Phlur Creative Director Chriselle Lim on Fragrance 101

Skimm Her Life is a series in our weekly newsletter, Skimm Your Life, where smart women share their favorite things.

If you’re itching to find a new signature scent or simply love fragrance, today’s Skimm Her Life is just for you. We’re talking to Chriselle Lim, the owner and creative director of Phlur, a luxe fragrance brand with unique scents. Lim is here to talk about how she comes up with scent ideas, how to layer fragrance, and more. Chriselle, tell us why you smell so good…

It feels like the beauty market is so oversaturated as of late with skincare, makeup, and hair care. Fragrance feels like a unique path — what inspired you to relaunch a fragrance brand?

My background is in fashion, and I’ve always believed that fashion and fragrance go hand in hand. I believe that everyone should have a fragrance wardrobe. Where you're going, what you're doing, or how you want to feel will determine the scent you decide to wear. Fragrance has always played such an important role in my life, so when I got the opportunity to acquire and relaunch Phlur, I immediately ran with it.

Where do you get inspiration to develop certain fragrances?

Through personal memories and moments that evoke a certain emotion.

For those new to Phlur, what do you want our readers to know and what products should they start with?

All of our scents are undeniably appealing, but incredibly sophisticated and chic. I love a good juxtaposition, which is the DNA of Phlur. When we come out with a fruity scent, it’s usually on the top layer like Strawberry Letter. Once it sets, an oaky, woody, earthy scent that is extremely sexy takes over. Our scents take you on a journey. What you see is not what you get. Missing Person is probably a great scent to start off with. It’s our most popular scent that went viral and garnered a 200k+ waitlist. It was inspired by the scent of your lover’s skin. The top note is skin musk so it smells like a better version of yourself. It smells different on everyone.

Give our readers theSkimm on how to layer fragrances if they’ve never done it before and don’t know where to start.

There really are no rules. You just need to spray, and figure out what works and what doesn’t. I personally love to start off with something comforting and slightly woody and creamy, such as Missing Person or Vanilla Skin, and then layer it with something sweet on top, like Strawberry Letter or Mood Ring.

What’s a hacky or unconventional way you love to use products from Phlur?

Phlur’s Hair & Body Mist is in every bathroom of my house. I also use it as a room spray. I like to keep a good smelling home! I love spraying my linens with Not Your Baby.

Any tips on how to style fragrance with fashion?

I always try to enhance my looks with whatever vibe I’m going for. If I’m going to a meeting and I’m in a suit, I would spray Father Figure. If I’m feeling sweet and going on a date, I’m definitely wearing Strawberry Letter. It’s all about enhancing your looks with a fragrance pairing.

Name your favorite Phlur fragrances as we move into the spring and summer seasons.

Lately, I’ve been grabbing Strawberry Letter, Mood Ring, and Father Figure.