Bath Body Works

Luxist Awards Expert Panelist Harry Slatkin is best known for the home fragrances he has created. Slatkin is founder of Slatkin & Co., the premier home fragrance brand celebrated for its scent experience and design (now a division of Bath & Body Works). He oversees product development for all the home fragrance brands under Bath & Body Works, the country's largest bath and body retailer with over 1,650 stores.

In this video, Slatkin explains how to give home fragrances
as gifts.

"They are great because they last for so long," he says. "Plus, it is a gift that people can enjoy instantly."

Slatkin says he may bring a fragrant candle, long with a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates, but the candle will last longer than either of the other alternatives. "A box of chocolates might last a week, but a fragrant candle will last a lot longer."

Slatkin explains how he goes about selecting the scents of the candles he gives to friends.

"I always try to think of the personality of the person, but I also make it seasonal," says Slatkin. "If it is holiday time, I will give a scent that is more wintery, with tree-like scents. If it is spring time, I will select more floral scents like jasmine. If it is summer I will give cleaner scents."

One of the things that Luxist Awards Expert Panelist Harry Slatkin is known for is home fragrances. Slatkin is founder of Slatkin & Co., the premier home fragrance brand celebrated for its scent experience and design (now a division of Bath & Body Works). He oversees product development for all the home fragrance brands under Bath & Body Works, the country's largest bath and body retailer with over 1,650 stores.

In this video, Slatkin explains how to layer home fragrances.

"Start with your favorite," he says. "Buy a fragrance that appeals to you. Start there. Then go back to the store and pick another one that you like that will set a different mood and then try to combine them. Chances are that it is going to work. But if they don't, then try another combination."

Home decorating has become very expensive. To recover one chair, for example, can be very expensive.

"One scented candle changes the entire ambiance of a room," says Slatkin. "You can have a person come over several times to your home and they may think you have changed something just from the ambiance of smell."

Combining scents creates different moods. "You can have four different scents and create 16 different moods," he adds.

You can create your own unique signature scent by layering scents, according to Luxist Awards Expert Panelist Harry Slatkin, who is regarded as one of the country's leading fragrance experts.

"Don't be afraid to mix," says the fragrance expert who is the founder and creative force behind Slatkin & Co., the premier home fragrance brand celebrated for its scent experience and design (now a division of Bath & Body Works). "But of course your nose knows what will work and what won't."

For a truly unique scent, consider layering two or more fragrances. The trick is to blend notes that complement each other. Jasmine, vanilla, rose and citrus work well with most scents, while stronger notes such as patchouli and vetiver don't mix as well. A tea scent---or a perfume that has tea in it---might layer well with a rose, gardenia or a lavender scent. Slatkin recommends using a classic fragrance as a base, such as Chanel No. 5, and adding something on top. "Be daring and take it in a different direction," he says, "and you'll end up with something that's truly unique and memorable."

Remember, there may be scents in the shampoo, conditioner, cream and lotions that you use, which can change the scent of a perfume you may wear.

"If you like it, then it works," says Slatkin. "But if you walk in a room and you see people's eyes welling up with tears, then you know it isn't working for anyone else but you. If that is the case, then maybe it is something you shouldn't wear it again. Remember, it is not just about yourself, it is about everybody. You want to please people as much as yourself with scent."

Tired of wearing that same old fragrance you've been wearing for years? Would you like to find something new to wear that better reflects your personality or mood(s)? Luxist Awards Expert Panelist Harry Slatkin, who is regarded as one of the country's leading fragrance experts and who is the founder and creative force behind Slatkin & Co., the premier home fragrance brand celebrated for its scent experience and design (now a division of Bath & Body Works), offers a few of his best tips.

BROWSE AND EXPLORE
Look for fragrances in different places, such as a tiny boutique, an open market or even on a trip abroad. You'll be in a relaxed state of mind when you try it on, and every time you wear it, you'll be reminded of your experience.

REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY
When trying on fragrances, remember to engage the person behind the perfume counter and share details! What kind of car you drive? What kind of dog do you own? What are your interests? The more you reveal, the more luck you'll have finding a scent that suits you. If you're the life of the party, try choosing a fragrance with a bold note, such as cassia. If you would describe yourself as sexy, opt for jasmine, tuberose and orange flower, which all offer seductive scents. If you're more feminine, notes like bergamot, lavender, and rose will leave you with a light, sweet scent.

DON'T SNIFF MORE THAN THREE
Be sure not to sniff more than three scents in a row during a shopping trip, and always spray the leading contender in the crook of your arm. Live with it for awhile. And remember samples are a girl's best friend. You'll know you've found the magic formula when you like both the way it smells right away and over time. The final clue is getting the seal of approval from loved ones and even strangers. Compliments are key! When people like how I smell, I know I've chosen the right one.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN BY LAYERING AND MIXING SCENTS
For a truly unique scent, consider layering two fragrances. The trick is to blend notes that complement each other. Jasmine, vanilla, rose and citrus work well with most scents, while stronger notes such as patchouli and vetiver don't. I love using a classic fragrance as a base, such as Chanel No. 5, and adding something on top. Be daring and take it in a different direction -- you'll end up with something that's truly unique and memorable.