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It's been said that seductive nymphs would shield themselves from unsuspecting mortals with petals from the hot pink peony flower, but there's more to the precious peony than myths or legends. This petite blossom, which comes in an array of colors, including gold, pearl white and crimson, has been long regarded as a symbol of romance, which could explain why the peony is given on a 12th wedding anniversary to ensure happiness and luck in love. In the world of fragrances, the peony, whose scent can be described as a lighter yet equally velvety take on blooming roses, has been historically underrated. Channel your romantic side with a tantalizing, feminine fragrance that you can wear in many ways to suit your personality.
When in Doubt, Go Lighter
Let's face it, the last thing you want to experience while working the 9-to-5 grind is being suffocated by a too-strong scent. While the smell of roses is divine, it can also be a tad bit powerful for daytime wear. Fortunately, fragrances with notes of peonies can soften up your signature perfume, all while leaving you fresh and smelling oh so sweet. Allure magazine recommends skipping any fragrance that remains dominant for more than 20 minutes. Skip the spritzing and look for body lotions with peony fragrance for an enticing, long-lasting scent. Your co-workers will thank you.
Explore Different Aromas
Not a fan of the delicate, powdery peony? Don't fret; the scent of this tiny flower is often combined with other notes that can either enhance its scent or tone it down. In short, you can decide how much you really want to rock peony on any given day or night. "Traditionally, peony is for spring and summer, but it depends on the notes in the perfume," explains Anna Barr, runway editor for Parisian-based online trends forecaster publication, Beautystreams. "For example, Stella in Two Peony uses pepper as its second note so that you could actually wear it in the fall quite nicely. Something with mandarin as a second note would be good for winter. It's not too floral or spicy, which makes it a good scent for those who are conscious of the people around them." Don't be afraid to explore different fragrances that feature peony, as other floral, woodsy or even citrus combinations can alter its scent, creating a perfume that suits your personal taste.
Make a Splash
Today's fabulous scents come in everything from lotions to body sprays, but when steamy summer days make you break a sweat, consider looking into a splash. Unlike traditional perfumes, body splashes are lighter and used after showering. Peony is a clean, floral scent that won't make your beau reach for the Tylenol, yet it has the lasting power of a blooming rose. A cool way to get refreshed is by putting your splash in the fridge. Then during those hazy, sizzling nights, generously apply after bathing.
Embrace Summer with Peonies
During the sizzling hot months of summer, no one wants to spray alcohol onto their skin, or worse, overpower anyone that comes their way with a scent that screams, "I'm here." Forget musk and unwanted fuss. For the steamy season, look for feminine, soft florals in the form of less intimidating body mists, pencils, and washes to beat the heat and smell delish. Soak up the sun (with SPF, of course), and embrace summery peony as a way to wear your new fragrance without a long term commitment. While other flower aromas remain dominant for hours, peony slowly fades, which will last long enough for cocktail hour with the gal pals, all without creating unwanted headaches. All eyes will be on you, in a good way!
