First stage: Familiarization with fragrance notes
When I began to study fragrance ingredients, it became clear: it was not about vanilla at all, but rather the powdery nuances that attracted me. I discovered woody and other groups of notes, and each component became a separate world for me. Gradually, I realized that vanilla was even too intrusive for me, and I derived pleasure from powdery accords in a scent.
Second stage: Building a fragrance wardrobe
Realizing how different notes affect my state, I began to build my fragrance wardrobe. Citruses for energy, floral notes for femininity, wood for structure.
Note that men, by the way, react very well to girls in floral and fruity scents rather than in oud and leather.
Gradually, I learned to understand when and which fragrances to use: intense, long-lasting compositions for the evening and important events, light ones for every day. The discovery of citrus scents, which once seemed to me like "air fresheners," became one of the most significant steps. The same transformation happened with rose, which prior smelled like "grandma’s wardrobe."
Third stage: Expanding the olfactory spectrum
Over time, I began to discover even those directions that I previously found unpleasant. Aquatic fragrances, leather accords, iris – all of these seemed alien to me. But the more I immersed myself in the world of perfumery, the wider my range of perception became. Now I can wear almost any fragrance, understand its depth, nuances, and "serve it deliciously" depending on the mood and situation.
Fourth stage: Emotional and energetic interaction
Today, fragrance for me is not just a scent, but a tool for self-management. Each accord helps me switch to the desired state: work, energy, romance, evening events. Since I understood how to control this process, perfumes have become another facet of my self-development.
Over time, my fragrance preferences have changed—I stopped loving the plasticity in perfumes, the overly bright sound (I no longer strive to use perfume for the sake of longevity). I have come to love scents inspired by nature + the subtle play of the perfumer, to reveal the beauty of the ingredient.
Also, my Fragrance Wardrobe is changing now—every 6-12 months. The clothing wardrobe is also changing. I consider it normal to express myself through scents, to change alongside them.
Conclusion
My journey into perfumery and the development of olfaction is not just an improvement of skill. It is a journey from seeking pleasure in a fragrance to a deep understanding of how they can influence my state.
Now I feel in the world of perfumery like "a fish in water": I can choose and style a scent for any moment, uncovering in each note that unique story the perfumer has embedded.