Scent shopping made easy with this quick guide
Choosing a fragrance can be a daunting experience. There are so many to choose from, it's difficult to know where to start. But discover which family your favourites are from and scent shopping suddenly becomes a whole lot easier.
What's your scent?
Each fragrance falls into a different category, according to its ingredients. "Our reaction to each fragrance family is emotional and individual,” explains perfume expert Michael Edwards. "Usually people like fragrances from just two or three families, so that is the most reliable criteria to base a decision on.
Shopping hints
- Only ever try three fragrances at the one time, or you'll confuse your sense of smell.
- Try just a few drops or a light spray and wait a minute to allow the fragrance time to ‘bloom' on your skin.
- Never sniff the bottle — fragrances come to life only on your skin.
- Don't apply perfumes on the same spot — try them on each wrist and inside the elbow.
- Test lighter concentrations such as eau de toilettes or colognes before a parfum as they dry and develop more quickly.
How do you choose a fragrance for someone else?
"Ask a sales consultant for advice,” advises Edwards. "Describe the woman you are buying for — not her hair colour or her age, but her style of dress, her personality, her activities. Ask for three suggestions. Then let your instinct take over. Nine times out of 10 you'll select the perfect match.”
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