Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a skin scent?
Since skin scents tend to smell a bit different on everyone—adjusting to an individual’s body chemistry—it can be tough to pin down what characterizes them. As Monet describes it, “Skin scents can be seen as ‘introverted’ fragrances because they sit close to the skin rather than projecting loudly.” Ultimately, she says, “They tend to be more linear and intimate, meaning they are back-driven and create a subtle, steady presence that enhances your personal experience rather than making a bold statement.”
Who might like a skin scent?
According to Monet, skin scents appeal to anyone who prefers subtle, natural-smelling fragrances over bold scents that make a statement with a sillage that turns heads. Their personal, easy-to-wear quality also makes them a natural choice for a signature scent. “Fans of minimalist, clean, and musky fragrances would also like a skin scent,” she notes.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our review of the best skin scents for easy, everyday use, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
