Perfume isn’t just a signature scent — it’s an invisible accessory that can boost confidence and leave a lasting impression on those around you. But while the perfume industry has long divided fragrances into categories for men and women, a growing number of brands are steering away from gender classifications and embracing unisex fragrances.
The scents we wear are a powerful form of self-expression, and the right one can make you feel calm and focused or energized and ready to take on the day. But there’s so much more to consider than just the way a perfume smells, including how it lasts throughout the day and how it interacts with your body’s natural oils.
As the scent of your skin changes over time, so too will the way a perfume reacts to you. That’s why it’s important to test a perfume on your skin before making a purchase, and be aware that the way a scent smells on someone else can vary significantly depending on their own unique body chemistry.
Fragrance chemist Onyi Ifeguini shares some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a perfume, including projection and longevity. She explains that projection is how high or low a fragrance rises from the skin, while longevity refers to how long it lasts before you need to reapply it.
If you’re looking for a perfume that’s both long-lasting and subtle, try this unisex fragrance from Byredo. It opens with a citrusy burst of bergamot and black currant and is layered with woody notes like cedarwood, vetiver, and musk. The result is a light and airy perfume that’s perfect for work or a night out.
A lot of people consider floral perfumes to be feminine, but that doesn’t mean you have to shy away from them. This unisex perfume from Aesop is a great example of how a flowery fragrance can be modern and sophisticated. The blend of rose, neroli, jasmine, and tuberose is rounded out with warm base notes of vanilla and guaiac wood essence for a calming and meditative fragrance that’s suitable for all occasions.
This perfume is like the Taylor Swift of scents — it’s just so likable and non-offensive that everyone loves it. It starts off with a fruity burst of blackcurrant and bergamot and moves into soft floral notes of orange blossom and neroli before finishing with creamy musk and vanilla.
YSL’s Black Opium is an iconic perfume for a reason. The mysterious and energy-infused fragrance combines floral scents with coffee tones for an exciting scent that’s both flirty and bold. Plus, the dark purple bottle is as beautiful as it is iconic.