I think we can all agree the process of finding the right perfume is unnecessarily long - but, gosh, is it rewarding. I guess good things really do take time.

Perfume. It’s the quintessential accessory to complete any look and seal it with confidence. A couple of sprays to the wrist and the neck, and you’re ready to turn heads; that’s the power of a good perfume. There are times when you get a quick whiff of a fragrance and you're transported back to high school, smelling that minty fresh smell on your boyfriend as you sneak a kiss in between classes. It’s not just the aroma that stops you, but the actual emotions behind it.

I never compromise on perfume. If I’m wearing it every day — the final thing I put on before stepping out — it needs to make an impression. Rush it, and you’ll end up with a bottle collecting dust at the back of your vanity.

Dating is pretty much the same. If your crush doesn’t spark something in you (read: set your soul on fire), settling can only lead to disappointment.

Until you find the right one(s), why not play the field? You might be pleasantly surprised. And, if it feels a little daunting, start simple: know what you want, write it down, and manifest it.

There are levels to this.

There are so many science-y things that go into making a perfume — just like finding the right partner. Sure, the overall vibe matters… but the real magic? It’s in the ingredients, the same way it’s in someone’s qualities.

The good news is that perfumes and their personalities haven’t changed much over the years. You still get your fruity bursts or flirty florals, but the core ingredients have shifted. Perfumers today are swapping in greener, more sustainable notes. A little digging into what’s inside — be it your signature scent or next date — goes a long way.

Flirtatious Firsts

That first waft you get when you spray a perfume? That’s what you call a top note — think of it like a first impression. That initial greeting is all in the essential oils, the natural extracts, and the alcohol. This piques your curiosity, you wanna’ know more, ‘cause there’s something about it that appeals to you on a soul-deep level. It makes you feel irresistible and confident, and before you know it, you’re saying yes to date number two.

Second Date Energy

As the perfume settles, the top notes fade and the middle notes take centre stage. These are the scents that etch themselves into your memory, long after that first impression. Imagine hints of jasmine, a touch of tobacco, or a sprinkle of pepper; they’re deeply unique, and the more you get to know them, the harder you fall. Now, after a second date this good, you’re ready to let your guard down.

Your Forever Mood

When the first impressions dim, and the second date charms have settled in, it’s time for the real deal: the base notes. This is the heart of the perfume. The depth, familiarity, and warmth make it unforgettable. The same goes for relationships. The traits that make someone worth sticking with are the ones you’ll notice long after that first spark.

Is this THE ONE?

Tough question, but here’s how to know. Do your homework: read reviews, check vibes or their astro sign if that’s your thing. Shanika Fernando, Fragrance Trainer at Exclusive Lines, reminds us, “Don’t focus on performance alone — instead focus on the artistry, the inspiration, and notes of a fragrance.”

What’s next is the ultimate test: skin chemistry. A few sprays on pulse points will have those top notes swirling around you. See if the base notes still thrill you after a couple of hours. Ask yourself:

‘Am I comfortable?’

‘Am I enjoying it?’

‘Is it reacting well with my skin?’

Everyone’s chemistry is different, and your experience might not match someone else’s. So if the vibe is right, and your second date goes well, it’s coming home with you.

“Perfume and dating have both had their glow-ups…”

The Perfume Revamp?

Perfume and dating have both had their glow-ups over the years. Gone are the days of rare ingredients like Amergris and Oak Moss. Today, brands are swapping in synthetics and using coconut oil instead of alcohol. The result? Longer-lasting, skin-friendly, and cruelty-free scents that smell divine. And just like a S.O who refuses to grow, if your fave brand sticks to old habits, it might be time to rethink adding them to your collection.

The One That Sticks

There’s no single perfect perfume — or partner. Eventually, you’ll find one a cut above the rest, but until then, experiment! Spray something subtle for work and something spicy for a night out. Feeling extra? Layer it up. Add a different one to each arm, strut it out, and own the night. Perfume is self-expression, so let it shine.

A few options won’t hurt you — it might just make you fall in love with the whole damn collection.