29/04/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | APR 29, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

THIS MAKES SCENTS

All about freshies

o Clean scents that suit those who love simplicity, minimalism

Ű BY ASHIQIN AHMAD

Think the gym-to-brunch crowd, office regulars and anyone who prefers to smell good up close rather than announce their presence from across the room. There is also a certain universality to fresh fragrances as they are rarely polarising, which makes them an easy entry point for those just beginning to explore perfume. Unlike heavier scent families, which can feel overwhelming or too distinct, fresh fragrances tend to sit comfortably across different preferences and occasions. At the same time, they remain a staple for seasoned wearers who want something reliable. In Malaysia’s warm and humid climate, this becomes even more relevant as heavier scents can feel cloying throughout the day, while fresh fragrances offer a lighter alternative that feels breathable and easy to wear from morning to night. For many, fresh scents become a default. They are what you reach for when you are unsure, when you want something clean, or when you simply want to feel refreshed without putting too much thought into it. What makes a scent ‘fresh’? Fresh fragrances are typically built

F RESH scents are the olfactory equivalent of crisp white shirts and just-washed sheets. They feel clean, effortless and easy to wear, slipping seamlessly into everyday life without demanding attention. In a fragrance landscape often dominated by sweet gourmands and heavy ouds, fresh scents offer a quieter kind of appeal, one that feels understated but never forgettable. There is a certain ease to them that makes them instantly likeable. They do not rely on intensity or complexity to stand out. Instead, they create a sense of familiarity, the kind that feels comforting rather than attention-seeking. Whether it is worn to the office, after a workout or during a casual day out, a fresh scent has the ability to blend into the moment while still leaving a subtle impression. Who is it for? Fresh scents suit those who lean towards simplicity. They are for the ones who favour neutral palettes, early mornings and routines that feel put together without being overthought.

Fresh perfumes can be signature for those who prefer mass appealing and inoffensive scents. – 123RFPIC

The blend of patchouli, peony and guaiac wood creates a scent that sits close to the skin, making it ideal for those who enjoy a subtle fragrance that does not overwhelm. It carries a distinctly prim-and proper quality, the kind of scent that feels composed and put together, making it especially suited for professionals who are constantly around people, such as cabin crew or those working in client-facing roles. Final spritz Fresh fragrances may not be the loudest in the room, but they are often the most approachable. They linger gently, creating an impression that feels natural rather than constructed. In a way, that is their appeal. They simply exist, clean, comforting and easy to return to, day after day.

giving the scent a smooth and comforting finish. This base is what makes fresh fragrances so wearable, as it allows them to blend naturally with the body rather than sitting heavily on top of it. The result is a scent profile that feels refreshing without being sharp and subtle without fading into the background. It is a balance that makes fresh scents versatile and dependable. What to try Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning is a soft, musky fragrance that feels quietly comforting. It smells exactly like clean, warm laundry on a Sunday morning, the kind that has been left to dry in soft sunlight and still carries a trace of warmth when you slip into it. The combination of white musk, iris and pear creates a scent that feels intimate and close to the skin, ideal for those who prefer something subtle and understated. Szindore Royale 72 takes a slightly more minimalist approach. It leans into a clean, almost soapy profile that emphasises purity and simplicity. With notes of aldehydes, bergamot and sandalwood, it offers a smooth and airy finish that works well for casual days and outdoor settings. It is the kind of scent that feels polished without trying too hard. There is also something oddly nostalgic about it, reminiscent of flipping through glossy Y2K magazines or walking through the perfume aisles of a department store in the early 2000s, where everything smelled fresh, bright and full of possibility. Zara Fleur de Patchouli offers a clean floral take on freshness. It is soft and slightly sweet, but still grounded enough to remain wearable throughout the day.

Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning is created by perfumer at Givaudan Louise Turner.

around notes that feel light, airy and clean. Citrus elements like bergamot, lemon and grapefruit bring a bright, energising quality and often form the first impression of the scent. These top notes create that initial burst of freshness that feels crisp and uplifting. Green notes, such as tea, herbs and fig leaves, add a clean, almost outdoorsy dimension. They introduce a natural quality to the fragrance, making it feel more grounded and less synthetic. Aquatic accords, on the other hand, bring in a cool, breezy element that is often associated with sea air, rain or open spaces. Underneath it all, soft musks often anchor the fragrance. These musks create a “just showered” effect that lingers close to the skin,

Zara Fleur de Patchouli is created in collaboration with Jo Malone. – PICS FROM FRAGRANTICA

Szindore Royale 72 is inspired by Maison Francis Kurkdijan 724. – SZINDOREPIC