Perfume is like a calling card. That’s why women are always on the hunt for their “signature scent.” You want it to be something unique, individual, not just something that can be picked up at the mall. Sharon Bolton Scents provides just that. Using natural ingredients that are cruelty-free, in recycled packaging, and donating a portion of profits to a variety of charities, these are scents you can feel good about.

The current line includes: Luv, a blend of rare pink gardenias, Hawaiian white flowers, vanilla, and white musk; Soul, papaya, coconut, pineapple, and clean musk; and Truth, a citrusy blend of lemon-lime, exotic floral, and sheer musk. All of her scents are light and fresh. No cloying or headache-inducing scents here. I can’t decide which I like best, so let’s let Sharon tell us more about them.

Tell us about your background. Have you always wanted to be a perfumer?
I have been layering/blending solid perfumes and perfume oils since I was a teenager. I have always been a “perfumey”, but my background is not a traditional perfumer background. It’s rather intuitive.

When did you create your first scent?
I guess when I was a teenager layering and coming up with my own concoction. But I would have to say my first real scent is Luv. That was finished its final formulation in 2004.

How did you decide on the notes for each of your fragrances?
I looked at what notes I prefer, but also wanted to appeal to a range of women’s and men’s preferences. Generally the types that are preferred are citrus/green (Truth), floral (Luv), gourmand/fruity (Soul) and oriental/chypre (Dream).

What is the inspiration for your scents?
We get emails and calls all the time from people saying how much they love our scents, or it reminds them of their honeymoon, or of a childhood memory or their husband loves it… it goes on and on. That is extraordinary for me, very touching and so inspirational. Also, I am from Canada and I love, love, love anywhere warm after growing up in the cold. My heart belongs in Hawaii and Santa Barbara… they are both absolutely gorgeous and tropical and capture my soul. Those places, plus my travels and experiences are inspiration for the scents.

Which one is your favorite?
Oh, tough question…. I wear them all depending on how I feel, but I would have to say Luv, followed by our new limited edition scent [Dream].

If you sniff one of your friends/family wearing a scent that is not yours, do you give them a hard time?
LOL! I try not to. Truthfully, no. There are some amazing perfumes out there! And our scents smell different on everyone. I was hugging a friend of mine goodbye and said “Oh my, what have you got on? You smell amazing!” She looked at me with surprise and said “Sharon, it’s yours… it’s Truth.” I didn’t recognize it on her.

What new scents do you have in the works?
Our limited edition scent is launching November 15th. It’s called Dream: bergamot, white freesia, and mimosa with accords of sandalwood, amber and exotic musk. Its getting rave reviews. For the holidays, the scent comes in a white satin pouch embroidered with our logo. On each end of the drawstrings there are 24kt gold dipped treasures from nature. The treasures being a sand dollar or a maile leaf and a pearl. So, the recipient can then take the “treasures” and string them on her own favorite gold chain. It is a complete “Dreamy” gift. It will be available at Harmony Lane in Beverly Hills.

Visit SharonBoltonScents.com to order Sharon’s perfume oils, body lotions, shower creams, and soy candles.