A SCENTED GUIDE ON HOW TO PICK A FRAGRANCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS


Each Map of the Heart fragrance is associated with an emotional state, ranging from freedom to passion, from valour to love. We asked Co-Founder, Sarah Blair, for some tips on choosing your next fragrance(s) for the holiday season.

 

If you had to associate each Map of the Heart fragrance with a personality trait, which one would it be?

Map of the Heart fragrances are created with an emotion or a feeling as for us everything comes from our hearts. V.1 is about freedom, so it is for the type of personality who has a free spirit. V.2 is for dreamers, as it is in darkness that we dream, and those who embrace the chiaroscuro of life, V.3 is for the passionate and sensual, V.4 for those with a heart of gold: the warm and the generous, V.5, the Heart of Valour is for the brave and the courageous, V.6, the Heart of Ecstasy is for more playful and spirited, and V.7 is for all those who love.
 

Which Map of the Heart fragrances leave a scented wake?

The long lasting effect of V.5 with its exotic leathery accord is quite exceptional. V.3 with its sensual notes of pachouli and feijoa provides an addictive wake for you and those around you. 
 

And which ones produce a soft, second-skin effect?

V.1 enhances the skin through a soft citrusy sparkle that is totally intriguing because of its freshness, the hint of salt and the subtle floral notes. It then develops into a woody and musky dry down. I find the fragrance that changes most in its evolution is V.6, Ecstasy. It opens out from its green top notes into a mesmerising flower bomb of white florals to finish with pipe tobacco and sumac. V.6 is such an olfactive journey through ingredients that riff off each other.
 

Do you believe some of the fragrances are gendered?

Certainly some our fragrances may skew slightly to one or other genders but I strongly believe that it is for each to discover what suits them, rather than us imposing any restrictions or boundaries that would inhibit this journey.
 

Is it possible to use some of the fragrances as layers, to enhance our own skin’s smell or the one of another fragrance we’re wearing?

All fragrances enhance our own skin’s smell and this is why a fragrance can smell quite different on another person to us. In fact, I would say the wearer is the final ingredient in any fragrance. Layering is something that is fun to play with as the results can be surprising. V.1 is perfect for heightening the effect of our other fragrances. V.2 Darkness and V.3 Passion work well together as Darkness gives depth to Passion and Passion rounds out Darkness. 
 

I would say the wearer is the final ingredient in any fragrance. Layering is something that is fun to play with as the results can be surprising. V.1 is perfect for heightening the effect of our other fragrances. V.2 Darkness and V.3 Passion work well together as Darkness gives depth to Passion and Passion rounds out Darkness.

 

Are any of the fragrances preferable for the day or for the evening?

I think it depends on each person, but the more potent fragrances like V.2 with its impolite mix of citrus and eucalyptus and the incense and woody notes is very alluring to wear in the evening. Having said that, I would wear it any time. Our most classical fragrance, V.7, with its modern interpretation of natural oud, is a fantastic way to start the day with the spritz that opens with the sharpness of lavender and aldehydes.
 

Do you recommend any of them for the hot season or for the cold season?

I find this an interesting question as you would think that lighter fresher fragrances would be preferable in the warmer months and the heavier fragrances for the colder months. In fact I find this is more of a cultural preference, as this sort of categorising changes according to each country and culture.  Again, discover what suits how you are feeling, as fragrance has such an extraordinary ability to lift your mood or lean into what you are feeling to enhance it.
 

You would think that lighter fresher fragrances would be preferable in the warmer months and the heavier fragrances for the colder months. In fact I find this is more of a cultural preference, as this sort of categorising changes according to each country and culture...

 

Last but not least, which fragrance will you be wearing for the holidays?

Thats a hard one but my true love has always been V.2 Darkness so I think I will have to go with that. When I first smelt it, I said, “I feel like I could fall into this.” By this I mean that it is a fragrance that I could surrender to and dream from, as it has the opposing forces within it that I love. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a little obsessed with the interplay of opposites.