9 things to know when choosing perfume

Fragrance can make you fresher in summer, more passionate in winter, younger in spring and more romantic and sexy when the autumn wind comes...

Fragrance – A Discreet Yet Magical Accessory

Scents can make you feel refreshed in summer, passionate in winter, youthful in spring, and romantic and sensual in autumn. That’s why perfume is considered one of the most discreet yet magical accessories—thanks to its powerful allure. Today, perfume is familiar to people of all ages, but choosing the right one isn’t so simple…

Fragrance Labels – Know What You're Buying

Choosing a perfume that suits your personality and preferences is important, but choosing one that matches the occasion, weather, and outfit is even more crucial. A good perfume not only expresses your personal style but also reflects your fashion sense. So, before buying, consider the following types:

• Parfum Classic: The most concentrated type, containing 22–40% essential oil. Long-lasting scent (8–10 hours).

• Eau de Parfum (EDP): Contains 12–20% essential oil. Lasts about 6–8 hours.

• Eau de Toilette (EDT): Has 5–12% essential oil. Commonly used, lasting 4–6 hours.

• Eau de Cologne: Contains only 2–4% oil. Fragrance lasts 3–4 hours.

• Eau Fraîche: The lightest concentration (1–3%), lasts about 2–3 hours.

Each type offers a different scent experience and duration on the skin.

Popular Fragrance Families

• Citrus (lemon, orange, mandarin): Fresh and light, perfect for work or sports. Ideal for youthful, energetic personalities.

• Floral (rose, jasmine, daisy): Can be a single floral scent or a bouquet. Feminine, fresh, and elegant.

• Earthy (sandalwood, cinnamon, vanilla, honey): Subtle and mysterious. Great for gentle, reserved personalities.

• Musk: Heavier and more seductive. Created synthetically from animalic notes (e.g., civet). Best for bold individuals and suitable for open spaces in the evening.

Tips for Choosing Perfume

• Don’t shop without knowing what you want. Research styles and narrow down your options before heading to the store.

• Bring coffee beans with you—smelling them helps reset your sense of smell after trying a few perfumes.

• Bring a wool scarf or wear a wool sweater (especially in cold weather). Sniffing the wool can help you compare and detect scents better. Some stores also provide sample wool pieces.

• Never decide to buy a perfume just after the first spray. The top note only lasts a few minutes. Wait 10 minutes to see how the scent evolves before making your decision.

• Perfume is made from highly concentrated natural extracts. It absorbs quickly into the skin, and unsuitable choices may cause allergies or skin reactions. Choose scents suited to your skin type:

  • Dry skin: opt for carrot oil-based perfumes.

  • Oily skin: lemon or orange essential oils.

  • Sensitive skin: go for jasmine or rose-based perfumes.

• Prices can range from a few dollars to hundreds. Know your budget in advance to avoid wasting time.

Pro Tip: Your sense of smell is sharper in the afternoon or evening—ideal times to go perfume shopping.

Using and Storing Perfume

• For non-spray bottles: place a finger over the opening and dab the perfume on desired areas.

• Apply perfume to warm spots on the body to maximize longevity and intensity: wrists, inner elbows, chest, and behind the neck.

• Store perfume in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Ideally, place the bottle back in its box after use to preserve the fragrance.

Choosing Perfume that Matches You

• If you prefer subtlety and elegance, avoid highly concentrated, overpowering perfumes. Opt for light Eau de Toilette scents or fragrances with wood or meadow notes.

• Use perfumes appropriately for the setting:

  • Avoid strong perfumes in crowded or confined spaces like public transport.

  • For evening events or parties, candy or fruity notes can enhance your charm.

  • For sports, a hint of a light, fresh scent is best.

Ultimately, you are the one wearing the perfume, so don’t be swayed by others’ opinions or copy someone else's choice. If you're a perfume lover with multiple bottles, choose scents suited for different occasions so your fragrance always reflects confidence and makes a good impression on others.