harry slatkin

When home fragrance expert Harry Slatkin began his career in home fragrances 18 years ago, he literally changed the industry. Since he founded Slatkin & Co., many others have followed suit, from Ralph Lauren to Banana Republic and Martha Stewart. Slatkin now 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.

Home fragrances used to be more of a women's world. Since then, the industry has changed dramatically, says Slatkin.

"If I do a radio show, the callers in are mostly men," he says. "They are complementing me on this scent or that scent. Men are getting into scent just as much as women."

Home fragrances have also hit the college scene. "One of the hottest products right now for college students are plug-ins," says Slatkin. "Dorms smell and you can't really light a candle in a dorm. But you can use a plug-in to create a different atmosphere, plus it is a great way to hide all the musty smells of dirty laundry."

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."

Fragrances will last a long time--if they are properly stored, says Harry Slatkin, fragrance expert.

"Fragrances will last a long time if they are protected," says Slatkin, founder of Slatkin & Co., the premier home fragrance brand that is now a division of Bath & Body Works (see video below).

Keep your fragrances, including perfume, eau de parfum, cologne and eau de toilette away from heat. Most importantly, protect them from direct light, especially sunlight. "Light affects the chemical makeup of a fragrance and will change its color which affects the dynamics of how it combines," he adds.

Likewise, Slatkin says fragrances should not be stored in a refrigerator, as the humidity can also change the chemical makeup for the worse. It is best to keep the fragrances in their original containers, if possible, and with the tops tightly closed to avoid exposure to air. If given a choice, opt for bottles with spray dispensers as opposed to ones with open tops or roller balls. Spray dispensers better protect the fragrance from exposure to dirt, dust and air, and have a longer shelf life, too.

Don't be too quick to throw away bottles of perfume that you think may be too old to use, as long as they have been stored properly over the years. "I have smelled scents that are 15 years old, some in bottles that hadn't ever been open," says Slatkin, who is a member of the Luxist Awards' Panel of Experts. "They hold pretty well, and don't change character too much."

Perfume is more concentrated, more complex and less fragile than fragrances (such as eau de toilette, cologne and eau de parfum) that contain less oils and are more diluted. As a result, perfumes tend to last much longer.

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.