 5 L’eau smells really different to how it smells in the bottle and I love the way it smells, and to me it doesn't matter who its marketed towards. If you like it, wear it, it doesn't matter who "should" be wearing it

My favourite Scents

1. Chanel No 5 L'eau (EDT) A new No 5 that is less heavy compared to its original formulation.

Notes - Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Aldehydes, Rose, Oxygenated jasmine, Ylang yang Vetiver, Cedarwood, Soft and cottony musk notes

2. Bleu de Chanel (EDT)

Notes - Pink peppercorn, Citrus, Peppermint, Nutmeg, Vetiver, Grapefruit, Cedar, Labdanum, Jasmine, Incense, Patchouli, Ginger, Sandalwood

3. Burberry Brit Rhythm (EDT)

Notes - Basil, Cardamom, Juniper berry, Black leather, Patchouli, Styra,Cedarwood, Tonka bean

4. Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia (cologne)

Notes - King William Pear , Freesia, Patchouli

5. Terre D'Hermes Eau Très Fraîche (EDT)

Notes - Orange, Citrus, Water notes, Geranium, Woods, Patchouli, Cedarwood

Whatever you spritz on your skin, remember it doesn't have to conform to gender roles but can break them (and you never know you might love the results!).