There are many scents available for every occasion so, when it comes to choosing one that suits you where do you start? Here is your ultimate guide on to how to buy perfume. The basic rule of thumb is to never buy a perfume after simply smelling it on another person or just by sniffing a sample that has been sprayed on a scent card.
The reason behind this is twofold. First, the perfume changes after it matures. Second, and more importantly, all fragrances do not smell the same on all women.
Since each person has different body chemistry, when the perfume is applied, the reaction or scent may be slightly different on one person to another.
This what is known as the signature scent. It dictates how our skin will take to any fragrance that we apply onto it. We all have unique signature scents determined by our particular lifestyle habits and choices, diet, any medication, skin type and colouring, and many other factors.
Thus, because of the signature scent, a specific fragrance will smell differently on different people.
Skin Test Or Blotters?
There are two ways that you can try out a new perfume, either by applying it direct onto your skin or to spray it onto the fragrance blotters. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. By testing directly on your skin, you will be able to know exactly how it will smell. By testing it on the blotters, you can spray on different cards and write the name of that scent on the back of them. But this method of testing will not give you exactly how it will smell on your skin.
The best way is to try on the fragrance blotters first, then choose the smell that you like and try it on your skin. When testing a perfume in a store, be sure to wait about ten minutes to allow the fragrance to react to your body chemistry before buying it.
Smell it after the first application and then smell it again after waiting. This allows you to sample both the top and middle notes of the scent and give you a good sense of how the fragrance will linger throughout the day.
Other Factors To Consider
Always apply fragrances directly to your skin or hair, as some fragrances may cause discolouration on certain fabrics. This is particularly important with parfums and eau de parfums which have a higher concentration of oils.
Never spray fragrances directly on to silk as it will cause damage. If you like to spritz a bit on your clothing, be sure to test it first on a hidden area such as an inner lining before spraying it all over yourself. This is especially true for delicate fabrics and dry-clean only clothing.
Go for lighter scents during daytime wear or in warmer weather. Heat intensifies the scent, so there is no need to douse yourself in a heavy scent during the summer. If you are outdoors, be aware that bees, wasps, hornets, and other flying bugs are attracted to flowery fragrances.
You can go for a muskier scent for the evening or even a woody earthy cologne. Keep the stronger scents for the drier, cool temperatures.
Tip: Now that you know how to buy perfume that is the best fit for you, it is time to shop around for the best price available. Nowadays, online stores usually sell perfumes at a better price than most of the department stores or retail outlet, as they have lower overheads. They also can carry a lot more varieties of brands. You can also search for great deals on Amazon.
Photo Credit: Imaxtree
