by Naomi Foster

To say I am a perfume enthusiast barely scratches the surface. I have explored everything from high-end classics to the most modest oils, and in doing so, I’ve come to understand fragrance as more than a surface adornment. It is an extension of the self, a subtle articulation of mood, memory, and desire.

Fragrance communicates in ways words cannot. How one smells can reveal intentions, shape perceptions, and convey a presence before any conversation begins. Some days, I reach for scents that are warm, comforting, and indulgent; other days, I seek crispness, lightness, or even an enigmatic complexity.

I am drawn to perfumes that are layered, nuanced, and lingering. They unfold over time, interacting with the body and revealing dimensions of identity that shift as we move through our day. A truly compelling fragrance is not static; it evolves, reflecting the wearer’s subtleties and contradictions.

Perfume becomes a medium of self-expression, an invisible language capable of evoking memory, eliciting emotion, and asserting individuality. Choosing a fragrance is not just about what smells good; rather, it is a deliberate act of curation, a reflection of how we wish to be felt and remembered.

In the series that follows, I will share the fragrances that resonate most deeply with me: scents that are complex, and capable of leaving a lasting impression. Think of this as an introduction to the world of fragrance as I experience it: personal, intentional, and unapologetically indulgent.

Next, I’ll share the scents that truly speak to me, the ones that feel like comfort, indulgence, and a little playful luxury. Think of it as the sweet side of fragrance.