In Defense of "Basic" Fragrances

One of the things I love most about the fragrance world, is how vast the difference between scent profiles can be - and how our tastes all vary from each other. Despite the value in diversity, I've seen many comments over the years from those who belittle "basic" fragrances.

What classifies a fragrance as "basic", and why does this draw a negative connotation?

It's mass-appealing for a reason

When I hear the term "basic" being used to describe a fragrance, it seems to refer to anything that appeals to the masses - or "mainstream, popular, and trending". This is sometimes painted as a negative quality, when many fragrance enthusiasts prioritize individuality - searching for the next fragrance that no one has heard about, in a desire to stand apart from the crowd.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be unique. But there's also something to be said for mass-appeal - as a fragrance wouldn't appeal to the masses to begin with, if there wasn't anything worth paying attention to. So what contributes towards a fragrance becoming so popular?

Let's assume that popularity = high-selling (total number of bottles sold). To reach a high number of bottles sold, a fragrance must first have a well-constructed fragrance profile. The notes need to be generally pleasant to a wide consumer base, and cannot be too "jarring" or off-putting - otherwise it risks eliminating potential buyers. This means that to have a high volume of bottles sold, a fragrance must be appealing to a large amount of people.

So it could be argued that a fragrance is "basic", when it: 1) is a well-composed blend, 2) is appealing to a large number of consumers, and 3) can sell successfully, or in high-volume. This often includes "cheapie" or budget-focused fragrances, to be accessible for more customers.

The talent behind the scenes

I'm a firm believer that there are excellent fragrance compositions in every fragrance type - from "cheapie" to niche. Finding quality across the fragrance spectrum wouldn't be possible without the talent behind the scenes - and even some of the most renowned perfumers have created not just top niche blends, but also more budget-friendly choices.

While this does demonstrate versatility of a perfumer's range, it also proves something else: that some of the most discerning and talented noses are the same creators of even the most "basic" of fragrance choices. Meaning, "basic" does not always equate to sacrificing quality.

Alexis Grugeon is one of the noses behind:

• Search
• L'Eau de Parfum
• Yes I Am Delicious
• Coco Paradise Eau de Parfum

Céline Barel is one of the noses behind:

• Squid
• Vanilla & Anise
• Fancy Love Eau de Parfum
• Gingham Legend Cologne

David Apel is one of the noses behind:

• Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
• Freckled and Beautiful
• Sunflowers Eau de Toilette
• Brown Sugar & Fig Eau de Toilette

Bargains can be breathtaking, too

While there are many unique offerings among the more expensive fragrances, "basic" blends can sometimes blow these out of the water.

As an example: I love vanilla, but am very selective about vanilla-forward fragrances. I've tried plenty of popular, "higher-quality" vanillas - including Bianco Latte , Tihota , and Escapade Gourmande , just to name a few. But none of them left an impression on me, in the way Fresh Vanilla Blossoms has.

You're probably thinking that there's no way a body mist from Bath & Body Works could compare to anything high-end - but before you claim "fragrance blasphemy", please first give Fresh Vanilla Blossoms a try. It envelops you in a creamy hug of velvety vanilla, fresh florals, cozy sandalwood, and smooth suede - with impressive longevity and projection. It has become my signature scent, and I find it so comforting and addictive. This mist is just one example that quality fragrances do not always come in expensive packages!

Sometimes "simple" is more meaningful

Many might say, "But 'basic' fragrances are too simple for my taste." Since fragrance is such an individual choice, you could want something more complex. That's okay! But there's nothing wrong with simplicity, either - and sometimes, it holds more power and meaning.

"Jasmine | Demeter Fragrance Library / The Library Of Fragrance" is one of these fragrances for me. It takes me immediately back to warm summer nights during my childhood. Running barefoot on the concrete sidewalks, playing hide and seek in the front yards of nearby homes with the other neighborhood kids - and hiding behind bushes, often right next to the night-blooming jasmine. I felt completely uninhibited, without a care in the world - and I experience this magic again, with just one spritz.

Yes, this is a "simple" scent - comprised of only one fragrance note. But the uncomplicated nature of it is part of what brings back a feeling of pure joy - allowing me to relish in the associated memories of simpler times, without any other notes to dilute it.

Community over competition

I hope to see more acknowledgment of the merit behind mass-appealing, accessible, and/or uncomplicated scent creations. Quality does not always mean an expensive price, as even the most esteemed perfumers have created affordable fragrances.

Scent preference may be subjective - but the world of fragrance does not need to be a competition of the "most elite", as there is excellence in every fragrance category. Those who enjoy the so-called "basic" blends, can be just as discerning of quality and beauty - in the same way any other fragrance enthusiast might be.

Could we, without relentlessly criticizing, let people have their pumpkin spice, and avocado toast, and their fandoms, and their D&D, and their too-early-Halloween-decorations, and whatever little harmless things in which they've managed to find a tiny shriveled flower of joy? We're all just trying to survive.

@RogerC137, X (formerly known as Twitter) user

Which "basic" fragrances do you enjoy most - whether they be "simple", budget-friendly, popular, etc.? Please share in the comments below!