Hamber’s Favourite Fragrances
Replica Beach Walk perfume | Photo Credit: Maison Margiela
Contrary to stereotypical beliefs about teenagers smelling bad, students at Eric Hamber have cultivated a scent that is enjoyable to themselves and those around them. Many Hamberites use their perfumes as a way to define themselves.
“I think it’s kind of nice to wear perfume, because then people associate you with a certain scent,” said Mila Geisel (10). “It’s cute that they can be reminded of you when they smell that.”
In the human mind, smells are deeply associated with memories, whether positive or negative. Humans gravitate towards wearing fragranced products with scents that evoke these positive feelings from a positive memory. According to the American Psychological Association, previous experiences have an important impact on how odours are experienced.
There are many fragrance products worn around Hamber. One in particular is especially popular at the moment, due to the help of social media. Popularized through the “Basic Aussie Girl” style trending on TikTok, Sol De Janeiro Hair and Body Mists were frequently mentioned amongst Hamberites. With its extensive collection of products, Sol De Janeiro has managed to fit the preferences of many students at Hamber.
Kalina Kostic (9) wears the Sol De Janeiro 40 Body Spray daily. “It smells like vanilla, but then there’s an after-scent of a fruity thing, like a plum.”
Although many people like Sol De Janeiro 40, Kostic has found a way to make the scent unique to her. “I go in with the vanilla one from Anthropologie, and then sometimes the Billie Eilish one as well, and then to top it all off, the Sol De Janeiro 40. [It’s the] cherry on top.”
While Sol De Janeiro is extremely popular, it is not the only favourite fragrance at Hamber. Ms. S. Lemmon’s (LLC) preferred fragrance is, “Byredo Oud Immortel Eau De Parfum. [...] I loved it enough to go spend a small fortune on it.”
Ms. Lemmon first smelt this on Mr. P. Scaglione (Social Studies) and was intrigued enough to buy it for herself.
“I’ve worn a lot of different scents in my life and this is the one. I think I’ve probably fallen in love with the smell,” Ms. Lemmon said.
Lily Chipperfield (9), links her friend closely with her friend’s signature scent, the Replica Beach Walk perfume. “I spray it all over myself and then I feel like I’m being hugged by her all day.”
Students and staff at Hamber agree that being associated with a smell that they feel defines them “is a good way to add character,” said Kostic. Associating good smells with specific people creates a positive connection between that smell and how others see them.