Finding the Right Fragrance

There’s something exciting about seeking out something new to utilize as a means of expressing yourself. Although fragrance is something that you wear, it can’t be seen. This is what makes it so appealing and alluring. Finding a fragrance to suit you is a personal endeavor that I recommend you take on, like a fun project. Here are some suggestions as you set out to find a scent that’s right for you:

Take your time.

The fragrance you choose is the scent you and everyone around you will have to be with so pace yourself and don’t rush your choice. It may take weeks of fragrance hunting until you find something you really like. Don’t overwhelm yourself (and your nose) with too many scent trials at one time is good; any more can be overwhelming.

Try out testers and samples first before making your purchase.

Take the paper stub samples that the salespeople distribute. If you like what you smell, write down the name of the fragrance on the sample. If you really like something, spray a bit on yourself to test it out. The inner wrist is ideal. My most important advice: Don’t be impulsive and buy the first scent you try on just because you like it. You’ll probably wear it a few times and leave it unused until the real winner comes along.

Don’t get something you’ve smelled on someone else until you actually try it on yourself.

Fragrance blends differently with each person’s skin chemistry so it’s important to actually try scents on yourself and leave it on for at least a couple of hours. Remember, the firs whiff is always the strongest. After the fragrance dies down, the intensity of the scent lessens. If you still love the way your skin smells even after hours of wear, you’re on the right track.

Educate Yourself.

Ask the sales associates what the signature notes and blends are in the fragrance. There are several families of fragrances available:

• Fruity (fresh sweet citrus notes)
• Floral (hints of rose, jasmine, lavender, etc)
• Spicy (musk, ginger, vanilla)
• Earthy (grass pne)
• Clean (fresh-smelling scents like soap, baby powder)
• Exotic (usually a blend of sweet and spicy)

Also when you find something you like, look up the fragrance on the Internet so you can get to know the family fragrance, blends, and notes that appeal to you.

Be clear about fragrance price ranges

Perfume has a large ratio of fragrance oils and costs more than eau de toilette and eau de cologne, which have larger ethyl alcohol content. So, if budget is your concern, go for the latter. In my opinion, it’s just as good and more suitable for those of you who are going for a delicate hint of fragrance rather than a heavy cent. If eau de cologne and eau de toilettes are still to pricey for your budget, go for body sprays and spritzes. They’re just as yummy.

Invest in two fragrances, one for daytime wear and one for evening wear

I recommend a fruity, clean, or earthy scent of the day that will uplift and energize you and an exotic and floral scent for evening. There’s no rule here and just go for what you feel most comfortable with.

When you find something you like, purchase a smaller size for your handbag. Lugging around a big bottle takes up space in your bag and adds unnecessary weight. Plus, smaller sizes are ideal for travel.

Bottom line: wear whatever it is that you feel most comfortable in. There are no set of rules here. Your scent is your own. Create, enhance, and complement with whatever you wish. And, why not be a little adventurous and try out something new?