From Mesopotamia to smartphones, fragrance culture has evolved, with podcasts giving Gen Z perfume lovers a gateway to scents
It’s a fact: fragrances have established a significant presence in the beauty industry, earning a special place in the hearts of younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z have redefined perfume, turning it from a simple accessory into a powerful tool for personal expression and emotional well-being.
A New Olfactory Era
In the past, perfume often symbolised a fixed identity, with people sticking to a signature scent that remained unchanged over time. However, today’s younger generations embrace a completely different approach: fragrances have become extensions of their personalities, allowing them to project different facets of themselves that might otherwise remain hidden. As a result, fragrance trends are shifting from static to dynamic, reflecting a more fluid perspective.
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No longer just an accessory, perfume is now a true instrument of personal transformation. It can evoke memories, boost confidence, or simply elevate one’s mood. The olfactory palette has expanded dramatically, ranging from clean and fresh notes to warm and sensual compositions, delicate florals to gourmand scents reminiscent of sweet treats, and airy citrus blends to deep, woody, and amber accords. This growing diversity aligns perfectly with the younger generation’s desire for individuality.
Ancient Roots, Contemporary Vision
On March 21, National Fragrance Day celebrates the ancient art of perfumery. Did you know that the first recorded chemist in history was Tapputi, a perfume maker mentioned in a Mesopotamian tablet from the second millennium BCE? Or that the world’s oldest known perfumery, discovered in Cyprus, dates back to the Bronze Age and spanned over 4,000 square metres?
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Despite its ancient origins, the fragrance industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a rising awareness of sustainability and environmental responsibility. New eco-friendly and cruelty-free formulations are capturing the interest of a growing audience that values conscious consumerism.
Perfume in the Digital Age
In the digital age, fragrance has found new avenues for expression through fragrance podcasts. Social media and online communities now allow perfume influencers and creators to share scent reviews, recommendations, and insights, making fragrance knowledge more accessible. These platforms help foster a growing community of perfume enthusiasts who are eager to learn and engage in discussions about fragrance culture.
Trends like “smellmaxxing”—the practice among younger men of layering multiple fragrances to create an aura of luxury—highlight how deeply perfume has intertwined with identity and social status.
This democratisation of fragrance knowledge has both advantages and drawbacks. While it allows anyone to access insights that were once reserved for industry insiders, it also risks oversimplifying the storytelling and craftsmanship behind each creation. Nonetheless, the overall result is an unprecedented expansion of olfactory culture.
Fragrances You Can Listen To: The Rise of Podcasts
In this ever-changing landscape of fragrance knowledge, podcasts are emerging as one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of the olfactory world. Here are five must-listen podcasts for fragrance lovers, offering diverse insights into perfume trends, fragrance reviews, and even new perfume choices.
1.Perfume Room
Hosted by comedian Emma Vernon, Perfume Room is an ideal perfume podcast for beginners and enthusiasts alike. It features interviews with leading perfumers, fragrance specialists, and other experts who share their insights on creating a signature scent and understanding the emotional impact of fragrances.
2.On the Scent
Join beauty columnist Nicola Bonn and award-winning journalist Suzy Nightingale in On The Scent, a fragrance podcast that explores perfumes in a non-pretentious and engaging manner. From personalised recommendations to celebrity fragrance favourites, this show is perfect for fragrance newcomers, describing scents so vividly that you can almost smell them.
3.Scent World
Scent World, presented by Scentbird, goes beyond fragrance reviews to explore the intersection of personal style, perfume and contemporary culture. With each episode delving into the beauty rituals of notable personalities and the scents that have shaped their lives, this podcast offers a unique perspective on how scent influences identity and helps listeners understand the role fragrances play in personal expression and well-being.
4.The Scent Geeks
The Scent Geeks are here to make fragrance culture fun and accessible for everyone. Hosts Chris Wilkinson and Steve Daley explore fragrance reviews, perfume trends, and the latest industry developments. They offer fresh insights into a world that can often feel exclusive, making it the perfect podcast for both casual perfume enthusiasts and seasoned collectors.
5.The Perfume Making Podcast
If you’re looking to jump into the world of fragrance creation, The Perfume Making Podcast is your go-to. Hosted by expert perfumer Karen, this podcast provides a deeper look into how to craft your signature fragrance, exploring both the technical and emotional aspects of scent. Through each episode, she unveils the profound emotional impact of fragrances, making this podcast both informative and inspiring.
The Future of Perfume Culture
The rise of fragrance podcasts and online communities has made the world of perfume more accessible than ever. This democratisation of fragrance allows more people to explore scent culture, experiment with new perfumes, and embrace fragrances as part of their personal identity.
It’s no longer just about luxury status symbols; it’s about authentic self-expression and mindful fragrance choices. As the podcast industry continues to evolve, fragrance lovers and perfume enthusiasts will have more opportunities to explore the history of scent and discover innovative ways to express themselves through perfume.
And who knows? After listening to these podcasts, you might become an expert yourself, even appearing as a guest on one of these shows to share your insights about your own olfactory creations.
Lucrezia Spina
Editor, Milan