Very often I hear women complain that they don’t really know what perfume they like, or that they are afraid to buy something new, so they just stick with the perfume they introduced decades ago. It is true that these days we are bombarded with new perfume releases every time we go to the stores. There are literally thousands of different fragrances.

How do you choose which one is right for you? Perfume is a very personal choice. What suits one person may not suit another. Fragrances should not only reflect the personality of the person wearing them, but they should smell different on everyone as they mix with the natural oils and acids of the skin. Perfumes are generally categorized into eight different areas, so once you know which category you like best, you can narrow down your search.

1) flowers

By far the largest and most popular category. A chord of different floral notes including Rose, Carnation, Jasmine, Gardenia and Orange Blossom. Easily blending in with any other family, floral scents are universally loved. This also includes single flower compositions such as rose, jasmine, tuberose, lily of the valley, or ylang ylang. Think of Christian Dior J’adore, Gucci Eau De Parfum II and Britney Spears Curious.

2) flower aldehyde

These fragrances are often described as a bit powdery. They are quite smooth, although the aldehydes add brightness to the floral notes. Think of Chanel No5, Carolina Herrera 212 and Bvlgary Omnia Cristalline.

3) citrus

This group of fragrances is light, tart, refreshing and uplifting. The light and fresh character of citrus notes (lime, mandarin orange, bergamot, orange, lemon, petitgrain, tangerine, etc.) are often combined with sweeter aromas (flowers, fruits and chypre). Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune, Clarins Eau Tranquility and Donna Karan Be Delicious.

4) Green

Green fragrances are fresh with a hint of crispness often reminiscent of grass, pine and freshly cut herbs. It is almost an outdoor or sports fragrance. The green notes are of a natural character; often married with fruity and floral notes. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca and Christian Dior Tendre Poison

5) eastern

These are very sensual, warm and exotic fragrances that elude mystery. Contains musk, oriental resins, vanilla, precious woods and dark chocolate. These perfumes are not for the faint-hearted or the violet cringe. Poison by Christian Dior, YSL Opium and Guerlain Shalimar.

6) Soft Oriental

Soft-orientals combines oriental notes with various florals. The top notes are usually fresh. Britney Spears In Control, Simply Clinic.

7) Cyprus (Woody)

Based on a woody, mossy and floral complex, containing cedar, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, pine and sometimes with fruit aspects, chypre perfumes are rich and tenacious. Guerlain Samsara, Narciso Rodriguez For Her and Donna Karan Cashmere Mist.

8) aqueous

These are aquatic or marine notes that are reminiscent of the ocean or the smell after a big downpour, the sea breeze, and cool, fresh dew. Think L’Eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake, Bvlgary BLV Notte.

Once you have decided on the perfume you like, you have another option. What strength do you want your perfume to be.

Here are your options:

PERFUME – The strongest and longest lasting form of fragrance. Apply to all pulse points; where you feel your heartbeat, behind your ears, at the back of your neck, at the base of your throat, in your breast, in the crook of your elbows, on the inside of your wrists, and behind your knees. Body heat at these points will ensure a well-balanced fragrance application. It usually comes in a dab in a bottle. This form will last on the skin for 8 to 12 hours.

EAU DE PARFUM – One of the most common forms of fragrance found in many of the fine fragrance collections. It should be smoothed or sprayed on just before dressing. It is usually a spray bottle and lasts on the skin for 6-8 hours.

EAU DE TOILET – Generally less concentrated than Eau de Parfum, it should be applied in exactly the same way as Eau de Parfum. Always in a spray bottle and it will last on the skin for 4 to 6 hours.

COLOGNE- The lightest form of fragrance. Perfect for splashing generously all over the body. It is the perfect refreshment. It doesn’t last long on the skin.

Once you’ve become familiar with the different options available to you, it’s time to head over to the fragrance counter. But go slowly. Our noses only recognize up to three smells. So don’t get drenched in twenty different perfumes. Once you’ve tried three different scents on your skin, walk away.

Leave the perfume area as the air is full of scents here. Leave the perfume on your skin for ten minutes before smelling it again. This way you should get an idea of ​​the true fragrance. If you still like it, you have a winner.

Note: Never rub your wrists after spraying your perfume. This damages the fragrance notes and you won’t get the real perfume.

Happy perfume shopping!