I might as well have done a PhD trying to understand the differences here. You will appreciate my turmoil as you read further. Allow me to be your Alexander and slice through this Gordian knot of the olfactory universe for you. Does it read like a tongue twister? Tighten your belt for a mental rollercoaster.
So, do you know the difference between fragrance and scent? I know your first thought is: aren’t they the same? They seem interchangeable, however, there is actually a subtle but significant difference.
A fragrance is a pleasant, sweet smell that is manufactured and often found in products like perfumes, skincare products, and candles. It refers to formulated combination of aromas created using various essential oils or chemical compounds, carefully crafted to achieve specific olfactory experience. For instance, the fragrance of Evenfall by Fonzie Folksy, my favourite from the range, is earthy yet sophisticated, with delightful hints of cardamom and bergamot.
A scent, on the other hand, is simply a smell—any smell. It refers to both natural and artificial odours, pleasant and unpleasant, though it is often used to describe animals, nature, or specific environments. Her scent filled up the room as she walked in, making every head turn. She knew she was right in wearing the Runway Bows, a perfume that complements and elevates her natural scent.
Let me end with a Wodehouse-inspired example: "As I ambled through the garden, I was ambushed by the delicate fragrance of jasmine, which decided to dance a merry jig with the overpowering perfume my aunt Edna insisted I wear—a concoction so potent it could have sent a skunk packing—while the lingering scent of last week’s fish-and-
chips added a certain je ne sais quoi to the olfactory ensemble, making it the most confusing bouquet this side of the Thames."