The perfect scent: A shopping guide for special occasions | Canada Voices

If you’re counting down to a wedding day or prom night, you’re probably already thinking about what you’re going to wear. But there’s another stylish aspect to consider ahead of time: scent.

“Scent has a powerful connection to our memories, and choosing a special fragrance for a big moment is a beautiful way to mark it,” says Irina Novak-Calki, the co-founder of Scentrique, a niche fragrance shop in Vancouver. “Smelling that scent again later can immediately bring you back to that day, it becomes a memory trigger.”

While many people may approach fragrance as a finishing touch, scent-enthusiasts consider it a form of personal expression. “What you choose to wear says something about you without having to say a word. It’s your silent signature,” says Vinita Jayant, director of product development at Henry Rose, the genderless fine-fragrance line founded by Michelle Pfeiffer. “It blends with your chemistry and lingers in people’s memories long after you’ve walked away. That’s powerful.”

With the emotive quality of fragrance leading the way, clarity can help to connect you with the right match, even before you begin sniffing out a new scent. “Getting clear on the story you want to tell about yourself on your big day is essential,” says Simon Tooley, the founder of Etiket, a luxury beauty retailer with locations in Montreal and Toronto. “Be honest about what you want to achieve, whether that’s feeling sexy or wanting something more classic.”

From there, Tooley suggests starting off within a fragrance family you like. The key groups are fresh (identified by aromatic, herbal and citrus notes), amber (which leans into warm, sensual notes, such as vanilla, musk and spices), floral (which can range from fruity blends to soft and powdery or intense) and woody (where sandalwood, patchouli and cedar are prominent).

Gourmand scents, featuring sweet, confectionary-inspired notes of vanilla, caramel and cream, have also dominated since last year. “In 2025, while the trend for gourmands will continue, it’s evolving into more adventurous creations. Think Asian-inspired desserts and savoury notes like pistachio, hazelnut and sesame,” says Novak-Calki. On the flip side, lighter perfumes are on the rise, too. “There’s also a trend toward fresh, green, aquatic scents,” explains Tooley. “We’re yearning for nature, tranquility and calm.”

While shopping, stay inquisitive and open-minded. “You’ve got to take your time,” he says. “It’s about embracing the journey of discovering scent.” Parfums, the most concentrated version of fragrance, last longest and are typically the most expensive. To save money look for eau de toilette formulas, which cost less, or consider a travel-size vial.

To avoid overloading your senses, Jayant suggests sampling no more than four scents at a time. And all the experts recommend doing a test-run of a potential winner on your skin, rather than relying on a first impression whiff from a paper blotter. “Give it time, your body chemistry will reveal how it really wears on you,” she says. For a pro application don’t rub wrists together – it crushes the top notes, which alters the scent – but do use an unscented body lotion or oil before spritzing. “Moisturized skin holds fragrance better, anything that hydrates can improve longevity,” says Novak-Calki.

Six buys to try

The nose knows. Let yours lead you to a memory in a bottle.