Take inspiration for your signature scent this spring right from your closet filled with the hottest spring trends. Expect spring scents to include a focus on florals (mimicking the bursts of petal power we saw everywhere from Altuzarra to Peter Som), soft powdery notes with a hint of sweetness (pastel-inspired, candy-hued separates were big at Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs) and white floral notes (cool, crisp white was a staple on various runways at the Milan Spring 2012 shows including Jil Sander and Valentino to name a few).

“Fragrance is influenced by fashion and popular culture, as well as new discoveries in perfumery, explains Jan Moran, creator of Scentsa and author of Fabulous Fragrances. She shares some of her insight into what scents to try as the weather warms up.

Spring scents: What to expect

Springtime is all about flowers – on the runway and in perfume bottles. ”
Vivid floral fragrances with fresh green accents are joyous and feminine. Think lush green gardens that spring to blossom at the sun’s first warming rays,” says Moran. We will also be seeing some exciting new trends as the snow melts, such as a fresh twist on the classic rose theme. “While winter saw darker, robust floral fragrances, spring scents call for a lighter touch,” Moran says. Classic white floral notes (think jasmine, gardenia and lily) are also noteworthy scents for next season for their lightness and versatility, she explains.

Spring scents: Other fragrance trends of note

Think sweet and feminine or ocean-inspired when it comes to the other big trends for spring fragrance. “Soft powdery notes and delicious candy or gourmand notes are trending strong, while new sheer aquatic scents tinted in shimmery blue hues look cool and invigorating,” says Moran. Try Thierry Mugler’s Angel Sunessence Silver Ocean or Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Gioia. She also anticipates limited-edition versions of fragrances for spring and summer. “These are fanciful additions to perfume wardrobes.” Celebrity scents will also continue to thrive, with new celebrity brands continually emerging, such as Shine by Heidi Klum or Truth or Dare by Madonna.

View our picks for sexy scents you’ll love.

More hot spring scents to look forward to (Tom Ford, Stella McCartney and Nina Ricci top our list) on the next page …

Spring scent report: Spring scents to try

Moran shares her top picks for scents to add to your fragrance collection this spring.

• Tom Ford Lavender Palm, the newest fragrance in Tom Ford’s Private Blend Collection is a chic unisex scent featuring refreshing spring-worthy notes of lavender, bergamot, lemon, clary sage and pink and white oleander.

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Nina Ricci Fantasy is a limited edition version of the fruity fragrance Nina from 2006. This fun, flirty version embodies the playfulness of spring with notes of cherry blossom, heliotrope and rose.

• L’Eau de Chloe is a light, crisp scent perfect for transitioning to a new season. Sparkling citrus features heavily, along with patchouli and a sophisticated splash of rose.

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Stella McCartney’s L.I.L.Y. is inspired by the designer’s childhood and the countryside estate where she grew up. The scent contains notes of Lily of the Valley tempered with the richness of moss. The acronym L.I.L.Y. reminds McCartney of her mum. “Her nickname from my dad was L.I.L.Y., “Linda, I love you.”

• Very Irresistible Givenchy L’Intense offers an edgier take on the classic floral fragrance (the face of the scent is rocker chic Liv Tyler). If you want to come out of hibernation in style, this is the scent to do it with. The warm, earthy fragrance features notes of purple plum, white musk, patchouli and Turkish rose.

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Versace Yellow Diamond is an elegant, airy floral fragrance with a burst of spring freshness from lemon, bergamot, neroli, orange blossom and freesia.

• Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina is a bright, stylish scent with a hint of fresh pink peppercorn making it a great way to switch up your signature fragrance this spring. Notes of jasmine, peony and rose with woody undertones round out the blend.

Spring scent report: Finding a signature scent for the season

You might have one signature, all-purpose scent but it’s important to change your fragrance of choice with the seasons, says Moran. “A change of season calls for a change of wardrobe and fragrance. Why not spritz your way to a fresh style and mood,” she advises. “This spring, flirty floral dresses and polka dot prints naturally call out for sheer floral fragrances.”

There is also a practical reason to lighten up when it comes to your fragrance. When the body is warm, it emanates more scent, so wearing a lighter, fresh fragrance is a smart choice for spring, Moran advises. “Lighten it up for spring by switching to the brand’s sheer eau de toilette version.” When it comes to choosing the right spring fragrance for you, she suggests following your nose and going with whatever grabs your attention. Or consult a fragrance guide, such as the Scentsa touch screen, which you can find at Sephora stores to help make the process easier. With so many scents available – from radiant florals to subtle aquatic scents, making a choice can be confusing. The key is to know what you like but be open to new notes as a way to freshen up old favourites.

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