Are you searching for a signature scent, one that truly speaks to your individual sense of style? Knowing how to go about choosing the perfect perfume for yourself can be difficult in a market awash with options. The perfume industry alone is full of celebrities, fashion labels, and niche perfumes that can make choosing the perfect one for you feel almost impossible.
But don’t worry. After reading this article, you’ll be well-versed in selecting the appropriate fragrance for your wardrobe and occasion:
Tip 1: Understand the Different Fragrance Families
When newbies enter the perfume world, one of the most important things to understand is the different fragrance families. These categories make up the backbone of the fragrance industry and consist of everything from fresh, aquatics and florals to exotic orientals.
The fresh and aquatic families are often associated with light, modern scents. These usually have a citrusy top note, followed by a light, watery middle and a warm and woodsy base. Meanwhile, florals are considered the most traditional ones and are typically blended with fruits, spices, and woods. Exotic orientals tend to be spicy, slightly sweet, and quite strong. They also often contain musk, patchouli, vanilla, and more.
Knowing the various fragrance families will help you narrow down the type of scent you want to try — so take the time to research each one thoroughly and decide which note you think is the perfect fit for your style.
When newbies enter the perfume world, one of the most important things to understand is the different fragrance families.
Tip 2: Use Samples
Picking out a scent based on its description alone can be difficult, which is why it’s always best to use samples when shopping for a perfume. This will give you an opportunity to see how the fragrance works and how it smells on you — truly giving you a better understanding of which scent will truly suit you.
You can pick up samples in most beauty stores, or ask a salesperson to provide you with complimentary test strips. Spend some time spraying the scent on your skin and give it a chance to settle before deciding on whether it’s for you.
Picking out a scent based on its description alone can be difficult, which is why it’s always best to use samples when shopping for a perfume.
Tip 3: Tailor to Your Moods and Seasons
Whether you’re in the mood for something light, bright, or flirty, there’s a scent to suit every mood. As the days get longer and the nights get colder, many of us like to switch up our fragrance to suit the changing season. Citrusy and fresh scents can give you a burst of energy while woody, spicy notes and musk are perfect for giving you a deeper, long-lasting scent.
Tip 4: Choose the Right Strength
Fragrances come in different concentrations, depending on the brand. Eau de toilette usually has the lowest concentration of essence (around 7-10%), followed by Eau de parfum (15-20%) and Eau de cologne (4-6%). As a general rule of thumb, the higher the concentration, the longer the scent will last — so if you’re looking for an all-day scent, opt for an Eau de parfum or Eau de cologne.
Tip 5: Know Your Body Chemistry
Our body chemistry plays a huge part in how a fragrance develops on our skin. Some notes can smell completely different on one person than on another, as body chemistry affects how the scent lingers.
This means that even if a particular fragrance doesn’t smell the same as the bottle on you, you may still love it. So, don’t be put off if a scent smells different on you — embrace it, as it’s something that’s unique to you.
The Perfect Match
Finding the right fragrance can be a time-consuming process, but one that’s worth taking the time to explore. Through understanding the different fragrance families, spending time with samples and knowing what suits your personalities, weather, and body chemistry, you’ll eventually stumble upon the perfect scent — one that’s uniquely yours and aligns with your personal style.
