How to Choose the Best Perfume for You

Did you know that perfumes have been used since the ancient Egyptian civilization? That’s right, they would adorn themselves with different fragrances to denote their status. Today, we use perfumes as well for a variety of reasons like giving a pleasant aroma to the body and making a good impression. But with so many options available from high-end brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Chanel, how do you choose the one that perfectly suits your personality and style? Keep reading for a few tips on how to pick a scent you will love for years.

Pick Your Notes

Before buying perfumes, keep in mind to never make your final decision solely based on the first spray because the fragrance can develop after a while. This happens mostly in women’s perfume where the so-called ‘top notes’ fade after 15 minutes. To overcome this, do your research on the notes available.

Each perfume has distinct notes that make up the overall scent. These notes in general are divided into three layers known as base, top or head, and middle or heart notes. Floral perfumes, for example, include scent notes such as rose and jasmine. There’s also a fruitier scent with clementine, grapefruit, or apple notes. If you favour exotic scents, the notes will usually include sandalwood, amber, and musk.

Musk scents, in particular, are frequently found in men’s perfume, which gives off a manly aroma. If you want to learn more, visit Fragrantica or Basenotes. You will find more information on the category and main notes available, and you will be able to compare them as needed.

However, browsing these websites would be not that helpful unless you knew what kind of smell you were looking for. It can be useful sometimes to decide what scent you want based on how you want to use it. If it’s for everyday use, you might like a fresher, lighter scent. If it’s for a special occasion, wear a perfume that’s a little stronger and blends with body odour.

 

Decide the Concentration

If you haven’t heard, perfumes are available in four distinct concentrations. The strongest concentration is commonly known as perfume. Fragrance or colognes with a high concentration usually have a stronger scent and last longer. With just one application to the wrists or pulse points, this level of concentration often lasts all day. They can be expensive, but it is worth the money.

The next lower level is Eau de Parfum (EDP), which typically has a six-hour after-application duration. The third level is known as Eau de Toilette (EDT), and it is reasonably priced and widely available in retail outlets. This type of concentration normally requires more than one application throughout the day to be effective.

Last but not least, Eau de Cologne (EDC) has the least amount of fragrance concentration of all. When using this type of perfume, it only lasts around two hours before you need to reapply it.

 

Smell The Fragrance

Once you’ve determined which notes you like and the concentration you prefer, it’s time to put the fragrance to the test. This is an important stage in deciding what perfume you will wear in the days to come. Although perfumes can be purchased online, it is far preferable to visit your local beauty store and try it on yourself.

When you try the perfume, begin by taking a sniff of the flacon. Since your nose can’t manage a lot of smell, don’t try to sniff all at once. Ask for coffee beans while you’re smelling different fragrances. Smelling coffee beans will stimulate your nasal receptors and maintain the intensity of the odour throughout the process.

Then, smell the perfume on a piece of paper or card to see if you like it. If you’re still not satisfied, try spraying perfume on your pulse spots, such as your wrists, neck, and inner elbows. Wait at least 15-20 minutes before settling on the one that appeals to you the best. When you choose the right perfume, it will add on to your style and make you more confidence.