Expert fragrance advice

What are your top tips for finding your perfect fragrance?
A lot comes from your personality itself, if you like to make bold statements, or are pioneering, then the fragrance you are looking for needs to represent all of those things. Finding your fragrance personality is key. Fragrances can take you to places as well, so consider what you enjoy doing – for example, if you love going on a city break, then maybe Chanel’s 31 Rue Cambon is the fragrance for you.  

Where are the best parts of the body to wear fragrance?
Chanel famously said that you apply your fragrance where you wish to be kissed. Our master perfumer Jacques Polge recommends that when using a parfum you apply a dot behind each ear, between your breasts and on the back of the knee – that way you create a fragrance bubble.

What are the current trends when it comes to fragrance?
There’s a huge trend in the niche fragrance market in general – such as the Les Exclusifs collection from Chanel, which taps into trends. Green fragrances are quite key at the moment. There has been a trend in fruity fragrances, but personally, I think it will pass. Fruity fragrances are easy to wear, they’re a good introduction to fragrance because they’re a familiar smell, but I think that we may see that pass and people will be looking for fragrances that are more unique, that stand out and aren’t mainstream.

Do people's fragrance "tastes" change over time?
Most definitely. Even when I first discovered the Chanel fragrance range, my first favourite isn’t my favourite now. As you get to know fragrances and get to know their personalities, I’ve discovered things I’d have never worn before.

What is your favourite Chanel fragrance and why?
I personally love Sycomore, because it creates this bold, sexy, confident woman (laughs). It’s a statement fragrance – maybe it’s who I aspire to be!

Image: James Creig

How do you make fragrance last on your skin?
If you’re looking for a fragrance to last, it’s got a lot to do with the composition of the fragrance. If the fragrance is based around base notes that are light, citrus-y fragrances, unfortunately it won’t last as long as a woody or oriental fragrance. Eau de toilettes or parfums do affect how long it lasts because of the percentages of the oils that are used, but the composition is key.

How important is the design of a fragrance bottle?
When creating fragrance, Chanel didn’t want it to be about the bottle, she wanted it to be all about the fragrance itself. It was all about what was in it, and not the bottle. Trend-related bottles will relate to a specific time, but what is on trend at that time might not be on trend even six months later. Five years later it will date back to a specific time or trend.

Chanel recently opened a unique pop-up store-within-a-store in Edgars Sandton, showcasing the very best of Chanel fragrances, make-up and skincare products. Enjoy it while it lasts – as the boutique will only be open until a permanent Chanel boutique opens in October 2012.