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Perfume Prescription: How To Find The Right Charlotte Tilbury Fragrance For You
It's all about the magic (and plenty of science), darlings!
By now we all know that scent is known for its restorative properties, hence why aromatherapy leans into fragrances to help us feel calmer, happier and more grounded; it's the reason why most of us feel instantly at ease when we step into a spa.
Modern day perfumery is now merging aromatherapy with scientific know-how with the help of neuroscientists (experts in the nervous system). Perfumers can now compose fragrances that include scent notes proven to boost specific moods, whether that's to give an uplifting effect, encourage feelings of joy and relaxation, or even boost confidence. Of course, personal preference plays a part - no amount of research can make you love an oud perfume if you're strongly against it - but having the scientific data behind an aromatic fomrula opens up a new method of scent storytelling, and provides us, as customers, a new way to approach scent.
This is exactly what Charlotte Tilbury has set out to do with her much-awaited fragrance launch. After the successful debut of Scent Of A Dream back in 2016, Tilbury is back - this time with a collection of six scents, each one centered around a specific vibe: Love Frequency, More Sex, Calm Bliss, Cosmic Power, Joyphoria and Magic Energy.
What inspires the Charlotte Tilbury fragrance collection?
'When I did this collection, I went back to medicine and aromatherapy, and I went back to the way I grew up,' Tilbury tells ELLE UK at her headquarters, where the bathrooms are decked out with Airbrush Flawless Setting Sprays and there's a glamorous, fully-functioning bar in the reception (naturally).
'I've had a very fragrant and eclectic childhood in Ibiza: my father went to India so we always had a lot of incense around, we went to a lot of hippie markets. I really had my own study of smell and scent, and I was mixing my own things,' she says, name-checking patchouli as a particular favourite for its 'incredible, sexy trail'. The Charlotte Tilbury make-up universe features specific looks to fit every aesthetic - be it The Uptown Girl or The Rock Chick - so having an extensive scent range to suit varying needs and personalities makes perfect sense for the brand.
How does it work?
This collection marries Tilbury's favourite notes with 40 years of research that International Flavors and Fragrance (IFF) has conducted into the effects of scents on the moods of thousands of fragrance users globally. These data points are then filed into the IFF Scentcube Algorithm, which helps identify a range of emotions that can be targeted directly through scent combinations. This algorithm then provides perfumers with a scent palette that they can compose with, based on the mood they'd like to achieve.
Who are behind the perfumes?
Only the noses behind some of the world's most popular scents, darlings. Tilbury tapped master perfumers Anne Flipo (of Chloé Love Story and Lancôme La Vie Est Belle flankers), Dominique Ropion (of Frederic Malle Carnal Flower) and perfumer Juliette Karagueuzoglo (of Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina) to work on her range.
What else do you need to know?
No gemstone goes unturned with this collection. The vibrant bottles have been thoughtfully designed to not only use colours that evoke an emotion, but also include elements of numerology and symbolism alongside mantras on the box.
How should you use the fragrances?
Ever the maximalist, Tilbury is all about surrounding yourself in a cloud of perfume. 'Put it in your hair, pulse points, behind the knees...that's how it will create the magical aura,' she says, with a glint in her eye. Each perfume is available as a 10ml spray so you can try before you invest (and keep them in your handbag).
Ahead, see how to find the right Charlotte Tilbury perfume for you...
Your Charlotte Tilbury Perfume Prescription
You’re feeling…fragile after a break-up.
Spritz...Love Frequency by Anne Flipo.
Wear it with…Nadine Merabi feather-trimmed pyjamas.
Give yourself time to wallow (it’s healthy), and then spray this in your hair, on your clothes and revel in the fact that, actually, they never deserved your brilliance anyway. It’s time to rally the girls and have a grand ol’ time in quality company – whether that’s out on the dance floor or for a grown-up sleepover catching up on Made In Chelsea.
Inside this Sailormoon-esque pink bottle is a scent that is equal parts happy-making, sparkly and airy thanks to a cocktail of pretty rose petals and comforting cashmere. The brand claims that 81% of testers experienced ‘feelings of inner love’ – and given just how much this made us smile, we’re inclined to agree.
You’re feeling…ready to mingle.
Spritz...More Sex by Anne Flipo.
Wear it with…anything by Di Petsa.
Fancy a tryst in the parlour but the thought of small talk is enough to make you cancel a date? A conversation-sparking scent might just be the trick. More Sex brings the heat with warm ambers, a sprinkling of spicy black pepper and an undertone of plush, caramel-coloured leather while musky base notes hugs the skin.
There’s nothing girlish here, just a grown-up fragrance that promises a night to remember. It’s not just for romantic evenings either; for the wallflowers among us, More Sex is guaranteed to deliver much-needed confidence and create a talking point for your next dinner party.
You’re feeling…wanderlust and restless.
Spritz…Joyphoria by Anne Flipo.
Wear it with…a Missoni crochet two-piece.
OK so it’s not quite (yet) the spring you envisioned. There’s the occasional drizzle, the wind’s still sending chills through your optimistically bare calves and you can’t quite pack away your Sézane cardigan yet. But hang in there, the weather's looking up and that Grecian getaway you’ve been planning for months will come around before you know it.
Until then, spritz Joyphoria liberally and let the creamy petals of ylang-ylang and tuberose carry you to warm, sandy beaches – sundowner in hand. There’s also a generous amount of vanilla here, which is known for to instil feelings of happiness. This is gloriously suntanned skin, delicious sundae and balmy evening soirees in a bottle.
You’re feeling…NOT SO ZEN, ACTUALLY.
Try…Calm Bliss by Anne Flipo.
Wear it with…With Nothing Underneath green hemp co-ords.
Altogether now: breathe in, breathe out. If Taylor Swift’s I Can Do It With A Broken Heart is currently the soundtrack to your life ('I cry a lot but I am so productive!') and every email you send starts with ‘I’m at capacity but…’, it’s time to schedule in a duvet day and douse yourself (and your bedsheets) with Calm Bliss.
It’s essentially a perfume version of a watercolour painting (think: still ponds with lotus flowers and lilypads) thanks to soul-soothing notes of lavender and iris. It also has a ‘serene watery accord’ which lends a crystalline effect to the composition. And exhale…
You're feeling...done for the day (it's barely 11AM).
Spritz...Magic Energy by Juliette Karagueuzoglo.
Wear it with...A Vuori matching set.
Your social calendar is bursting at the seams, your to-do list has its own to-do list and its all starting to feel just a little...too much. It's time to give your mind and body and quick reset by way of nature - and no, it doesn't have to involve strenuous hikes.
Put down the phone and go for a brisk walk (a hot girl pastry break, anyone?) at lunchtime, and schedule in a day outdoors this weekend. In between, keep Magic Energy at your desk. It captures the earthy elements with grounding palo santo, cypress and a restorative hit of citrusy bergamot. It promises to perk up your energy levels and leave you feeling ready to tackle that never-ending list.
You're feeling...nervous and jittery.
Spritz...Cosmic Power by Dominique Ropion.
Wear it with...a Frankie Shop blazer and knee-high boots.
Whether you're about to chair a meeting or heading into an interview (or simply just need some help facing the day), Cosmic Power's rich ambery scent will give you a much-needed boost while reeling in the compliments.
It has impressive projection, but remains rounded and plush, without any harsh edges to offend those in close quarters. The familiarity of cinnamon and vanilla will also put your senses at ease.
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