At any age, fragrances can be confusing. It’s hard to find a perfume you enjoy that isn’t too strong, and you can only try on so many at once. However, things grow much more complicated as we age: you have to make sure you choose something you enjoy that is suitable for your age. To make things even easier, there are specific tips from beauty and style experts for how to choose your trademark scent in your 60s.
“A woman has maturity, wisdom, and life experience by the time she reaches 60, which gives her gravitas,” says Elizabeth Kosich, founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling and certified image stylist. “Her signature scent should carry the same weight, which is why older women exclusively have the ability to pull off heady, complex fragrances.”
According to Kosich, perfumes do more for you than just make you smell good; like clothes, fragrances draw attention to your unique sense of style and individuality. For advice from experts on finding the perfect fragrance to help you accomplish this in your older years, continue reading.
Table of Contents
How to Choose Your Signature Scent in Your 60s, According to Beauty Pros
1. Understanding Different Notes:
To discover your signature scent, it’s essential to grasp the concept of fragrance notes, according to Kosich. Fragrances typically consist of three layers or notes: the top, heart (middle), and base notes. The top note is the initial scent you perceive immediately after applying the fragrance, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes. The heart note, constituting about 70% of the fragrance, emerges next and lingers for 30 minutes to an hour. Finally, the base note remains the longest, providing depth and longevity to the scent. Olivier Gillotin, a master perfumer, likens these notes to musical components that blend to create the fragrance’s formula. Furthermore, the unique pH level of your skin influences how a perfume smells on you, resulting in variations in scent among individuals.
2. Seeking Bolder Notes:
Kosich suggests opting for bolder notes, especially after 60, with base notes that exude strength and depth. Scents like tobacco, vanilla, patchouli, and vetiver contribute to complexity and convey confidence, while warm and woody fragrances such as amber, cedar, leather, and dark chocolate add luxury and intimacy. However, Adrian Lauruc advises against selecting overpowering perfumes with strong projection, which may cause discomfort.
3. Embracing “High-Drama Florals”:
For those not inclined towards smokey or stormy scents, dramatic florals present a compelling alternative. Kosich references Coco Chanel’s assertion that mature women can carry heady, complex scents, suggesting intellectual and confident heart notes like gardenia, ylang-ylang, lilac, or tuberose. These scents develop uniquely on the skin, offering a sense of mystery. Additionally, essences like vanilla and tonka bean enhance the enigmatic allure.
4. Avoiding Scents That Feel Too Young:
As one ages, it’s advisable to avoid fragrances that evoke a youthful or girly vibe. Kosich advises steering clear of light, bright bouquet fragrances, particularly those with citrusy or green notes. Flowery scents are generally suitable, but springtime florals may not align with the grandeur, texture, and dignity of a woman over 60.
5. Shunning Outdated Perfumes:
In selecting a signature scent, it’s crucial to avoid fragrances that feel outdated or reminiscent of the past. Kosich cautions against certain lavenders and overly powdery fragrances, recommending modern alternatives. While rose scents can vary, it’s preferable to opt for fresh, fruity, or peppery varieties that offer a contemporary twist.
6. Opting for Natural Ingredients:
Lauruc suggests exploring perfumes crafted from natural ingredients, particularly in your 60s. Fragrances made solely from pure essential oils and organic sugar cane alcohol often boast gentle formulations and delightful scents. Additionally, opting for hypoallergenic options can minimize the risk of adverse reactions, especially for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
