I want to let you in on a little secret: scent is one of the most powerful tools in our relationship arsenal. And it goes underused way too often, IMO!
After all, it’s the sense most deeply tied to memory. And who doesn’t want to conjure up fond thoughts of a loved one, whether they’re halfway around the world, or outside shoveling the driveway?
If you’re looking for a way to strengthen the bond with your partner, and nail a gift that’s both a thing and an experience, read on.
Along with our friends at Bond No. 9, I’m making the case for sharing a scent with your significant other, and dropping an #SGapproved fragrance recommendation…
In the early days of our relationship, my now-boyfriend was visiting New York (where I live) from England (where he lives). At the moment of our tearful goodbye, a storm had whipped up, so I gave him my favorite oversized black hoodie to stay warm on the plane, and off he went back to Britain.
Later he told me he didn’t wash it for days because it smelled like me. I know. Cue the blushing emoji!
And me? I sleep with one of his t-shirts in bed with me, because it smells like him. His laundry, his home, his body wash bought in bulk from Boots.
It was one of those lonely nights I had a little lightbulb moment:
Wouldn’t it be lovely to deepen that connection? To bridge the divide between belongings and scent?
Yes, yes it would.
And now, we both wear (and love!) a warm-yet-bright fragrance that suits us both: Lafayette Street by Bond No. 9.
Hot tip: This is one of the New York-based fragrance brand’s best-selling scents, and was sold out for ages.
The brand tied its return to the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s legacy, so don’t throw away your shot (sorry not sorry, I love a Hamilton reference!) and sniff it for yourself today.
I’m smelling Lafayette Street on my wrists as I write this, breathing in the warm, comforting notes of Tonka Bean and Grey Amber.
While the fragrance is touted as “ultra-male,” I find it to be more like the scent equivalent of a men’s cable knit cashmere sweater — sexy on him, sexier on me.
Luxe and comfortable on us both.
So, why should you consider spritzing for two?
1. It’s a shared experience.
First of all, you get to go shopping together for something you’ll both get to use. Meaning? This experience is already a romantic relationship win.
Just think: you’ll be going on an olfactory adventure as a couple. How sexy and fun!
You’ll try all kinds of fragrances, first on paper, then on each other’s skin (hubba hubba).
Pay attention to how it dries down, and try not to sniff each other too seductively in front of the sales assistants. When that becomes too difficult, you’ve probably found the right one.
2. It’s sexy as hell.
I just think the idea of smelling the same is so hot, whether you’re headed out together for a date night, or parting ways for work in the morning.
Every time you catch a whiff of your mutual signature scent, you’ll think of your paramour, and how she’s wearing the same thing, at the same time…
See? Sexy!
3. It will bring you closer.
In my relationship, scent is a way we feel close to each other while we’re thousands of miles apart (he’s in England, remember?).
Even if you’re living under the same roof, your fragrance is something that will bond you, and remind you of each other, especially when you’re traveling for work, having drinks with the boys, you get the idea…
So, how to make scent shopping as a couple a success?
First, make time to go to a dedicated fragrance store.
Yep, like Bond No. 9!
Unlike at a big department store or mega-beauty box store (you know the type), you’ll receive the undivided attention of an expert, and an olfactory education in the process!
Second, start with colognes.
This is the double standard of fragrance: Usually, cologne works amazingly on all types of folks, while distinctly female “perfume” doesn’t always work for men.
It is what it is!
And finally, follow your nose!
Start your journey by sharing this with your significant other, and use my tips (and personal experience!) as a jumping-off point.
I implore you to spray, sniff, consider and repeat. As many times as it takes! Keep an open mind…and an open nostril, hehe.
This post is sponsored by Bond No. 9 but all of the opinions within are those of Style Girlfriend. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Girlfriend!
