It's no secret that we're fans of scent, and we have TikTok to thank for fueling our passion.
The recent surge in interest began with Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge 540, a fragrance so popular it inspired countless high street fans and brilliant memes. Then there's "PHLUR Missing Person," which moves people to tears (in a good way) because it reminds them of the scent of a loved one, or triggers an intense longing for someone special. Since then, Narciso Rodriguez Musc Noir Rose, Tom Ford Cherry Smoke and Prada Paradoxe have all left their mark, but it's safe to say that no one understands the power of fragrance better than Mona Kattan Elamin.
The entrepreneur's name may sound familiar, especially since her sister (Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty) is one of the cosmetics industry's biggest influencers. But Mona is a beauty expert in her own right, and her niche fragrance brand, Kayali, has quickly become an internet sensation with a host of fragrances.
When I met Mona at London's Mayfair Grand to talk fragrance, she was dressed head to toe in pistachio. When you're considering Kayali's delicious new fragrance, it makes sense to consider that 33 Eau de Parfum Intense was inspired by pistachio ice cream - a brand Mona remains true to.
We're not alone in the bright and airy room filled with pistachios, marshmallows and marshmallows in large jars: next to Mona are father-son perfumer duo Sebastien and Olivier Cresp. Olivier quietly reveals that he is the perfumer behind Thierry Mugler Angel, arguably one of the most iconic fragrances of all time. When I later discovered that he was also the mastermind behind my first fragrance (Paco Rabanne Black XS, in case you were wondering), not to mention YSL Black Opium, Kenzo's Flower and Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh, I realized I found myself in the presence of the King of Perfume.
It's not every day that three perfume experts meet in a room. With the new season just around the corner, I had to pick out the coolest spring fragrance trends. Here's everything I learned from the best in the industry, including why you should start wearing perfume while you sleep too...
Perfume that smells like your favorite food
Sébastien, Olivier and Mona predict that sweet "edible" notes (also known as "gourmet") will dominate most new fragrances this year. Contrary to the name, this doesn't mean you can eat your perfume, but the flavors are reminiscent of your all-time favorite foods. Inspired by Mona's favorite pistachio ice cream, Kayali Yum Eau de Parfum comes in flavors ranging from sweet (marshmallows and marshmallows), salty (pistachios and toasted hazelnuts) and warm (whipped cream and sweet rum) .
"I personally love using food as inspiration for scents," says Mona, "because of the memories and emotions associated with it. It's calming, exciting and celebratory. When someone asks me what's the best thing about my life so far The moments are when." "They have nothing to do with business or financial things. It's always the moments when I'm eating with people I love and care about."
Birthday cake is one of Mona's earliest scent memories, evoked in Kayali's viral TikTok Royal Vanilla Sugar Patchouli Intense Eau de Parfum (£79). Olivier said that the warm and soothing aroma of steamed rice is a fragrance he often uses. Try the Kilian Moonlight In Heaven (£205), with creamy coconut and rice, or the Diptyque L'Eau Papier (£90), which is infused with the scent of steamed rice and cleansed skin. If you want to spend less, try Zara Nuit Eau de Parfum, R29, £12.99, which is equally comfortable and soothing.
Spray perfume before going to bed
Call it overuse - or just maxing out your fragrance - but Mona always sprays her wrists (and sometimes even the sheets) with Khayali Musk Eau de Parfum (£73) before bed. “I can’t sleep without it,” Mona said. "When I was single, it was the only time of day when no one smelled me. So it felt super intimate. It's the highest form of using scent as self-love."
Mona is not alone. TikTokers also promote "bedtime scents" that make them feel a certain way, whether it's clean, relaxed, cozy or just a little sexy. Considering perfume can be expensive, why not make the most of it? "When I go to bed, I want to feel happy, soft or sexy," Mona says. "No matter how you want to feel while you sleep, wearing perfume helps. It also helps me wake up nice because I know my bedding always smells fresh." Now all you need is a Silk pillowcase.
This is the new "skin scent"
Fragrances that smell familiar, soothing and slightly salty (think sweat) are everywhere, thanks to the influence of brands like Glossier You (£49) and PHLUR Missing Person (£96). Perfumers call them "skin scents," and they typically combine notes of musk (which is clean, powdery, and a little soapy) and amber (which is also powdery, but also a little spicy). This spring, however, vanilla is taking over. Olivier says this feeling of sweetness or deliciousness is associated in many ways with our childhoods, whether it's a birthday cake or a milkshake. It has calming and protective properties.
Cayali Vanilla | 28 Eau de Parfum, £73, is so popular for a reason: it's like slipping on a cozy jumper or getting a long hug from your loved one. Also try Edeniste Lifeboost Wellbeing Eau de Parfum (£68), which combines warm musk and vanilla with fresh woods. If you're on a budget, try The Body Shop Full Ylang Ylang Eau de Parfum (£39) with vanilla and creamy flowers, or the & Other Stories Perle de Coco Eau de Bathroomte (£28) with coconut, vanilla and caramel.
Layer your perfume
Speaking of "skin scents," Mona loves to create something unique by combining two of her favorite fragrances: Vanilla EDP and Musk EDP. "Taken together, this is my favorite scent after a shower. The musk itself is a great base for any other fragrance, making it last longer." Try The Body Shop's White Musk in your signature scent Mist Spray (£12).
There is no limit to how layered a fragrance can be. For me, Mona is coated with musk, vanilla, savory and sweet diamond pink pepper. She sprays in exaggerated downward motions to ensure each fragrance spreads further as I move throughout the day. In fact, I've never gotten so many compliments (my coat still smells incredible days later).
Fragrances inspired by bartenders
Kayali Yum has notes of sweet rum, while Olivier predicts whiskey will take over the fragrance world (I also discovered gin-based options like Mizensir Blue Gin Eau de Parfum, £185). “I think this is going to be a trend because it all started with the By Kilian fragrance and The Liquors range,” says Mona, who suggests that drinks like this remind us of celebrations and special moments. Olivier believes there is a reason why this alcoholic smell appears in perfume. "The alcohol component is a great accelerator," he said. "It imparts a rich flavor that smells like caramel and toffee."
Salty rather than sweet
The pistachios in Kayali Yum are on the sweet side due to the marshmallows and marshmallows, but are a typically salty addition in their own right. Olivier uses more nutty and savory ingredients to add a mature note to an otherwise sweet scent. “For example, we take things like peanuts, sesame seeds and seaweed and give them woody, spicy flavors,” he says.
Try Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace Eau de Toilette, £99, with salty chestnut and sweet vanilla, or Eden Perfumes Sea Salt Eau de Toilette 30ml, £18, with rich grapefruit, green seaweed and sea salt.
Introducing new floral patterns
"Personally," says Mona, "I don't think traditional florals are popular in spring." Olivier agrees. "Rose can be a little unfashionable, or have a retro feel," he says, "but to make it modern and punchy, I like to mix florals with fruity notes." Olivier believes this is what floral perfumes are all about s future. Make it easy to wear every day of the year.
R29 likes Maison Margiela Replica On A Date Eau de Toilette Spray, £55, with crisp grape and lush rose, & Other Stories Neon Rush Eau de Toilette, £28, with spicy cherry, sweet tangerine and jasmine, and Kayali Eden Juicy Apple | 01 Eau de Parfum, £73, with notes of tart apple, syrupy lychee and jasmine.
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