Blue fragrances are unique in the world of fine perfume because their particular qualities fuse both a color with its own symbolism and a distinct scent perspective.
While technically not a fragrance category and more exactly a subset of sea odors, master perfumers rely on their scents to conjure, as if by a magical hand, mental images and feelings about the sea and sky.
Their blue shades fall between cyan and azure, and their symbolism is steeped in the concepts of peace, freedom and harmony that are sourced by the endless panorama of the sky merging with the ocean.
Scents for the everyday man, blue fragrances possess a gentlemanly character. They have a heavy focus on fresh and clean elements, and are ideal summer scents inspired by aquatic notes that replicate the cool and invigorating sensations of the sea.
These facets are found in marine accords such as: salt, sea water and sea breezes.
Citrus elements, as well as mellow lavender and herbs, are sometimes added to evoke feelings of lightness and vitality.
More On Blue As a Perfume Color
Blue perfumes exude loyalty, confidence, subtlety and cleanliness. The color itself is considered the most understated and coldest found within the range of colors.
Fresh and pure, these scents render harmony, peace and respite from emotional chaos.
According to the Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman, the color blue is often men’s favorite color.
She states: “We do color association studies all the time, and the idea of blue being steadfast and dependable never changes. But it also brings up all these ideas of sky and water, and by virtue of there being a certain depth to it, a kind of sexy mysticism. So there’s this dichotomy between associations of both safety and freedom, but they’re both good.”
A Brief History Of Blue Fragrances
Color theory, which was first proposed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, defines colors as human perceptions of wave lengths of light that fell into three separate categories; namely, primary, secondary and tertiary colors.
According to a 2010 New York Times article entitled: Those Aqua Velva Folks Knew Something, from their inception, blue fragrances were favored by men.
Davidoff’s Cool Water, was the first blue scent to appear in 1988, and it was among the top ten sellers for more than decade.
Its formula was new and exciting, and it heralded the beginning of new, elusive class of perfumes.
According to fragrance and branding expert, Paul Austin of the Austin Advisory Group in speaking about the Cool Water scent:
“What they did was use some aroma chemicals that were used in more functional perfumery…Dihydromyrcenol, which is one of those chemicals, is used in soap and detergents because from the moment the package is opened, a sense of freshness and cleanliness is released.
That is the secret behind the brightness and pop of Cool Water, and why it stood apart from more conventional elements like citrus and lavender.
Cool Water also incorporated a synthetic known as calone, with its hint of saltwater.
Soon enough, notes of freshness and wetness began to infiltrate men’s fragrances most often with additional “fresh” or “watery” notes of moist, sweet fruits like melon, cucumber and grapefruit and a breezy new sector was born.”
A Few Relevant Studies Perceptions and Statistics
A survey conducted by YouGov across multiple countries indicated that blue is
the preferred color in ten nations across four continents, including China.
In color theory tests, blue spaces are often described as “secure” and orderly.”
It was the Russian abstract artist and art theorist, Wassily Kandinsky, who first theorized that color directly affects the range of emotions in humans including:calmness, serenity, trust, and dependability.
It is also known to influence productivity, improve critical thinking and stimulate mental clarity.
Considerations When Enhancing Products with Blue Fragrances
When incorporating Blue Fragrances into your scented products or product line, consider the fragrance profile and target audience.
Blue Fragrances often evoke freshness, marine notes, and a sense of calm or energy, appealing to both men and women.
Balance is key; ensure the scent complements your existing range without overpowering it.
Pay attention to the top, middle, and base notes, achieving a harmonious blend that enhances the product’s appeal.
Compatibility with the product’s base, whether it’s a lotion, soap, or candle, is crucial for scent longevity and consistency.
Lastly, consider seasonal trends and marketing strategies, as Blue Fragrances typically perform well in summer lines or products promoting relaxation and invigoration.
A Few Of Our Recently-Composed Blue Fragrances
Capri Blue
A recreation of the ever-popular, Capri Blue Volcano, its fragrance profile is an olfactory escape into a realm of exotic splendor.
Its essence bursts with the sweet freshness of tropical fruits, energizing citrus and grounding, engaging woody and musky facets.
Opening notes stream with facets of lush, succulent pineapple, exhilarating grapefruit and dry, fruity orange rind.
An aromatic, fruity heart soon takes hold marked by aspects of woody-nuanced and tangy raspberry, and peachy, green and gingery mango.
Base notes of velvety, smooth sandalwood and sensual, passionate musk complete this engaging fragrance.
Blue Sky
Head notes of sharp, clean lemon, exhilarating and crisp fresh clean air and cool, ozonic ocean breeze open this engaging fragrance.
These facets soon drift into a floral/fruity heart note bouquet of aquatic, subtle and lingering water lotus, powdery, woody violet and crisp apple.
A dry down of clean, balsamic cedar, amber-nuanced and warm wet musk complete this inviting blue scent.
Fresh Blue
Complex, pleasing bergamot, sea-inspired aquamarine and cool, exhilarating crisp air define the head notes of this autumnal fragrance.
These facets seamlessly stream into an aromatic heart of earthy, nutty sage, soft, fine water lily and timeless, aquatic running rapids.
This engaging scent completes with a dry down marked by erotic, passionate musk and earthy, woody and herbal soft woods.
In Conclusion
Dive into the wondrous world of blue fragrances.
Their one-of-a kind qualities will entice your imagination and transport your customers to a realm of eternal summer and tropical paradise.