My dressing table is a graveyard for perfumes that I’ve spritzed, fallen in love with and, for some reason or other, suddenly become turned off by. I can’t really explain it but if I were to use dating terminology, I’d say it’s the ick.

Admittedly, those fragrances sit there until they expire (yes, perfume has a best-before date; don’t worry, I try my best to recycle the bottles) or until one of my friends gives them a proper home where they aren’t relegated to the dusty depths of a bedside cabinet. And while my friends like to swap fragrances and discover new loves, most of them have one thing in common: They all have an unwavering “signature” scent.

What is a signature scent?

The concept of the signature scent (a perfume that’s unmistakably you; that feels right rain or shine, day or night) is nothing new but as someone who doesn’t have one, it’s intriguing. It seems I’m not the only one who thinks so. ‘What is my signature scent’ and ‘signature scent meaning’ are both commonly Googled questions. Meanwhile on TikTok, the hashtag #signaturescent pulls up 39.2k posts with millions of views — and there’s no gatekeeping. Fragrance enthusiasts, influencers and even renowned perfumers wax lyrical about the one scent that ticks all their boxes, from Burberry Her and Baccarat Rouge 540 to more affordable offerings like Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62.

So how exactly do you find the seemingly elusive signature scent? And in a world where new perfumes are launched almost daily, is it possible to whittle it down to just one? I enlisted the help of perfume experts and popular fragrance houses to find mine — and here’s everything I learned in the process.

Does the “signature” scent really exist?

If anyone could point me in the right direction of a signature scent, it would be perfumer Jérôme Epinette, the nose behind Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique, Phlur’s Tangerine Boy and Victoria Beckham’s San Ysidro Drive. Most recently, he created fragrances for Noyz, arguably the most talked-about perfume brand on the internet right now.

The signature scent certainly exists, Epinette tells me, and it should serve as an extension of your personality. “The signature scent acts as a statement of who you are, no matter the season or occasion,” he says. “Whether the perfume evokes personal feelings or memories, or if it reflects how you want others to perceive you, a signature scent leaves a memorable impression on anyone you pass.” David Benedek, perfumery expert and founder and director of niche perfume brand BDK Parfums, agrees. “It’s something that you find and you can never live without it,” he tells me. “To find it, it has to match perfectly with your personality. It’s part of your identity.”

How to find a signature scent: Start with an emotion

If asking “Who am I?” is enough to spark an existential crisis, Epinette suggests starting with an emotion. How do you want your fragrance to make you feel? And what do you want to channel more of? To help me out here, I headed to Lush’s Scent Sanctuary for a fragrance reading.

Lee Howes, Lush’s fragrance category lead, encouraged me to choose one of five ‘tarot’ cards, each depicting a different emotion ranging from confidence, comfort and sleep to joy and groundedness. As an anxious person, I could do with more confidence and comfort in my life, so I opted for those two. With this in mind, Howes matched me to perfumes with “confident” notes (thyme, tarragon and sandalwood, as in Lush Dirty Body Spray, $40) and “comfort” notes (vanilla, lemon and tonka found in Chelsea Morning, $45, and Turmeric Latte, $65.)

“Confidence comes from a place of familiarity and comfort,” Howes told me, which is why we settled on Turmeric Latte as a real contender for my signature. “This perfume is the foam on the top of your coffee cup breaking through at the first sip,” said Howes. “It’s inspired by slowing down and stopping.”

Understand the different olfactive families

Lush’s Turmeric Latte falls into the ‘gourmand’ category — a name used to describe fragrances that are slightly sweet and moreish. To really get a feel for what you like, Benedek suggests doing a little research into each fragrance family.

Besides gourmand, a non-exhaustive list includes ‘aromatic’ (characterized by green or grassy notes like sage and rosemary), ‘woody’ (like sandalwood and vetiver), ‘fresh’ (such as citrus and sea salt) and ‘floral’ (exactly what it says on the tin). Once you know what you like in a more broad sense, you can get granular by researching fragrances with similar notes, says Benedek. He pinpoints perfume website Fragrantica as an excellent source of information on the various note families and corresponding perfumes.

Department stores aren’t the best places to try new fragrances

Suppose you’ve narrowed down your search to a handful of fragrances. Trying them on in person is the next obvious step — but you might want to avoid department stores. “The smell in department stores is very strong,” says Benedek, referring to the tens of perfume counters and free-flowing spritzes. “For this reason, I try any perfumes outside on the street and see how I go,” he adds. Benedek suggests requesting a small sample to take home with you. “Wear it for a day — even a week — and see how you feel about it,” he says.

Sure enough, brands with standalone stores provide a much more personalized experience, as I discovered at Parfums de Marly’s store. This brand has been on my must-try list for a while thanks to TikTok’s fragrance enthusiasts, who are obsessed with Delina (lychee, rose and vanilla) and Oriana (marshmallow, grapefruit and whipped cream). I was matched with fragrance consultant Surita, who selected a few fragrances (namely Valaya Eau de Parfum, $199.75 and Safanad Eau de Parfum, $331.50) based on notes I like, for example, the subtle floralness of orange blossom and zingy citrus. Something about Valaya in particular — with notes of white peach, mandarin, musk and vanilla — won me over immediately. It’s clean, comforting and energising in equal measure. I had to add it to my list.

Another store I love is Penhaligon’s, a perfume brand that offers fragrance profiling to match you to the fragrance of your dreams. The shop was a haze of freshly spritzed perfume but only one stood out to me this time: The Dandy, $250. Boozy whisky accord, tangy raspberry and zippy bergamot shouldn’t work on paper but together they smell incredible. I knew it was a contender when I left my sample behind in a hotel room and called frantically to see if it was still there. (That, and the moment when a woman chased me off the train to know the name.)

