Happy New Year—this January fragrance tray is loud, cozy, and very intentional. Moving forward, I’m building trays that feel balanced: Middle Eastern gems alongside designer and niche, so I’m actually wearing my collection (and if I’m not, she’s getting out). I’m also adding a fragrance oil to every single tray because layering is a big part of how I wear my scents, especially when it’s still cold outside. For my base, I’m using Crème de la Crème from Brown Sugar Babe—a creamy vanilla that makes almost any combo feel warmer and more expensive. I also included a controversial one: Vanilla Aura from Maison Asrar. I’m still on the fence because it turns “black soda” on my nose, but I’m giving it more air and more layering tests to see if it deepens vanillas the way I want. From there, you get everything from spicy, cashmere-warm vanillas (Dries Van Noten Chamomile Satin, Nishane Ani) to fresh, clean neroli (Van Cleef & Arpels Neroli Amara) and cold-weather heavy hitters (Guerlain Patchouli Paris, Dior Gris Dior). I also talk through viral Middle Eastern-style performers like Khadlaj’s new release (Sir) and Cream Velvet, plus dupes that actually do the job—Decadent Wonder for Love Delight and Khair Felicity for Wedding Silk Santal vibes.