I'm Usually Not A Fan Of Floral Perfumes, Unless It Has This One Note

This may be a beauty editor thing, but I find it fascinating (and a little hilarious) how my fragrance preferences have matured over the years. Like many other tweens attempting to discover their signature scent, I once bathed myself in gourmand, syrupy body sprays until I smelled like spun sugar; then there were years when I longed to smell like a freshly picked daisy. Now? I much prefer a heady, woodsy aroma over a classic gardenia or rose.

I'm not against florals by any means—and who knows how my tastes will evolve within the next couple of years? Still, I tend to float toward fragrances that offer a bit of mystery, that don't just smell floral but include notes of citrus, honey, and spice.

Neroli essential oil comes from the flowers of the bitter orange (you may also see "orange blossom" on the perfume bottle). As its name suggests, it contains hints of both floral and citrus—but it's also a bit spicy (thanks to that bitter orange), meaning it's a bit more sophisticated than your average floral note. It's still quite delicate, which is why it mingles well in lighter floral formulas, but it offers a little something more complex. If you're looking for a juice that has some extra oomph, chances are you'll adore this bright, zesty scent.

As someone who favors a spicier perfume (I typically gravitate toward sandalwood), I've noticed myself leaning toward neroli-laced florals. It morphs the fragrance into an even dreamier aroma; plus, neroli is a very potent essential oil, so a little goes a long way—if a perfume includes even just a hint of orange blossom, you'll know it.

Because neroli fuses so well with other scents, it's also a great option for fragrance layering. Meaning, you can grab a neroli-scented body oil or lotion and layer it underneath a neroli-infused perfume—the two scents will complement each other well and enhance your fragrance experience. Not to mention, keeping your skin hydrated à la body lotion makes perfume last longer since fragrance clings onto well-moisturized skin.