Are you prepared for a world of gender neutral fragrances? They are here and you can now smell the freedom in unisex fragrances.
While inclusivity is the buzz word in the fashion and beauty industry especially, there’s another kind of noise being made that’s paving the way for how products are being imagined and manufactured.
In the world of cosmetics gender neutral beauty is now hot on the heels of inclusivity.
Traditionally in the world of fragrance, perfumes have been designed specifically for men or women, and there is a clear line that distinguishes scents that are meant for females and males.
The conventional approach to creating a fragrance has been steeped in stereotypes of what notes and ingredients would attract a woman and what attracts a man.
Fragrances, whether it’s an EDP (eau de parfum) or EDT (eau de toilette), for women, are usually feminine and skewed towards floral, fruity and sweet, while for men they’re masculine scents of musk, spice and wood.
Interestingly women have been known to love using men’s fragrances but more rarely, the other way round.
To tap into the gender neutral segment of products luxury fragrance brands have started delving into this exciting new world of scents and are racing to concoct that one scent that will win the favour of any gender.
It’s a delicate task for the noses of these luxury houses, but it is the way forward as consumers evolve to become more open-minded, more aware of their individuality and more exploratory in their quest for unique fragrances.
Here are some thoughts from Malaysians on gender neutral fragrances.
Azree Abdul Majid, 27, relationship manager
Azree grew up on EDTs but he’s recently been converted to loving EDPs. His all-time favourite is the Polo Double Black as it’s not too woody and has a lingering vanilla-like fragrance that is soothing and calm, giving him a sense of confidence. For a unisex fragrance Azree goes for CK2 by Calvin Klein when he needs a fresh scent to start off his day or after sports.
“A fragrance makes me feel a little more sophisticated. It definitely gives me a sense of confidence and I usually wear a fragrance when I have to wear a jacket at more formal events or when I have a night out.
There seems to be an unwritten rule that your fragrance depends on whether you’re wearing a suit (woody/masculine) or a dress (floral/feminine scent).
I won’t mind if my partner uses the same fragrance as everyone has their own choice about what scent would make them unique. Plus, I’d probably feel proud that I got my partner hooked on a scent that I like.Gender neutral fragrances for couples may not work as they may be complete opposites, but perhaps from a marketing standpoint it’s a smart move to save on budget and packaging!
The perfect gender neutral fragrance would definitely be something not too sweet or woody. Probably, a scent that doesn’t leave a lasting trail for people to wonder if it’s for him or her.”
Ivy Khoo Bee Sim, 27, social media manager
If she has to choose the type of fragrance Khoo would pick EDPs above others for its longevity. Her favourite is Chloe Love Story as it represents her for the woman she is today and her lifestyle, with Burberry Blush coming in as a close second favourite for its floral fruity scent. For a unisex fragrance Khoo loves the way DKNY Apple smells on her boyfriend, and it’s a scent that she won’t mind wearing, especially when he’s not around and she’s missing him.
“A fragrance is the icing on the cake when it comes to a woman getting ready for her day. Whether it’s for a day at the office, a night out with friends or family, everyone loves a total package, and that’s what a fragrance is to me.
I don’t see why couples can’t wear the same fragrance – there are couple T-shirts, and a lot of other couple stuff. For me I’d like to rock my own scent so that my personality stands out!
In this day and age, metrosexuality is a big thing and the line between men and women is not as clear as it used to be, so I don’t think the idea of brands targeting floral scents to women and woody scents to men is relevant today.
For a gender neutral fragrance I think the scents that are best are those that are close to nature like the scent of the ocean or fresh laundry!”
Nicole Goh Chye Joo, 32, lifestyle blogger
Goh started wearing fragrances in her early 20s and she is a big fan of gender neutral scents from young. Her favourite is Diptyque Kimonanthe EDP because she finds the osmanthus and incense aroma gorgeous, unusual and woody. It’s her go-to fragrance for happy events like weddings or just lunch with loved ones.
“I Iike both EDP and EDT so I buy both whenever I’m looking for fragrances. But for special occasions I will usually wear an EDP which is longer lasting and offers a richer scent.
Currently I have eight bottles of fragrances by Diptyque which are all gender neutral. I haven’t kept count but I may have about 40 bottles of fragrances.My husband and I actually share fragrances and I don’t mind if my best friends and family also wear the same fragrance as us.
I think that brands that market fragrances according to what women and men are supposed to like is not relevant in today’s world. My husband and my male relatives are also fond of mild floral scents so it’s not necessarily a good marketing strategy.
I have a three-year-old daughter and when she grows up and if she wants to wear more masculine scents I won’t have a problem with it.These days, I find that a lot of women are also wearing fragrances that are woody based, so unisex fragrances are a great idea!
Bhawani Narayansamy, 39, beautician and salon owner
In her line of work Bhawani meets many clients on a daily basis so wearing a fragrance is something she does everyday. A fragrance lover, whenever she travels, she makes sure she buys fragrances. Her favourites include Elizabeth Arden Red Door, Calvin Klein Eternity and Estee Lauder Sensuous.
“It’s always a good thing to be presentable and smell nice, and a fragrance makes me feel more confident especially when I’m talking with someone.
I’m both a fan of EDPs and EDTs and I currently have six bottles of fragrances. I’m very fond of strong scents that are floral but not fruity, and I buy different brands each time as I enjoy checking out various brands.
I don’t really have a favourite unisex fragrance but sometimes I like the fragrances that my husband wears, and he wouldn’t mind wearing some of my lighter floral ones.
When it comes to gender neutral fragrances I’m not a fan in the sense that I don’t like the idea of my husband smelling like me! At the same time when brands market fragrances according to sexes it does limit the choice for everyone and not everyone likes what the brands promote.
With gender neutral fragrances the upside is it gives everyone more choices and couples can save money by sharing the same fragrance!”
Brian See, 25, social media personality
A big fan of fragrances See has more than 20 fragrances and wears one everyday. He doesn’t have a favourite scent because he chooses fragrances according to his moods. But a close favourite is Diptyque Doson because of its neutral scent that is not too woody or floral.
“For me a fragrance represents my mood for the day and it helps me feel who I want to be on that day. When I’m planning to be out on a long day I prefer an EDP simply because the scent will be more lasting.
I really don’t mind it if my partner wears the same fragrance as I do. I wear a fragrance because I like it so if my partner or friend wears the same one too I feel that there is a kind of bond or connection!
When brands market specific scents to men and women, I think it still applies on some people but for me, whether it’s woody or floral, there will still be a distinct scent on every individual. A unisex scent that works would probably be something that is fresh and is attractive to both sexes.
The advantage of gender neutral scents is that there are no constraints, you can smell like and be whoever you are, and feel as comfortable as you want to be. It’s really the best way for men or women to express themselves!”
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