On a radiant Sunday in New York City, the spring air was filled with the aroma of cherry and apple blossoms unfurling after a long winter. With that scent wafting about, what a pleasure it was to be part of NextTribe’s private group visit to the studio of Sue Phillips, pictured above, a distinguished perfume expert and the author of The Power of Perfume. 

One by one, we took turns talking about how fragrance can unlock memories, set a mood, and allow us to feel more powerful, sexier, and more beautiful.

Sue shared the rich history and mysterious allure of fragrances with our group of women eager to learn, gain skills, and forge meaningful connections. We delved into the fun of discovering new scents. Each of us got to reflect on the subtle but pervasive impact perfume had on our lives and emotions. One by one, we took turns talking about how fragrance can unlock memories, set a mood, and allow us to feel more powerful, sexier, and more beautiful.

Guided by Sue, we learned to discern the nuances of different scents and select fragrances that complement our individual body chemistry. Then it was time for the main event: Each participant had the opportunity to craft a unique signature scent, a wonderfully creative and empowering experience. 

The time spent with Sue heightened my appreciation for the transportative power of fragrance and the importance of “stopping and smelling the roses” at every step of our journey. As I strolled through Central Park after the master class, inhaling the scent of spring flowers and fresh grass, I couldn’t help but notice it and wish I could capture the refreshing scent. That’s the power of fragrance.

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This Nose Knows

Here, in a Q & A, Sue Phillips shared more about how you too can immerse yourself in the world of scent and cultivate your own signature fragrance.

Q: What’s your favorite scent, and why does it appeal to you?

A: My favorite scent varies; it’s one that is based on my mood or the occasion.  Before I embarked on my custom fragrance business, I used to wear favorites from other brands; sometimes they suited me, and sometimes not. I realized that just because a fragrance is popular, it might not suit my body chemistry. That one reason I am so happy that I was able to turn my passion for fragrance into a unique custom business for my clients.

If I’m going on a date, I will create my own blend that has woodsy and earthy/mossy notes – not too floral or feminine.

These days, if I’m going on a date, I will create my own blend that has woodsy and earthy/mossy notes – not too floral or feminine, but something that makes me feel confident, sensual, and alluring.  If I am in a casual mood and it’s a gorgeous sunny day and I want to enjoy nature, I will create a fragrance that has lovely fresh, vibrant, uplifting notes so it matches the occasion.

Q: Do you have a signature scent, something you wear no matter the occasion?

A: I used to have a signature scent, and when I created the Tiffany & Co. perfume for their 150th anniversary, I wore it all the time. It was a gorgeous, floral, feminine, sophisticated perfume, but unfortunately, they discontinued it and licensed the brand to Coty.  

Now, as I mentioned, I love to wear perfumes based on the occasion.

Q: Smells can evoke powerful memories. Why is smell and memory so connected?

A: Our olfactory sense is indeed our most powerful sense – because it connects memory and emotion, as well as taste and smell. Our sense of smell is connected directly to the brain’s limbic system where memories and emotions are housed, so when a scent reminds us of powerful memories or a loved one, it can stop you dead in your tracks. 

Our sense of smell connects to the brain’s limbic system, where memories and emotions are stored, which is why a scent can stop you in your tracks.

Q: Does our sense of smell change as we get older?

Studies do suggest that the older we get, the less strong our olfactory sense becomes. Also when we are younger, we prefer sweeter, fruitier scents, and as we mature, we gravitate to more sophisticated aromas such as musky, spicy, and woodsy scents. 

Q: What’s your best advice to women for picking out a perfume and wearing it well?

A: These days the choice of fragrances is huge, and luckily we don’t just have to rely on going to the stores to find our favorite perfumes. There are online subscription companies that offer a huge range of unique fragrances that are complex and beautifully formulated – you can find one that’s ideal just for you! My advice to women is to take an online scent quiz (which many companies offer; I have one on my Sue Phillips website) and discover your scent personality. This can help guide you as you shop or even create your own fragrance. I always say: “Why wear what everyone else wears, when you can create your own?” Perfume is the signature of your soul!

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