Have you ever smelled a fragrance on a friend and thought you must buy this yummy scent, then only to have it smell like a sour note or a sweet soapy smell? It’s no secret that every one has a different body chemistry, some more alkaline, some more acid and being that most fragrances are now a blend of twenty or more notes, you own body chemistry can leach out one particular aroma making it more prominent.
If you often have a hard time finding the perfect scent for you, here are some tips to help you find that one signature scent that not only works for you, but leaves everyone else swooning.
As mentioned all fragrances consists of varying notes: a top note (the first scent you smell), the middle notes (the scent that appears after about fifteen minutes) and a base note (the lingering scent that lasts for a few hours).
Fragrance Categories:
Fresh – These are perfect for daytime or for work, they are usually light and energetic. The first note is usually grass, green scents, lemon or the ocean, supported by florals or spices. Scents with lots of citrus don’t bide well for acidic body chemistries. CK One, J.Lo Glow by Jennifer Lopez, Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker are all fresh scented perfume to try.
Floral – Flowery scents are romantic and light. They usually consist of lavender, rose, gardenia and geranium, surrounded by other notes such as citrus or vanilla. Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture, Dior J’Adore, Stella by Stella McCartney are all examples.
Oriental – These are generally very bold, sexy and strong scents that work well for those with acidic chemistries. The top note is usually some citrus, surrounded by woody and spicy scents, often with an addition of musk or vanilla. A classic choice is Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, Samsara by Guerlain Pure Poison by Christian Dior or Dream Angels Heavenly from Victoria’s Secret.
Woody – Woody perfumes are great for adventurous girls. And are often heavy and exotic with notes of sandalwood, patchouli, and cedar. The top note is usually green, with supporting fruity notes, often times combined with musk. Angel by Thierry Mugler is a great example as are Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker (which is a floral woodsy scent), Cashmere Mist by Donna Karan, Habanita by Molinard, Givenchy Organza
Tips for Trying & Wearing a Fragrance:
Be sure the area that you are trying the fragrance on is free of other scents, lotions etc otherwise you won’t get an accurate read on the aroma.
When trying out a fragrance, lightly spray your wrists but don’t rub your wrists together, let the scent “air dry”. Don’t try more than two fragrances at a time – you’ll mix the scents and have a really hard time differentiating them.
If you really are determined to find your scent and want to sample more than two, if the perfume counter has a small dish of coffee beans… utilize them.. Breathing in the coffee scent will cleanse your palette and help you to smell the remaining scents more accurately.
Try shopping for fragrance in the afternoon, believe it or not your sense of smell is generally sharper later in the day.
Don’t spray on too much fragrance. If you have been wearing a fragrance for a while often times your nose will become immune to the power of the scent so, if you really love a scent- layer it. Use two of the following, a scented body wash, lotion, or eau de perfume. You don’t want your fragrance to enter the room before you do. And an overpowering scent defeats the purpose… most people will try to avoid you rather than be attracted to you!