Always try perfume on your skin, rather than clothes

At both Penhaligon’s and Parfums de Marly, I was encouraged to try the perfumes on my skin. This, say the experts, is the key to finding a true signature scent. “A mistake a lot of people make is spraying the perfume onto a blotter or card and making a decision solely based on that,” said Surita. “The pH balance on the skin is an important factor,” she continued. “I’d rather you go home, try it properly on your skin and fall in love with it, then come back tomorrow morning.” Epinette agrees: “Apply [your perfume] to the skin to see how it evolves and blends with your skin chemistry,” he says. “The dry down is the most important thing; it’s the lasting impression you are left with.”

Considering that perfume smells slightly different on everyone, Benedek suggests unfocusing your attention on what’s trending, or what other people are wearing. “Stay the master of your choice,” he advises. “Following your own path is a personal approach to discovering a signature scent.”

Consider the “bungee” perfume method

Ultimately, a signature scent exists if someone wants it to exist, Howes told me. “Say, for example, someone wants to be defined by a particular style, and they get their confidence and joy from being consistent,” he adds. But life tends to be a little more nuanced than that. “We don’t wear the same clothes every day, so why wear the same fragrance?” asked Howes. For this reason, he prefers a “fragrance wardrobe” — owning a small selection of interchangeable scents. Picking and choosing between them is something Howes calls “bungeeing”.

“You can have a signature scent but also ‘bungee’ out to different ones when the time is right — and then return to your signature,” said Howes. “I have fragrances that I wear more often than any others, like Vegan Leather Jacket, which is smoky, deep and resinous, but it’s not right every single time.” With that in mind, Howes encouraged me to think about how I want to feel in the moment. “If you’re dressing a certain way to get closer to a certain feeling, you could then match your fragrance to that and you might feel a little more aligned,” explained Howes.

Epinette agrees that having a fragrance wardrobe — and even layering some of these perfumes — is the ultimate way to express individuality and create something as unique as you. And there are no rules. “Layering allows the wearer to create something truly signature, and you can do this by experimenting with blends of fragrances,” he says. “Personally, I don’t have a signature scent,” concluded Epinette, “but I choose [to layer] fragrances based on my mood and the occasion.”

There’s no need to spend a small fortune, either. Often, renowned perfumers are the brains behind more affordable fragrances. Epinette, for example, created & Other Stories’ Perle de Coco Eau de Toilette, $45, and Zara’s Bold Blossom Eau de Parfum, $35.90.

Among the many perfumes recommended to me by the experts here, I’ve found myself reaching for just one: Penhaligon’s The Dandy. It’s everything I need in a fragrance right now: a dash of confidence, a comfort element and the promise of lighter days. Here’s how I knew I’d found my signature: Leaving a work event recently, one of my beauty editor peers picked out my coat based on its lingering scent. I think that was all the proof I needed to know that it’s all mine.

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London-based podiatrist Dina Gohil has earned herself the rather wince-inducing name ‘the foot-scraper‘ but her credentials go so much further than simply filing away calluses. Her hundreds of loyal clients come from far away places with one goal in mind: to transform their tired feet.

A booking can combine everything from nail repair and stopping infections in their tracks (more common than you might think, actually) to assessing the compatibility of your footwear. Spring is one of Gohil’s busiest times of year, with everyone cramming in appointments ahead of sandal season.

My feet have been stuffed inside hefty biker boots for the first months of the year, so it’s safe to say that they’re in a bad way. I’m talking cracked heels, hard skin, and potentially ruined toenails (thanks to my polish obsession, they haven’t seen the light of day for years). With spring just around the corner, I had to pay Gohil a visit — and what I learned about how to look after my feet is definitely worth sharing. So here’s how to get a podiatrist-worthy pedicure at home, whatever your budget.

Give your toenails a break from polish

Nail polish on fingernails seems to last all of five minutes. On toenails? That stuff could survive anything. But just because it sticks around forever doesn’t mean you don’t need to remove it every once in a while. According to Gohil, it’s important to give your toenails a break, otherwise they could end up looking marked and discolored (like mine).

“If you’re a serial nail-painter, give yourself a break in between,” says Gohil. “Even a couple of hours will do, to give them a chance to replenish themselves. But if you can do a week, that’s fantastic.” After taking off your polish (Gohil isn’t too fussed about opting for something acetone-free, unless that’s your preference), she recommends soaking your feet in a bowl of warm salt water for a few minutes. Once they’re dry, you can apply a fresh coat of polish. “I’d renew polish every two weeks.”

Never skip the base coat

It can be tempting to swipe on polish and go, especially when warm weather sneaks up on you. But Gohil hits home the importance of always starting off with a base coat. “You should be using a base coat every time, but a lot of people are guilty of not doing that. There are a lot of chemicals that go into nail polish and they do affect the nail bed.” Gohil says that applying polish to naked nails can result in a discolored nail plate, where toenails can become white and chalky, even yellow. “If you’re someone who hasn’t noticed a change, you’re just lucky, because polish can weaken the nail and it makes you susceptible to things like fungal infections, dryness, brittleness and flaking — things you want to avoid.”

Oil can transform your nails

Manicurists always extol the virtues of a slick of cuticle oil, but dedicated toenail oil is a thing, too, and it can breathe new life into feet that are a little worse for wear, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. “After soaking your feet, use an oil to rehydrate your nails,” Gohil says. “My favorite is actually vegetable oil, which works miracles for your toenails. It helps prevent splits, aids hydration and the overall texture of toenails, and it has benefits for the rate at which they grow.”

Even Gohil’s clients are sold. She advises applying just a little bit of oil onto dry toenails and massaging it in with your fingers. Sometimes Gohil mixes the vegetable oil with a couple of drops of tea tree oil, which is naturally antibacterial. In the clinic, she also swears by Gehwol Protective Nail and Skin Oil, $24.95.

