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."