It is a recognized undeniable fact that Rihanna is without doubt one of the best-smelling celebrities on the market—a lot in order that Jennifer Lawrence, Cardi B, and Ryan Seacrest have all gushed about it in interviews. However even for those who splash out the large {dollars} for her rumored signature scent—Killian Paris’s Love, Do not Be Shy—it does not essentially imply you will be strolling round with the identical intoxicating Eau de RiRi that persons are all the time raving about.

You see, fragrances scent completely different on everybody—which explains why the Chanel No. 5 your mother used to put on takes on a special scent whenever you spritz it by yourself pores and skin, and why you could end up upset stealing a twig of your bestie’s fragrance—and there is precise science behind why.

Why scents scent completely different on everybody

To know why sure scents current in a different way on completely different folks, it is first essential to know the fundamental chemistry of fragrance.

Most perfume notes, i.e. fruits, flowers, woods, grass, and so on., are natural fragrant chemical compounds from nature. “From there, it’s a bodily combination, much like sugar blended in water, the place completely different chemical compounds have completely different reactions,” says Krishna Kundu, Antica Farmacista’s chief Perfumer, explaining that what occurs subsequent is decided by the compounds’ molecular weights and how briskly the chosen notes categorical their aromas.

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High notes are typically lighter (assume: citrus), and supply that preliminary burst of perfume that you simply scent instantly whenever you apply your fragrance. From there, you will get the center notes (assume: floral and spice), and the heavy base notes (assume: vanilla) can be final—and solely emerge when the highest and center notes evaporate.

“Citrus notes have decrease molecular weight, so [come out] first. Floral, natural, and spicy notes are subsequent, and vanilla, woodsy, musky, amber, or leather-based scents have the largest molecules, so that they [come out] final,” confirms Kundu.

Although the science behind perfume notes is pretty easy, how they really scent in your pores and skin is a little more sophisticated. Weight-reduction plan, physique and environmental temperatures, and even perspiration all play a task in how the identical scent can range between people.

The largest issue right here is the pH stage of your pores and skin. “The pH ranges seek advice from the acidity or alkalinity of a substance and may range amongst people relying on vitamin and life-style,” says Kundu. Whereas 7 on the pH scale is impartial, the Nationwide Library of Medication studies that “the pure pores and skin floor pH is on common 4.7,” making it barely acidic.

With that in thoughts, your physique chemistry—that means your pores and skin’s pH and oil ranges—can change the best way the chemical compounds in perfume formulations work together along with your pores and skin, which in flip modifications the best way they scent as they develop. Different components like genetics, weight loss plan, and life-style habits can even affect how your physique metabolizes sure scents.

Exterior parts can even influence how a perfume interacts along with your physique. “An excessive amount of physique warmth or sizzling climate will evaporate the highest notes simply, and so the perfume will primarily scent like the center notes and dry down,” says Kundu. Alternatively, chilly temperatures permit scents, significantly the highest notes, to last more on the pores and skin. And as for humidity, it is truly a constructive with regards to fragrance. “Humidity will retain perfume on pores and skin longer than in dry climate,” Kundu provides. So the identical fragrance could scent completely different at completely different occasions of the 12 months and even at completely different occasions over the course of a single day.

How to decide on a scent that is best for you

In keeping with Kundu, step one towards discovering your good signature scent is figuring out the pure pH of your pores and skin, as sure substances are extra delicate to pH modifications than others. All you want to do it is a pH testing strip, which you’ll be able to snag for underneath $10. From there, you should use that data to find out which scents will scent greatest (and final longest) in your particular person pores and skin.

“Fragrances containing citral, a compound present in citrus and lemongrass, are extra inclined to acetalization reactions like alkaline environments, resulting in a change in scent,” she explains “Moreover, some floral notes could turn out to be extra pronounced and vibrant in an acidic atmosphere, whereas others could also be subdued or altered.”

These picks may help get you began, however bear in mind: Selecting a signature scent is a extremely private endeavor, so be at liberty to spritz and sniff till you discover the one which smells good on y-o-u.

For those who’ve acquired acidic pores and skin (4-4.5)

“Go for fragrances with stronger base notes, as they have an inclination to last more,” says Kundu.

For those who’ve acquired impartial pores and skin (4.5-6)

“Any perfume will work nice, and if you’re searching for extra protection, lean in direction of heavier scents with notes of florals, woodiness, amber, or candy parts,” says Kundu.

For those who’ve acquired alkaline pores and skin (6+)

“Select fragrances with lighter prime notes, as they might venture higher on alkaline pores and skin,” says Kundu.