Use a flat foot file

People ask Gohil if they should be using metal foot files — contraptions that almost resemble a cheese grater (ouch) — like the popular Colossal Foot Rasp Foot File, $1.55, but she will always advise against them. “You’re not going to know how much skin you need to take off, and you can cause a lot of damage. It’s just not worth it, so don’t use those.” In fact, they have recently been banned from lots of podiatry clinics and nail salons.

Instead, Gohil loves flat foot files, which look like big nail files, over these metal contraptions and pumice stones. “I’m obsessed with these,” says Gohil, “but always remember to file on dry feet. I’m not a fan of using this tool on wet skin, just because you can take off too much and it can be quite sore.” She has a simple trick: “Do three long strokes, then touch your feet to see how they feel. If they’re still a bit rough, do another three, and then stop.” Gohil suggests using a tool like this several times throughout the week, rather than aiming to get everything off in one hit. “A lot of people leave it and then scrub, scrub, scrub. You don’t want to do that!”

Gohil suggests following with a targeted foot cream (she loves CCS Foot Care Cream, $13.20) to replenish what you’ve taken away with the file.

Rethink using gel toenail polish

Just like your manicure, when you leave a gel pedicure on toenails for too long, they can end up damaged. “I’ve seen clients who have had gel polish on for six weeks and panic that something has happened to their toenails,” she says, referring to a weak, brittle, and spotted appearance.

Gohil mentions that gels are not a great option if your feet are often exposed to wet conditions, for example, in sweaty socks or work boots. “It’s easy for fungal nail infections to set in,” she says, “and if you’re using gels to mask a fungal infection, you’re going to make it worse.”

Symptoms of a fungal nail infection include discoloration, which can appear white, yellow or dark brown; while some people find that their nails feel thicker and are painful, or they notice a prominent smell. It’s not all bad, though. Gohil says that fungal nail infections can be treated easily by a podiatrist. If you keep gels on for a week or two and then have them professionally removed, you give your toenails more of a chance to be hydrated and replenished.

Not all creams are created equal (for feet)

Feet become dry through a combination of different factors, says Gohil. They include exposure to the elements (for example very hot or cold weather), how hydrated you are (which is why it’s important to up your water intake), and genetics. Gohil also pinpoints skin-drying medication (an example would be Accutane for acne) and hormones, which can cause dry-skin changes. But the biggest contributor to dry skin is simply not moisturizing enough. “A lot of people forget this,” says Gohil, “but when you’re standing in the shower or the bath, you’re exposed to things in the soapy water,” which can be drying. “Would you wash your face and not put moisturizer on afterwards?”

In other words, foot cream is a must. But it has to be a targeted foot cream. “Not a body cream and not E45, which I often see people having used in clinic. Opt for a foot cream which has skin-care ingredient urea in it to really moisturize the skin.” Alongside CCS Foot Cream, which contains urea, Gohil uses a heel balm on her own feet. “Really massage the cream in and don’t just put it on your heels. Put it on the tops of your feet, too.”

The trick to trimming your toenails

‘Should toenails be cut wet or dry?‘ is a popular Google search, as is which tool is best to trim them with. Gohil says that both come down to personal preference. “Whether you use nail scissors or clippers, it’s up to you — both are fine as long as they’re clean and you feel comfortable using the tools. You also don’t have to cut your toenails after a bath or shower. But if you can, try and do it when your toenails are dry.”

Gohil says it’s always best to leave a small white tip to the toenail, rather than cutting down to the skin. She also advised being mindful of the shape. “It’s not necessarily true that you have to cut your toenail straight across,” says Gohil. “Look at the fleshy aspect of your toenail and see the shape before the nail. Is yours more curved or straight? Follow that as a guide, and make sure there are no sharp corners. You can even enlist a skinny nail file to buff the corners to make sure they’re nice and smooth.”

Exfoliating socks don’t have to be scary

Exfoliating socks all but ruled TikTok just a few years ago, with thanks to their gruesomely fascinating effects. In truth, the results of such foot exfoliating peeling masks are not for the fainthearted, as very thick, dry skin tends to peel off in layers. But these socks are great to use, says Gohil. “You might leave bits of skin everywhere, but they’re gentle. If you follow the instructions — 60 minutes on and then wash off the residue — you can’t go wrong, especially if you have very thick skin.” Just don’t be tempted to pull off the skin before it’s ready. “Otherwise, you’re exposing raw skin that isn’t ready to shed away,” which could be painful, says Gohil.

And what about the latest viral hack of using glycolic-acid toner on dry, cracked feet? “Mildly exfoliating acids can help,” says Gohil, “but is it a long-term solution? Probably not. Some cracked-foot creams have lactic acid in them [like her favorite CCS Foot Care Cream], but make sure it also includes urea, which is a really moisturizing ingredient. TikTok hacks can be a bit of a fad and while this can be done, you ideally want something that’s clinically-proven, designed for your feet, and that won’t cause you damage with long-term use.”

How to tell if your feet need more than just cream

There’s an easy way to tell if your dry feet are in need of a little cream or whether the problem goes a bit deeper. “Superficial dry skin might present as white skin with some lines,” says Gohil. “A great way to check is to wet your feet and have a look at the sole. If you can’t see the lines, it’s superficial. When they’re very deep, you’ll still see the cracks,” which means your dry skin is more of a chronic condition. If that’s the case and foot cream isn’t cutting it, it might be time to book in with a podiatrist for a better solution.

