There are so many scents to choose from, and not all would obviously suit you. Are you better off with fougère or do you smell better with citrus? Yes, it all boils down to what you want, but before you get to that point, there are a number of things you need to know.
Fragrance notes 101
When talking about womens perfumes, you’ll occasionally encounter the use of the term “notes” when describing fragrances. Like music, there are also notes in perfumery—layers of fragrances that, when combined, form their own scent harmony. There are three basic pitches in fragrance notes:
- Top notes: These are the scents that are first smelled after the perfume is applied. Because of this, top notes are important in forming your initial impression on the scent. Top notes are also the fragrances that evaporate the fastest.
- Middle notes: In music, they’re called alto and tenor; in perfumes, middle notes are the heart notes because they form the main body of the scent. This is the scent that surfaces after the top notes evaporate. Examples of middle notes include jasmine and rose. It’s no wonder these scents are called the heart of perfumery.
- Base notes: When the middle notes start evaporating, the scents left are the base notes. Similar to the composition of a song, the base and middle notes form the main theme of the fragrance. Base notes are the last scent you notice in a perfume, and you don’t smell it at least until 30 minutes after applying the fragrance.
Tips on choosing the right perfume
Tip #1: Personality plays a role
Not all scents would fit just any personality. Scents and personality must go together. For instance, if you’re a free spirit type of person, a musky scent wouldn’t fit you. Instead, try a fresh-smelling newly showered fragrance. Likewise, a nature lover probably wouldn’t go with a pungent floral perfume, and should instead try something light.
Tip #2: Smell it the right way
Here are some shopping tips to help you choose your perfume at the store:
- Spray the fragrance on paper strips provided by the salesperson. Doing this lets you test more perfumes instead of just applying them on your skin.
- Sniff the paper strip and decide if you like the perfume. If you so, set the strip aside.
- Smell the can of coffee beans provided by the salesperson to clear your nose of the previous scent.
- Test the perfumes that you liked a second time; this time, spray them on different parts of your skin.
- Choose the scent you like best on your skin.
The test has to be done on your skin because the fragrance would smell differently when applied on paper.
Tip #3: Consider what you enjoy smelling
Naturally, you shouldn’t be daubing on fragrances you don’t like. Think of the ones you do enjoy, like perhaps the smell of wood and campfires, or maybe your favourite flower, then base your choice on perfume notes similar to these scents.
Tip #4: Ask what people think
It’s important that you ask what friends, family and significant other think about the scent. Do they like the fragrance or do they think find it a bit too spicy? Since these people would be in close proximity with you, ask for their input.
