Light & Natural Scents Are The Way To Waft In Self-Expression In 2023

So far, 2023 has been all about self-expression and individuality. In contrast to the global trends of past years, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, niche aesthetics, and deinfluencing have taken over as the new normal. Instead of working to fit in, many are doing their best to stand out, opting for clothing styles, beauty looks, and fragrances that align with their personal style instead of widespread expectations.

After this push for individuality, it might seem a bit counterintuitive to pay attention to trends at all, but that doesn't mean that there aren't still patterns in what the masses are reaching for, especially in the beauty world. Natural, musky, and light fragrances are taking center stage, eclipsing the gourmand notes that occupied the top spot for years. Simple, skin-like scents might seem a bit boring compared to other popular, complex fragrances, but they have one primary draw that aligns with the current attitude towards self-expression — they smell different on everyone.

In the perfume world, "skin scent" has become a bit of a catch-all term that refers to fragrances that are gentle, subtle, and that work with the skin's chemistry to create a naturally delicious smell. They're not the kind of perfume that fills the room. Instead, they're fragrances that could easily be written off as your natural scent — just slightly amplified and supported to create more of an impact.

Typically, these fragrances toe the line between clean and seductive, incorporating woody, musky, and subtle floral notes that tend to lean more unisex than overtly feminine. Instead of prioritizing sillage, these perfumes invite intimacy and highlight the subtleties of your own personal scent. Each person has a unique skin chemistry that impacts the final dry down of any perfume, but with fragrances that don't rely on bold top notes, this one-of-a-kind product gets the chance to take center stage.

Finding the perfect natural fragrance can be a bit of a challenge, but it also doesn't carry quite as much risk as regular perfumes. The best way to do this is by heading into the store and trying out different scents directly on your skin. Because they interact with each person differently, it's best to try one at a time and wait about 30 minutes to get the full impact. Smelling a spritz on a blotter or looking at the notes can give you a vague idea of the final scent, but the real magic comes in once it's worn.

For some, blind buying a fragrance online is the only option. If you plan to do this, it's best to do a bit of research beforehand. Identify the notes that you enjoy in your other go-to fragrances, then look for bottles that include the same things. It's always best to err on the side of caution and grab a sampler or purse spray, but if you buy a scent that's a miss on its own, you can easily layer it with other perfumes to bring a bit of muskiness to something that's otherwise top-note heavy.