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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We often talk about haircuts from a purely visual perspective — your hairstylist asks, “What are we doing today?” Your answer: “Just a trim,” or “I’m thinking about a bob…” — but when we focus on the strict aesthetics of the cut, we often discount the energy shift happening at your appointment. Like everything else, hair holds energy, and it’s common to experience a flood of emotions before a haircut or a sense of release afterward. Maybe you’re blocked energetically and can’t figure out what you want to do with your hair. Luckily, many hairstylists are intuitively sensitive to energies and take extra time to talk their clients through their cut using a mindfulness approach, if they’re open to it. The result? A better, more personalized haircut in the short term, and a healthier relationship with your hair when you leave the salon.

To delve deeper into the energy component of my haircut, I got on the phone with NYC-based hairstylist Andrean Noir. While Noir doesn’t call herself an “intuitive” or “energy-focused” hairstylist, many of her clients and co-workers do. She admits that her salon chair (at Bumble and Bumble salon in the Meatpacking District) has a metaphorical ottoman for her “sessions” where clients can get comfortable before going in for a big haircut, like chopping their long hair into a chin-length bob (which has been “super popular lately,” she says). With Noir and other energy-aligned stylists, the approach does not invite all your problems (like the trouble you’re having with your boss, or in dating) into the hair appointment; that’s a slippery slope to trauma dumping on your hairdresser. Instead, it’s about unpacking and verbalizing your current relationship with your hair and how you want it to evolve.

Ahead, Noir speaks to the six ways we can improve the energy we bring into the hair salon and the way we talk about our hair in general, which will make a big difference in your next appointment.

Ask yourself, am I seeking advice or validation?

One of the prevailing patterns across Noir’s clientele (she keeps her client list private but works with many influencers confidentially) is self-doubt and a desire for validation. “I don’t know if it’s a trend, but I’m seeing that people are ready to cut their hair off, but they doubt themselves,” says Noir. The doubt manifests as thinking about a haircut, and then “asking everyone around them if they should do it 10 times” before going through with it.

While feedback can be helpful in some cases, in regards to honing your sense, it can often create confusion. “If you’re asking someone with long hair if you should cut your hair short, they’re going to have their own perspective,” explains Noir. Instead, if you want to ask for advice before a haircut, consider who you talk to. “Ask people with the haircut you like,” she says. People will bring their own opinions based on their experiences, but you are the only one who knows your hair and lives with it every day, so trust your instincts.

Reframe your language

We could all stand to be more mindful of how we speak about our hair. You may be subconsciously adding negativity to a neutral or healthy hair experience. It’s not your fault — beauty marketing has caused a lot of cultural shame around “frizz’” and “grays” — but you can shift your perspective to a more positive one.

“It’s one of the saddest things when I hear someone who has any type of texture — whether it’s gray hair that’s a little more textured, curly hair, or even someone with really fine hair — that talks about their hair being ‘frizzy,’” says Noir. “They associate that with negativity.” But the reality is that we lose up to 150 hairs a day, and that ‘frizz’ is often brand-new hair coming back, explains Noir: “Your hair is healthy, it’s growing — those are baby hairs!”

Of course, if you want to control those baby hairs, certain hot tools and products can help, and your stylist can work with you to find the right one for your hair type. However, taking an energy audit and reframing your language can save you a lot of frustration and help you get to a place of greater compassion.

Remember, your face shape has no bearing on your hair

Those ‘90s magazines didn’t age well. Noir still hears a lot of women putting limitations on their haircut due to their “face shape” — which almost always is attached to negative energy. “I hear, ‘I could never wear that [haircut] because my face is too long and skinny,’ or ‘my nose is too big.’ I hate hearing that,” says Noir. What a haircut can do is accentuate the facial features that you like. For example, if you love your eyes, you can add a long bang that curves around your eyes. But it’s 2025, and there are no rules or prescriptions to what you “can’t” or “shouldn’t” do with your haircut.

Your inspiration photos are probably professional

Before a haircut, many of us go to Instagram or Pinterest to pull visual references, which is great because it helps a hairstylist better understand the look you’re going for. The trouble is that many of us forget that Instagram is a highlight reel. As for the celeb or influencer you’re referencing? They probably got a blowout.

“Everyone sees a hairstyle that they like without understanding that the hair has been styled professionally,” explains Noir. That sense of awareness can be helpful when it comes to the energy you bring to your haircut, which is all of a sudden more realistic. “There is no way to cut someone’s hair so that you wake up and have volume,” adds Noir, “but there is a way to cut the hair to enhance volume by the way you style it.”

Consider the way you’re touching your hair

If you wake up in the morning and you’re immediately annoyed with your hair and pull it back, it’s probably time for a haircut. Noir calls this “morning frustration,” and says it’s a “breaking point” that happens when your hair is not falling as it once did or how you want it to because it has grown out. One response is to pull your hair back and up and deal with it. But this plays back into the language piece: If you’re handling your hair like it’s heavy or a burden, you’re in a negative energy space. Instead, shift to a proactive energy and book a haircut.

Get excited about your haircut!

Of course, if you’re feeling frustrated about your hair, it’s natural to bring that stress and anxiety into your appointment. But remember, you’re doing something about it. “Appreciate that you are going to a professional and this is where that frustrated feeling is going to end,” offers Noir. Give yourself some credit for just making an appointment. “You’ve gotten yourself here, and now someone is going to help you,” says Noir.

Now, your hair will always be your hair and there’s only so much you can do with cut and color to change it. What is fully in your control is your perspective, and Noir has changed mine to a more positive place. I’m no scientist, but since being nicer to myself and my hair and channeling positivity ahead of my haircut, I gotta say, it’s been looking a lot better.

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Take a closer look at some of today’s hottest beauty products, and you’ll likely find peptides front and center in the ingredients list. These buzzy amino acids — which promote hydration and collagen production — have been making their way into everything from lightweight moisturizers to viral cream blushes, but their most exciting role might be in lip treatments.

