Building Your Fragrance Library

Essential Reference Books

Technical and Historical - "Perfumes: The A-Z Guide" by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez - "The Perfect Scent" by Chandler Burr - "Essence and Alchemy" by Mandy Aftel - "The Emperor of Scent" by Chandler Burr - "Perfumery: Practice and Principles" by Robert R. Calkin and J. Stephan Jellinek

Cultural and Artistic - "The Essence of Perfume" by Roja Dove - "Perfume Legends: French Feminine Fragrances" by Michael Edwards - "Scent and Subversion" by Barbara Herman - "The Secret of Chanel No. 5" by Tilar J. Mazzeo

In French (for advanced readers) - "Le Parfum" by Jean-Claude Ellena - "Une Histoire du Parfum" by Élisabeth de Feydeau - "Les Routes du Parfum" by Annick Le Guérer

Online Communities and Resources

Fragrantica - Largest online perfume database - User reviews and community forums - Perfume note breakdowns and recommendations - Multiple language options

Basenotes - In-depth reviews and discussions - Strong community of collectors and enthusiasts - Marketplace for vintage and rare perfumes - Educational articles and interviews

CaFleureBon - Focus on niche and artisan perfumery - Regular giveaways and samples - Perfumer interviews and behind-scenes content - Educational articles on ingredients and techniques

Bois de Jasmin - Created by perfumer and writer Victoria Frolova - Sophisticated analysis of perfume and culture - Perfume training courses and consultations - Recipes connecting fragrance with food

Building a Collection

Starting Your Collection - Begin with discovery sets from houses that interest you - Visit perfume counters to test on your skin - Allow fragrances to develop over several hours - Keep notes on your preferences and reactions - Consider seasonal variations in how perfumes wear

Storage and Care - Store bottles away from light and heat - Keep in original boxes when possible - Avoid bathroom storage due to humidity - Consider wine refrigerator for valuable vintages - Use within 3-5 years for optimal quality

Developing Your Nose - Smell coffee beans to reset between fragrances - Learn basic note categories: citrus, floral, woody, oriental - Practice identifying single materials in complex compositions - Compare different interpretations of same note (e.g., various roses) - Attend perfume events and workshops when possible