What if I don’t have a good sense of smell?

We hear this a lot. You don’t need an especially “good” sense of smell to appreciate fragrance. While some people are born with anosmia (inability to smell) or develop it from traumatic brain injuries, illness, or neurological disorders, most of us simply do not conscientiously use our sense of smell enough to develop it like we do our other senses. The good news is that studies show we can greatly improve our olfactory abilities in short order with some concerted effort and olfactory training. Stop and smell the roses (seriously) or try pausing to smell your next meal.

But if you are noticing your sense of smell is not what it used to be (or maybe that food doesn’t taste as strongly as it once did), please go tell your physician. Research suggests a link between loss of smell and neurological disorders (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).

What if I’m not sure which smells I like yet?

Great! We love a challenge, and we have a knack for matching people and fragrances. We know that most people haven’t spent much time parsing out their favourite scent notes. That’s why during our personal scent consultations, we ask a variety of seemingly scent-unrelated questions to help tease out your tastes and desires. Want to explore your olfactive tastes on your own first? May we suggest our Fragrance 101 guide and sample pack to learn about and explore the different fragrance families?

Will you show me men’s/women’s/unisex fragrances?

We believe everyone should simply wear whichever fragrances they enjoy. Just like jazz music isn’t only for girls or the colour green isn’t only for boys, there are no rules about which smells are for which people. Case in point, Old Spice was originally marketed to women when it was released in 1937. We hope you’ll leave societal expectations at the door and focus on your unique likes and dislikes. That’s what matters.

Could I book a scent salon/consultation if I don’t live in Edmonton?

Dame of Fragrance is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and we are currently booking in-person scent salons and consultations in the Greater Edmonton Region. If you’re outside this area, we are happy to arrange for a virtual salon/consultation. Or if you’re set on in-person, please reach out at Hello@DameOfFragrance.ca to discuss options for us to come to you!

What is the Fragrance Appreciation League?

The Fragrance Appreciation League is like a wine tasting, but with perfume! Participants register online, purchase the fragrance sample pack separately, then join online at the specified time to smell some new fragrances together and share their reactions. There will be some light guided discussion and educational elements by the host. Perfect for the scent-curious and seasoned fragheads alike. Email Hello@DameOfFragrance.ca if you’d like to receive details of the next virtual meetup.

Is Dame of Fragrance a real Dame?

As of writing, Dame of Fragrance has not been admitted to an order of chivalry in Britain. Our name is an extension of our founder’s burlesque persona, Dame Pérignon. And anyway, social hierarchy isn’t really our thing. You’re all dames in our books, and we’d love to help you feel that way with fragrance if that’s your fancy.