The Real Chic Life

Recently we sampled all of the fragrances by Harlem Perfume Co- a part of the Harlem Candle Co brand, and we were blown away by the amazing scents. The fragrances are inspired by Harlem’s rich cultural history. I’m obsessed with Harlem’s Josephine perfume and thinking about adopting it as my signature fragrance. Tonya really loved their Billie fragrance. I’ll break down each of the perfumes later, but first let’s talk about signature fragrances. Do you have a signature fragrance? Finding your signature fragrance is like discovering an extension of your personality. The right scent can evoke confidence, comfort, or mystery, depending on how it resonates with you and others. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find your signature scent if you don’t have one yet or if you’re looking for a new one:

Step 1: Understand Fragrance Families

Fragrances fall into several categories, often referred to as fragrance families:

• Floral: Romantic and classic, featuring rose, jasmine, or peony.

• Oriental: Warm and exotic, with notes like vanilla, amber, or spices.

• Woody: Earthy and grounding, with sandalwood, cedar, or vetiver.

• Fresh: Bright and clean, with citrus, herbs, or aquatic notes.

Consider which of these resonates with your personality. Are you drawn to fresh, energizing scents or sultry, complex ones?

Step 2: Reflect on Your Personal Style

Your fragrance should align with how you want to present yourself.

• Do you prefer timeless classics or bold, modern statements?

• Are you someone who loves vibrant colors and energy, or do you lean toward minimalism and understated elegance?

Step 3: Sample Strategically

Rather than testing a dozen scents at once, focus on 3–5 fragrances at a time. Apply them to your pulse points and let them evolve throughout the day. The initial “top notes” may smell different from the heart and base notes that emerge later.

Step 4: Explore Niche Fragrance Houses

Niche perfume houses often create scents with unique stories and exceptional ingredients. Harlem Perfume Co. is a prime example of a brand that combines artistry, history, and passion to craft unforgettable fragrances.

Now let’s talk about all of the Harlem Perfume Co. scents currently available:

Josephine-Inspired by the legendary Josephine Baker, this fragrance captures her free-spirited and flirtatious nature. It opens with Italian bergamot, amyris and incense, leading to a heart of jasmine, vanilla orhid and tonka bean, and settles into a base of sandalwood, amber, and patchouli. The result is an opulent and warm scent that embodies elegance and sensuality.

Duke– Honoring the legendary Duke Ellington, this woody and earthy fragrance embodies his timeless elegance and musical genius. It features top notes of bergamot, pink pepper, Italian lemon and ginger, with a heart of tobacco and lavender and a base of bourbon honey and Guaiacwood. The scent is a harmonious blend that reflects the sophistication and depth of Ellington’s compositions.

Billie– This alluring fragrance pays homage to the iconic Billie Holiday. It features top notes of green leaves, neroli, and ylang ylang complemented by a heart of gardenia and jasmine and a base of coconut, sandalwood, vanilla and musk. The combination creates an intoxicating and inviting floral aroma that is both timeless and contemporary.

Langston– Named after the esteemed poet Langston Hughes, this gourmand fragrance is irresistibly addictive. It blends notes of cinnamon, caramel apple and chocolate with a heart of brandy and jasmine, finishing with a base of tonka bean, sandalwood, vanilla and musk. The scent evokes the richness of Harlem’s literary history and the warmth of its jazz clubs.

Speakeasy– Inspired by the clandestine clubs of the Prohibition era, Speakeasy is a unisex fragrance that captures the essence of Harlem’s vibrant nightlife. It opens with notes of bergamot, cardomom, bourbon and pimento berry, followed by a heart of tobacco, saffron, and guiacwood, and concludes with a base of patchouli, vanilla, chocolate, tonka, amber, and cedarwood. The result is a smoky and spicy aroma that is both bold and sophisticated.

Each Harlem Perfume Co. fragrance is a tribute to the artistic and cultural icons of Harlem, offering a sensory journey into the heart of the Harlem Renaissance. These perfumes are available in various sizes, including 50 ml (full size), 15 ml (travel), and 2 ml (sample), allowing you to choose the perfect option for your needs.

Which one of these would you want to try? Do you have another fragrance that you love? Let us know in the comments!

xx,

Courtney