Name: Honorie Blanc
Log in to view the full article
Name: Honorie Blanc
Title: Master perfumer, dsm-firmenich
What led you to the fragrance industry?
Honorine Blanc [HB]: I've loved beauty products since I was 14 years old. I was born in Lebanon and I moved to Paris at 16 where my passion for becoming a perfumer truly began to take shape.
I love fragrances and enjoy experimenting with their formulas. What captivates me most is not the glamour or the end result, but the creative process itself. I find joy in crafting and refining my formulas, savoring the journey of creation rather than just the final product.
What applications do you primarily formulate for? Has this changed since you first began your career?
HB: Creating new scents—whether for shampoo, candles, or fine fragrances—is a challenge that I love because it’s full of surprises and beyond control. Just like nature, fragrances offer endless possibilities and can evoke powerful emotions.
Over time, you may get used to certain ingredients, but the way you live and your emotions will always influence your creations. For me, the creative process is like a second personality, free from rules and constraints.
The most important aspects are the idea behind the fragrance, how it’s constructed, and the experience it brings to the market. Ultimately, a fragrance should be a source of pleasure.
What are some of the current trends that are exciting you at the moment?
HB: Today, the young generation is breaking the rules, embracing authenticity over perfection, and expressing individuality beyond traditional gender norms. This shift allows everyone to be who they truly are. Men are now enjoying jasmine and roses, while women are wearing vetiver and leather, embracing their true selves.
In fragrance creation, simplicity and honesty in structure are becoming more valued. Consumers want to know what’s in their products and appreciate transparency. There's a trend toward taking more risks with gourmand scents while keeping the construction simpler. The way we treat ingredients like rose is now intentionally imperfect, moving away from overly refined edges.
The trend of living in the moment and enjoying life's melodies is also reflected in fragrance creation. As technology advances, fragrances will become more elevated, meeting consumers' demand for quality and innovation. This evolution adds value and aligns with the growing desire for emotional well-being through scent.
Sustainability is another significant trend. The concept of green or sustainable fragrances is gaining traction, driven by a greater awareness of nature and the need to protect the earth. The young generation is leading this change, integrating sustainability into their creative processes from the outset.
Advice for people coming into the fragrance industry?
HB: Today’s creators must be more educated and innovative. Simply smelling is not enough—you need to engage with new technology and embrace its potential to enhance your understanding of the past. Technology offers historical insights on a plate, making it an invaluable tool for modern perfumers.
A perfumer today must be agile and willing to step out of their comfort zone, as true creativity often emerges from taking risks. Embrace the spirit of playfulness, remain open-minded, and don’t become too attached to any single idea.
Just like musicians who create endless melodies from the same notes, perfumers should focus on the unique contributions of each ingredient rather than its price. The real value lies in what each element brings to the formula.
Never give up, and stay humble. Remember, the star is your product, not yourself. My goal is to be recognized for the fragrances I bring to the market and the students I mentor along the way. Embrace adventure, play, and surprise people. Enjoy the ride!
Describe yourself in three ingredients.
HB: I would rather choose to describe myself in three colors.
- White: Because I love sensuality.
- Pink: Because happiness is always important but also optimism in my work.
- Black/dark: Because of the unexpected. I like the playing term of taking risks, I love pleasure and I love beauty.
