How to choose the right fragrance for every occasion
Beauty Guide6 February 2024
Master the art of scent selection with expert advice from fragrance afficionado Vanessa Caputo: here’s how to leave an impression that lingers for all the right reasons.
Office perfumes

Less is more when it comes to the workplace. Choose clean or powdery perfumes, citrus or delicate florals. Avoid narcotic white florals and animalic notes such as oud, which may well be overwhelming for workmates. Opt for eau de toilettes and eau de colognes over parfums and remember: a light spritz will suffice.

In the office

Pinalli

Chanel | N°19 Eau De Toilette
Insider secret

This ‘70s icon is a powdery floral with notes of buttery iris and a fresh, green nuance from galbanum. Comfortable, radiant and sophisticated, the feminine scent also works for men who appreciate sweet, talcum notes.

Pinalli

Hermès | Terre D'Hermes Parfum
Insider secret

Suggesting success but also reassurance, this elegant, masculine fragrance opens with radiant, citrus fruits and settles on a base of wood and resins. Perfect for women who prefer masculine notes to flowery or sweet scents.

Scents for success

The perfume you wear says a lot about you, so choose carefully when it comes to important appointments. Avoid aggressive or exuberant scents for interviews; instead go for talcum notes of iris – synonymous with reliability – or a fresh, citrusy cologne. Be a little more daring for lower-stakes meetings, with a woody fragrance – just don’t overdo it.

Work meeting
Perfume perfection, on the go

In fragrance as in life, we need to respect others’ space. Intense fragrance on a flight may overpower, and when dining out it can interfere with food. Going fragrance-free is the simplest solution, with light, non-invasive scents the next best thing. Steer clear of gourmands, overly narcotic tuberoses and jasmines, incense, oud and spices.

Out of home

Pinalli

Guerlain | Aqua Allegoria Flora Salvaggia
Insider secret

This pastel floral is ethereal and fresh with a balanced mix of delicate floral notes (iris and violet), juicy melon and light aquatic notes. An intimate fragrance which invites you to come closer to enjoy it.

Pinalli

Molecule 01 + Mandarin Di Escentric
Insider secret

A niche unisex fragrance with sweet, juicy, bright hints of mandarin. An added bonus: it contains synthetic molecule Iso E Super, which helps your fragrance last longer.

Fresh fitness fragrances

Starting your day with a workout? Sweat and poorly ventilated rooms are a recipe for olfactory overload. However, overpowering your fellow gym-goers with a strong scent won’t win you any friends either. Forgo parfums and extraits, and instead opt for a refreshing, light eau fraiche. Citrus fragrances and fresh, aquatic notes work best.

At the gym

Selecting the wrong fragrance for the occasion, or wearing too much, can make a perfume off-putting – a carefully chosen scent goes a long way.

Vanessa Caputo

Insider secret

Pinalli Guerlain Habit rouge

Pinalli

Guerlain | Habit rouge
Pinalli Prada L'Homme Eau de Tolilette

Pinalli

Prada | L'Homme Eau de Tolilette
Pinalli  N.C.P.

Pinalli

N.C.P. | Olfactives face 101 Clementine & Violet Flower
Relax

I start my evening beauty routine by lighting a scented candle to set the mood. Cleansing is the most important part of my routine, along with exfoliation and SPF – I use balms or oils as they’re gentler on the skin. In the evening I tend to apply creams with melting textures and botanical fragrances to help me relax

Relax

Rituals

Hair & Body Mist The Ritual of Jing
Insider secret

Before going to sleep, I like to spray a little perfume on my hair or pillow. This fragrance by Rituals has a light, relaxing scent with lotus flowers and jujube. Jujube seeds are used in traditional Chinese medicine for their ability to reduce stress.

Pinalli

Sisley | Émulsion Écologique
Insider secret

This is the first Sisley product I ever tried – it immediately won me over with its fresh, flowery scent. It’s one of the brand’s oldest products, but still a bestseller. A light and moisturising anti-ageing emulsion that can be used during the day and in the evening.

The moisturising miracle

When it comes to moisturiser I prefer rich creams, except in summer. Before night cream, I always apply a hyaluronic acid serum. If my skin feels particularly dry, I finish with a facial oil for an extra hit of hydration. In the morning, especially when it’s cold, I add a drop or two of facial oil to the cream for a richer, more moisturising effect.

The moisturising miracle
The multi-functional mask

I love face masks – especially cream ones – but I never use sheet masks, I find them uncomfortable to apply. I use everything from illuminating masks to nourishing masks and night masks. I apply them two or three times a week in the evening, after cleansing and using a scrub or peel. I’m a fan of multi-masking too, using different masks on different areas of my face depending on what my skin needs. It allows me to personalise my treatment.

The multi-functional mask
Pinalli Dermalogica  Exfoliating powder

Pinalli

Dermalogica | Exfoliating powder
Insider secret

I love this product because it has a dual function: it removes dark spots and makes the skin smoother and more radiant. Spread the creamy paste on your face, massage for one minute, rinse and you will see smooth and even skin!

Pinalli

Olaplex | No. 8 Maschera Idratante Bond Intense
Insider secret

I love the fruity floral scent of this mask for damaged hair, but more importantly it gives great results, leaving my hair soft, shiny and silky. I use other Olaplex products too, they never disappoint.

The haircare hero

I have thick, frizzy hair and for years I underestimated the importance of looking after it. I discovered that when I started going to the hairdresser regularly. When it comes to styling I'm hopeless, even though I own several different styling tools. I've always loved trying new haircare products and brands. My essentials are masks, heat protectors and oils, which have to smell nice

The haircare hero
L'Occitane en Provence Shea butter hand cream

L'Occitane en Provence

Shea butter hand cream
Rituals hand shower

Rituals

Hand shower
L'Occitane  Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream

L'Occitane en Provence

L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream

Every year, for work, I try hundreds of products, the skincare ones I test for at least four weeks/one month, to see if there are appreciable results. I am demanding and selective, and everything I try, if I like it, I recommend.

Vanessa Caputo

Insider secret