“The skin on your lips is very thin and delicate and can be prone to dehydration,” says consultant dermatologist Dr. Milena Al Mansuri. “Peptides are therefore great for lips because they help to strengthen the barrier, which in turn helps to lock moisture in; they can also help protect your lips from damaging environmental factors such as the sun and wind,” she explains. (Adding a top layer of sun protection is still essential for your lips, as UV rays can break down collagen.)

But here’s the catch: Peptide lip products can be pricy due to the advanced research and technologies behind their formulations. Most cost between $15 and $30, which is quite steep considering you can buy a drugstore lip balm for around $5.

Intrigued — and in the name of providing fair and honest reviews — I decided to put eight of the most popular peptide lip treatments to the test to see which ones truly deliver on their promises. Spoiler alert: one contender totally blew me away — and it’s only $8.

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Vanilla, $18

Described as a “nourishing lip layer” by founder Hailey Bieber, this TikTok-viral bestseller arguably kicked off the peptide lip product craze when it launched in 2022. I’m a late bloomer when it comes to embracing the Rhode hype, but this treatment made a great first impression. It adds a shiny, non-sticky glaze that sits atop my lips for hours. The consistency is my second-favorite among all the products I’ve tried. Besides the titular ingredient, the formula also features cupuaçu (a type of cacao fruit that maintains skin elasticity) and babassu (an antioxidant that also hydrates the skin).

Some of my initial enthusiasm faded with repeated use. The vanilla scent was very yummy at first, but I got tired of it after using it for a couple of weeks, as it reminded me of artificial sweeteners. (There is an unscented version of the treatment, and all the Rhode Lip Tints are unscented.) While the texture feels soft and conditioning when I apply it, I don’t find that it moisturizes my lips that much in the long term; I can still feel my lips craving moisture a few hours later, and it does little to heal gritty, flaky skin. I think it’s a bit overhyped, but it’d be a good fit for someone already blessed with well-hydrated lips who wants a coat of long-lasting shine and a side of dessert-inspired fragrance.

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Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm, $24

Paula’s Choice is aiming for a piece of that peptide hype with its two new launches: The Pro-Collagen Peptide Moisturizer (which I enjoyed) and this gloss balm. Out of all the squeezy tube lip products I tested for this story, I liked the applicator on this one the most. It has a slightly curved tip that hugs the contours of the lips, making it easier to disperse just the right amount of product I need. It has a faint, sweet aroma that reminds me of cakes.

A lot of science has gone into the formula, namely three types of peptides — tridecapeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tripeptide-38. I asked Dr. Emma Cunningham, medical director at Dr. Emma Clinics, to explain their benefits: “Tripeptide has three amino acids [the building blocks of proteins] and is great for general skin repair, improving hydration and strengthening the skin barrier,” she says. “It’s smaller, so it absorbs quickly and works quickly.” I can confirm that it works well, as I wake up with softer and more hydrated lips when I’ve slathered this treatment on before bed. My only gripe? It is quite expensive, and I fear I might go through the whole rube rather quickly.

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Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, $22

I have Suni Lee to thank for discovering this gem. The Olympic gold medalist shouted out the product as part of her go-to lip combo last summer, and it has since sold out many times over. I tried the citrus flavor and loved the subtle shimmer it imparts. In addition to peptides, it’s enriched with kokum butter and mango seed butter, which add moisture to the lips. This is the most instantly hydrating treatment out of the bunch, but the texture is a bit too sticky for my liking. The brand says this can be applied over lip color to add extra shine, but it already feels like wearing a heavy coat on its own. I will likely save this one for when it’s brutally cold and my lips are very dry.

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The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm, $13

I had high hopes for this product, given how much our beauty director Jacqueline Kilikita loves The Inkey List. It’s formulated with a 6% tripeptide complex, which promises to smooth out fine lines on the lips, along with plumping and softening benefits. The product has a similar texture to a lip oil and doesn’t irritate when I glide it across the cracked parts of my lips. I do notice my lips looking a bit fuller and more defined after a week, but I likely won’t finish the whole tube for one reason alone: it left a bitter, medicinal aftertaste. The product transferred easily, and I can always taste it as it seeps into the corners of my mouth.

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Farmacy Lip Smoothie Vitamin C + Peptide Lip Balm, $22

This product is compared to Laneige’s viral Lip Sleeping Mask a lot, and after trying both, I would say that they are pretty much neck-and-neck, but thanks to the peptides, this lip smoothie leaves my lips feeling more pillowy soft the next morning. I’ll say that the moisturizing benefits aren’t all that noticeable on their own, but it does dial up the efficacy of a lip serum or lip mask when you layer it on top (my favorite pairing has been Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Lip Serum). It seals in all the goodness, and I love the apple scent and barely-there texture. However, at this price point, it hasn’t impressed me enough, and I have to layer it with another product to get the best results. Its airy, whipped texture is a better fit for summer, especially since it contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that enhances sun protection.

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Revolution Beauty Juicy Peptide Lip Balm, $8

This one is a sleeper hit that should be TikTok-viral, especially given the affordable price. I tried Ice, a clear color that adds a subtle pearly luster to my lips. It’s like wearing a Y2K-inspired shiny lip gloss without any of the stickiness. My lips feel instantly softer, with a moisturizing top layer that lingers long after I wipe the product off. I attribute this to squalane, an emollient that draws moisture to the skin, alongside nourishing peptides, vitamin E, and avocado oil. It has been my go-to product for prepping my lips before makeup, as it does a remarkable job at smoothing over the cracks, and I’m so drawn to the light grapefruit scent. This one gets an A+ from me: I simply don’t get sick of this product and can’t wait to try the tinted versions.

