How to start your perfume collection: The 5 key fragrances

Starting a perfume collection can be a fascinating but also overwhelming journey. With millions of options on the market, the big question many ask themselves is: How many perfumes should I have in my collection?

At Parfumerie d'Aquitaine, we believe that it is not about following trends or covering every olfactory family, but rather about building a selection that adapts to your lifestyle, your routines and the occasions on which you want to leave an olfactory mark.

We suggest five types of fragrances that cannot be missing to make your collection a success, covering all facets of your daily life, from the casual to the most special.

1. The fragrance for daily use

This is your “wildcard” perfume, a fragrance that accompanies you on a daily basis and makes you feel safe and comfortable. It is the scent that you put on without thinking twice, confident that it will always make you smell good.

What should you look for? A fresh, clean, energizing fragrance. Something that will help you start your mornings off on the right foot, give you vitality, and isn't overbearing. Citrus, aquatic, or light floral scents are a great choice for this category.

Recommendation: A fragrance with notes of bergamot, jasmine or lavender can be your ideal ally for everyday wear.

2. The fragrance for work

Your office fragrance should project professionalism, but it should also be an extension of who you are. This perfume doesn't need to be intrusive, but it should be memorable, subtle, and elegant enough to leave a lasting impression with your colleagues.

Choose scents that don't dominate the room, but project confidence and style. Woody notes, soft florals or hints of musk work well here, creating a fragrance that discreetly accompanies you throughout the workday.

Recommendation: Perfumes with vetiver, sandalwood or green tea add a refined touch without overstepping the boundaries.

3. The fragrance to go out

When it comes to going out, whether it's for an afternoon with friends or a special night out, your perfume should change tone. This is where you can experiment with something more playful and flirtatious. This fragrance should make you feel confident about yourself, and be eye-catching enough to turn heads.

Intense floral, fruity or oriental fragrances are often the go-to for this category. You want something that resonates with your personality and stands out on every occasion.

Recommendation: Notes of red fruits, patchouli or amber can give you that irresistible touch you are looking for when going out.

4. The fragrance for special occasions

Your elegant fragrance, the scent you choose for those unique moments that demand to be at the top. Whether it is a wedding, a gala or a formal meal, this perfume must exude elegance and distinction. This scent should be unforgettable, like a declaration of presence without the need for words.

Think of fragrances that have body and depth, with a mix of floral, woody or spicy notes that add an air of luxury to your presence.

Recommendation: Look for perfumes with jasmine, rose or incense, classic ingredients that are always associated with the sublime and the timeless.

5. The "rare" fragrance

Last but not least, you should have a fragrance in your collection that breaks away from everything else. The one that, for no apparent reason, fascinates you because it smells like nothing else you've ever tried before. It's your "rare perfume", your "jewel", the aroma that surprises and disorients .

This perfume doesn't have to fit into any of the other categories. It can be an explosion of olfactory creativity, a touch of eccentricity, a perfume that connects you with a different perspective. Its purpose is to add a special touch to your collection, to evoke unique emotions and sensations.

Recommendation: Fragrances with notes of leather, oud or tobacco usually stand out for their intriguing personality.

Conclusion

While it's easy to be tempted to cram in perfumes for every situation or mood, the key to a successful collection is quality, not quantity. With these five key fragrances—one for everyday wear, one for work, one for going out, one for special occasions, and one rare fragrance—you'll have a collection that not only complements your lifestyle, but also allows you to leave your personal mark on every moment you live.

At Parfumerie d'Aquitaine, we believe that perfumes are not only a sensory choice, but also an expression of identity. So, beyond trends or trendy names, choose fragrances that make you feel like yourself, on any occasion.