Welcome to Perfume Portraits, a series of interviews that shifts the focus from industry insiders to passionate fragheads. Each issue will feature answers to the same seven questions from people who share a deep love for perfumes. Here, they will reveal their personal stories, scent memories, and favourite fragrances, letting us into their olfactive experience.
Today, we introduce you to Annalisa.
Annalisa (@annalisarn) is a 28-year-old girl living in Switzerland. She works in finance, but her true colours emerge when she focuses on her passions, which include anything creative like drawing, crafting, and writing. She also enjoys studying a variety of subjects, ranging from art, languages, and biology to tarot, cinema, and, of course, perfumes.
First of all, what’s so special about perfumes for you?
I have always loved things that come in different varieties and flavours. As a kid, I would spend hours smelling and reading the ingredients of different tea mixtures and candles. Then, as a teenager, I became obsessed with Lush, where I bought products with scents and colours to match my moods. I guess my passion for perfumes is the natural evolution of this, rooted in a need to find myself and create a personal comfort zone in different environments and occasions. It’s like creating a third dimension to feel at ease, even in hostile places, through scents that feel like home.
What was your first memorable experience with perfume?
As mentioned above, I have always liked smelling things, but I had little exposure to the perfumery industry growing up. I only had a couple of commercial bottles gifted to me, and none of them meant something to me, probably because they didn’t match my personality at the time. When I moved to London after finishing my master's, I stumbled into a niche perfume shop (Les Senteurs) and was blown away by the infinite potential of that universe. I bought my first fragrance, Philosykos, a dedicated book, and started reading about artistic perfumery.
How do you choose a fragrance for different occasions or moods?
Now that I have a small collection, I try to choose a fragrance every morning that brings me comfort for the day, based on my plans, the weather, and how I want to be perceived. I usually shortlist fragrances every Sunday to set the mood for the upcoming week and speed up the morning selection process. At the selection's core is manifesting how I would like to feel during the day.
How does your collection reflect your personality? Is there an underlying theme, or do you perhaps have different ‘characters’ you like to channel with different scents?
Initially, I started buying perfumes solely based on what I liked. Over time, I focused on fragrances that would give me specific vibes, such as exotic fruits in the summer or scents that evoke autumn. My current fixation is on perfumes that evoke woods, mountains, and Nordic vibes (though I also went through a phase of enjoying liquor and tobacco, reminiscent of Gatsby).
Is there a scent that holds special meaning to you? Why?
I would say Bois Farine by Jean-Claude Ellena, which I sprayed on my wrists before going to bed every day for an entire winter when I was struggling mentally. That scent was like the cuddles of my mum, who was far away, and it helped me get through the darkness of the night. I wear it even now when I am feeling low, and it always manages to make me feel a bit cosier, like being under a powdery blanket.
How do you incorporate fragrances into your daily routine?
I spray myself abundantly every morning before leaving for the day or any time I leave the house. I also have samples that rotate in my bag or on my office desk for a sudden change of mood or a boost. When I come back home, I usually use scented bath oils or shower gels (because deep down, I am always the Lush-obsessed little girl) for extra cosiness and relaxation.
Finally, if you could change one thing about how fragrances are marketed today, what would it be and why?
I would love to hear more about unknown independent brands instead of always being exposed to the same few big names in the industry, which are making niche perfumery more like commercial ones, not only in terms of scents but mostly in terms of marketing and frequency of new drops. I also hope that brands reconsider how they work with influencers, promoting those who are truly passionate and knowledgeable instead of the super popular ones who probably do not really care or add value to the customer experience.
Thank you for joining us on this special occasion. We hope you enjoyed getting to know Annalisa and her journey like we did. Stay tuned for more stories!
Costanza Sofia
Nunotes’ Founder