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Allies of Skin Peptide & Ceramide Repair Lip Balm, $25

This is the perfect SOS treatment for when your lips are raw and irritated. Packed with ceramides, an ingredient I always look for in my moisturizer, it creates a protective barrier on the lips while working overtime to repair the cracks underneath. The bright yellow color comes from sea buckthorn oil, an antioxidant that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and inflammation. I have this next to me when I work from home, and I love the feeling of the cushiony balm over my lips. It proved its worth when my partner recently came home from a ski trip with severely chapped and scaly lips. He popped on this lip balm, and the flakiness disappeared overnight.

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Biossance Pro-Peptide Lip Perfector, $18

Given how often I use peptides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid in my skincare, I had high hopes for this one, which contains all three ingredients. The texture appears semi-coagulated, making it a bit too chunky to squeeze out of the tube, but it melts into a nourishing oil once on my lips. I did some research on the product’s Sephora page, and the hard texture seems to be a common complaint after a recent reformulation; some even find the product gritty once applied on the lips, but I didn’t feel any clumps. The product does a good job at making my lips bouncier and softer, but the ointment-like texture means that you really feel it weighing on your lips for hours on end.

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If you’re a regular reader of Refinery29, you probably already know that wearing sunscreen is a smart choice for your skin — we can’t shut up about it. But whether or not you’ve managed to make the daily practice a good habit, don’t just take our word for it. We’ve opened up our virtual Rolodex to bring you the best SPF recommendations straight from some of the most respected dermatologists in beauty.

From NYC-based dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD (whose own skincare line, Dr. Idriss, is a hit among editors) to Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, a member of the Board of Directors at the Melanoma Research Foundation, we’re peeling back the curtain on which sunscreens top skin experts use and recommend to their patients. Whether you’re partial to lightweight mineral lotions or prefer tinted options that double as makeup, there’s a product to suit all budgets and skin types.

ISDIN Eryfotona Ultralight Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $50

“I love ISDIN’s Eryfotona Ageless sunscreen because it promotes skin health as well as sun protection,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. The star ingredients are antioxidants, skin-strengthening peptides, and ISDIN’s DNA Repairsomes, essentially active ingredients that reverse DNA damage caused by UV radiation. “This formula not only provides all-mineral SPF 50 sun defense, but it also helps repair existing damage in the skin and fight signs of aging,” adds Dr. Engelman. It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, so it’s less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts. “This makes it a great daily option for all skin types,” says Dr. Engelman.

Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact, $65

Reapplying your SPF is a crucial yet often overlooked step, but Skinbetter Science’s sunscreen compact makes on-the-go application a total breeze. “This is a great option to keep in your bag,” says Dr. Engelman, who also praises the SPF 68 protection against UVA and UVB rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. Engelman also recommends this for patients who like to go foundation-free but want sheer coverage. The only downside? There’s just one neutral beige shade available, though the brand claims it’s flexible enough to suit various skin tones.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Liquid SPF 70 Mineral Sunscreen, $19.99 $14.99

Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital, rates this all-mineral sunscreen for its highly-refined zinc oxide formula, which provides broadband UV protection. This shields the skin against UVA (which causes premature aging and skin cancer) and UVB (responsible for sunburn). That’s not all: “The formula also contains vitamin D to provide antioxidant benefits in the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner, further protecting it from environmental aggressors such as pollution.

Garnier SkinActive SPF 30 Face Moisturizer with Vitamin C, $17.99

This drugstore moisturizer is a favorite of Dr. Zeichner’s, who sings its praises for brightening the skin while offering SPF 30 protection. “This non-greasy moisturizer provides broad-spectrum protection, along with antioxidant benefits from vitamins C and E,” he says.

RoC Barrier Renew AM Moisturizer SPF 30, $24.99

RoC may be best known for its budget-friendly retinol products, but Dr. Zeichner also counts this barrier-boosting SPF moisturizer among his favorites: “It’s enriched with ceramides and probiotics to protect the skin and repair the barrier,” the outermost layer of skin that keeps good stuff in (like moisture) and bad stuff out (think bacteria) — all while offering SPF 30 UV protection.

Eucerin Clear Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $15.99

Eucerin’s non-comedogenic sunscreen is a must-try for those with acne-prone skin, says Dr. Zeichner: “Besides broad-spectrum UV protection, it contains an antioxidant blend that helps neutralize free radicals caused by long-wave UVA and visible light,” he says. In addition to SPF 50, it boasts an oil-absorbing, mattifying finish that will keep skin looking fresh, not greasy, all day long.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $46

EltaMD is frequently name-checked as a beloved sunscreen among beauty editors, and unsurprisingly, it has several fans within the dermatologist community. Dr. Michelle Henry cites the brand’s UV Clear tinted range as a great option for all skin tones, highlighting its hydrating yet non-comedogenic formula that won’t cause breakouts. “It also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and a small amount of lactic acid, making it suitable even for acne-prone skin,” she explains. 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50, $39.99

If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Henry recommends La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Ultra Light Face Sunscreen, which offers broad-spectrum protection alongside the brand’s hero ingredient of French thermal water to soothe skin. It’s formulated with antioxidants to help reduce collagen degradation, which Dr. Henry says makes it a great choice for maintaining skin health.

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen with SPF 40, $20

Calling all K-beauty connoisseurs: Dr. Shereene Idriss extols the virtues of Beauty of Joseon’s new tinted mineral sunscreens, which come in 12 flexible shades and boast broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. “It leaves no white cast — just a natural, radiant finish,” she says. “At just $20, this sunscreen delivers the performance of a high-end product without the hefty price tag.”

Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Face Sunscreen SPF 50+, $44

Another major case for Korean sunscreen is Dr. Idriss’s endorsement of Dr. Jart+’s Every Sun Day sunscreen, which has a lightweight, fluid texture but packs a hydrating punch. “It melts effortlessly into the skin and performs beautifully as a one-step morning routine,” she says. “It’s a true multitasker that delivers both protection and nourishment for any skin type.”

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As the season of renewal, spring naturally invites us to refresh our beauty routines — and that includes the perfumes in our regular rotation. In a world that’s increasingly chaotic and unpredictable, the simple joy of a familiar scent can be a welcome respite.

That’s probably why we’ve noticed a spate of new launches that promise to provide comfort and uplift the mood, perhaps even whisking you back to a specific childhood moment.

Ahead, we’ve tapped into the expertise of perfumers, brand founders, and beauty industry insiders to confirm our theories and uncover 9 viral fragrance trends you’re about to see everywhere this spring.

Nutty Gourmands

Gourmand perfumes — essentially edible, dessert-like notes — have been such a viral juggernaut that it’s hard to recall a time before they were everywhere. “Gourmands are a very special breed; they’re appropriate to wear at any time, and their addictive nature keeps you longing for the scent,” says Laura Slatkin, founder of NEST New York. Beyond comforting vanilla and feel-good marshmallows, there’s a new delectable gourmand capturing the hearts of revered perfumers everywhere: nuts.

When used in perfumes, nutty notes like pistachio add a creamy, uplifting quality that evokes a favorite childhood dessert without coming off as overly saccharine or juvenile. This unique element is precisely what prompted perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux to create Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea Pistachio Crunch Eau de Toilette. “The idea came to me one afternoon while I was relaxing with a cup of earl grey and treating myself to some pistachio ice cream,” he says. “The blend of nutty, yummy creaminess brought me to a very nostalgic, feel-good place, reflecting all of the delightful addiction that gourmand notes can bring to a fragrance.”

Beyond pistachio, almonds are also increasingly prominent. Parfums De Marly’s Valaya Exclusif Eau de Parfum adds velvety almond to the top notes, projecting a richness and skin-like intimacy to the more powdery elements of the scent (bergamot and orange blossom). Praline is another nutty gourmand to watch, leaving a warm and inviting scent trail in Kayali’s latest rose and violet-forward perfume, Fleur Majesty Rose Royale 31.

Wild About Strawberry

Biting into a fresh and juicy strawberry is a joy that takes many of us back to childhood days. There’s little wonder why strawberry scents have been cropping up everywhere just in time for spring. Now, though, they’re anything but childish. According to Véronique Nyberg, senior perfumer at Molton Brown, strawberries are also a natural aphrodisiac and add a sensual and luscious quality, making the wearer feel just a little more flirtatious.

The Molton Brown Bluebell & Wild Strawberry Eau de Parfum is an ode to the bright and syrupy fruit. “The wild strawberry accord hits the skin like a mouthwatering, sunlit burst,” Nyberg explains. “Violet leaf reins in the sweetness, adding a delicate, green transparency; as the scent settles, it’s rounded out by the warmth of the driftwood accord in the base.”

According to Nyberg, this chameleon of a note plays beautifully with so many scents, including vanilla and chocolate for a rich, indulgent feel. It can also lend intrigue to a fruity, floral perfume. Take NEST’s Santa Barbara Strawberry Perfume Oil: perfectly ripened strawberries inject pink peony and solar woods with a jolt of energy, creating a wild, almost forest-like depth. Truly’s Soft Serve Perfume Mist teams strawberry top notes with creamy vanilla to create something that feels playful and dessert-like.

Unconventional Florals

“Florals for spring” isn’t exactly groundbreaking. But this season’s floral fragrances are far from mainstream. Take Aesop’s Aurner Eau de Parfum, which utilizes the magnolia leaf, not the flower, for a uniquely herbaceous scent.

D.S. & Durga’s Brown Flowers Eau De Parfum offers another refreshing take, teaming a heady concoction of unusual florals (Queen Anne’s Lace, brown orchids, and coffee flowers) with notes of roots, dried citrus peel, and aged musks. The perfumer envisions the wearer to be an eccentric, chic vintage lover who’s often seen in velvet tuxes and cheetah pantsuits. In other words, it’s a floral that’s anything but boring.

Also try Tom Ford’s Rose Exposed Eau de Parfum, the furthest thing from your grandma’s rose perfume, thanks to a rose water extract that smells more oudy and resinous. Bitter white pepper and smoky leather accords provide an even edgier twist.

Neuroscent Therapy

With the world becoming more complicated, people are turning to “neuroscents”. According to LUSH fragrance lead Lee Howes, they engage your amygdala — the part of our brains that kickstarts emotions — to shift your mood and produce a feeling of happiness and relaxation. This explains why LUSH’s Sleep Body Spray is a perennial bestseller: it contains lavender oil, which is high in linalool content. “Inhaling linalool’s aroma has been shown to influence key receptors in our brains that encourage a more relaxed state,” Howes adds.

Eucalyptus is also an ingredient to watch: “Eucalyptus can help open up our breathing,” says Howes. “It’s a scent that most of us would regard as airy, clear, and breezy.” Featuring frankincense and eucalyptus, Le Labo’s Eucalyptus 20 Eau de Parfum has a fresh and woodsy profile that never fails to help us take deeper breaths.

Jasmine essential oil is another component that can help the body wind down and promote better sleep. Blvgari’s Le Gemme Amunae Eau de Parfum contrasts Indian jasmine with the intoxicating aroma of dark woods and musk mallow. It’s a soft and feminine fragrance that makes slipping into your sheets at the end of the day feel all the more luxurious.

Rhubarb Rising

Sparkling, zingy rhubarb has been getting a lot of love this season — just ask Michelle Feeney, founder of Floral Street. Together with famed perfumer Jérôme Epinette, Feeney created Electric Rhubarb Eau de Parfum back in 2019, but the scent has enjoyed more attention in the last few months. “Rhubarb brings a youthful energy to perfumes, especially when it comes to creamy floral notes like gardenia, which can sometimes feel old-fashioned,” she says. “It also brightens up sandalwood base notes, which tend to be subtle but grounding.” Epinette calls it “the wink” in a fragrance, which sums it up.

Prada’s Infusion de Rhubarbe Eau De Parfum deviates from your standard rose-forward perfume, thanks to a zesty rhubarb accord that dries down to something more soapy and cozy. On the earthier side, Dossier’s Fiery Leather & Rhubarb Perfume weaves together vegan black leather accords with rhubarb, nutmeg, and melon.

Perfume Enhancers

Whether you want to personalize your signature scent or just want to smell expensive, a perfume enhancer is a worthy investment. According to Karl Neale, co-founder of Rebel Aromas, these are “foundation fragrances” that have very simple scent profiles — mainly ambroxan, a lab-made version of popular perfume note ambergris — a rare substance from sperm whales. “You can wear perfume enhancers on their own for that ‘clean skin’ scent, but they’ve been formulated to blend perfumes when layering. They add depth, boost scent projection, and improve longevity,” says Neale.

Ambroxan, in particular, has emerged as a front runner. Known for its versatility, this ingredient has a woody, musky, slightly sweet scent often found in base notes and helps the fragrance ‘stick’ to your skin, says Neale. Try Byredo’s new Blanche Absolu, a revival of its cult-classic ‘skin scent’ that features a stronger aldehyde composition further enhanced by ambroxan at the base.

Other perfume enhancers we’ve been loving include Escentric Molecules’ Molecule 02 Eau de Toilette, which is singularly focused on ambroxan. On the more affordable end, Oakcha’s Plus One — inspired by Juliette Has A Gun’s Not a Perfume — features ambergris and ambroxan.

Sunset Scents

Imagine sipping your favorite cocktail as the setting sun casts a golden warmth on your skin. Now, imagine bottling this feeling in a perfume. Meet the “sunset scent” — solar notes amped up with sparkling, juicy notes like pear, peach, and kiwi — mimicking a delightful, thirst-quenching libation.

“We’ve been getting so many inquiries from people looking for positive fragrances that [put] them in a good mood,” explains Dimitri Weber, founder of Australian fragrance house Goldfield & Banks. “Juicy notes [like pear and peach] haven’t been that popular until now, but people crave them for that beautiful light and brightness they bring without being overly sugary.” The brand’s Sunset Hour Eau de Parfum perfectly encapsulates this concept, serving up notes of desert peach alongside whiffs of mandarin, ginger, and raspberry.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s latest scent, Kurky Eau de Parfum, touts a mix of tuttifrutti (candied fruits), raspberry, and peach. It’s an airy gourmand that instantly takes you back to more carefree times. With notes of kiwi and cedar, Zara’s Shades of Nostalgia Eau de Parfum is a budget-friendly creation that captures the warm and fuzzy vibes of sunset.

Musks With A Twist

Cosseting and seductive, musks are enduringly popular thanks to their ability to mimic the intimate warmth of skin contact. You’d typically see musks paired with vanilla and white florals, but right now, contrasting musks with fruits — ranging from citrus and berries to pear — is proving most compelling.

“The warmth of musk, contrasted with the freshness of fruit, creates a sophisticated layer to what might otherwise be a sweet, simple fragrance,” says Raquel Bouris, founder and creative director of Who Is Elijah. Electric Soul Eau de Parfum, the brand’s energetic new launch, serves as the perfect example. Notes of pear and raspberry bring a sharp, electrifying brightness, while golden amber adds a deep, intoxicating warmth.

According to Bouris, musk notes can act as an anchor, helping the fruity part of the fragrance last longer. “Bright, citrusy notes tend to fade quickly,” she adds. “Musk can help to slow that fade, creating a smoother, more lingering transition.” Other fragrances that feature this combo include & Other Stories’ Paper Blossom Eau de Toilette, which balances juicy peach with an amber base, and Armani Beauty My Way Ylang Eau de Parfum, an optimistic medley of mango accords, white musk, and ylang.

‘Cocktailing’ With Oils

“While layering has always resonated with perfume lovers, we’re seeing a new wave of personalization with ‘scent cocktailing’ — a highly personalized approach to combining scents to create a unique, long-lasting custom blend,” says MarieAnna Ferdinand, vice president of fragrance development at Le Monde Gourmand. This refers to clashing different concentrations (perfume oils, eaux de parfum, and toilettes) across various parts of your body. Scented body oils and lotions can also be added to the equation.

Fans of Le Monde Gourmand have been cocktailing some of the brand’s bestsellers, calling it the “Pink Drink”: the concoction starts with creamy Lait de Coco Perfume Oil on pulse points, with a veil of fresh and grassy Thé Matcha Eau de Parfum, followed by juicy spritzes of Fruit de Dragon Eau de Toilette over the skin and hair.

Elizabeth Gaynes, founder of luxury fragrance house Strangelove, is glad to see perfume oils finally getting the love they deserve: “Oils are such a sensual and subtle way to wear a scent; it absorbs into the skin and with [body] heat, [the scent] will come out time and time again,” she says. “They sit much closer to our body, making it a great option to pair with eaux de parfum, so you get both projections.”

Strangelove’s deadofnight Perfume Oil — a heady elixir of oud, Damask rose, and sandalwood — makes for a decadent, highly addictive foundation that will linger on the skin for days. Gaynes recommends applying it on the most intimate parts of the body: behind the knees, the crease at the elbow, the nape of the neck, and the small of the back.

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