Choosing
A Perfume
by: Sara Blackmoore
The choice of fragrances and scents seems to grow wider
every day, as manufacturers fight for our attention
and try ever harder to distinguish their offerings from
the competition. With such a selection to choose from,
how does one even begin to know where to start when
it comes to buying perfume?
Broadly speaking, all perfumes fall into one of six
different categories based on their dominant top notes.
Different categories will suit different people or occasions.
Earthy or woody type perfumes evoke smells of the forest,
and are usually very refreshing. They often tend to
appeal to the older generation, and may make ideal gifts.
Oriental fragrances use strong spicy scents, and are
ideal for special social occasions, but be cautious
giving them to anyone you don’t know well –
these intense perfumes can be a very personal choice.
The so-called “greens” are much lighter than
the orientals, and are well suited to more casual wear.
Because they make a less dramatic assault on the nose,
they are also safer to give as gifts!
Modern “oceanic” fragrances are becoming more
and more popular, particularly among younger people
who appreciate the intense but often quite unusual scents,
which instantly bring to mind seaside scenes. Naturally
these are an excellent choice in the warmer months when
thoughts turn to holidays.
Spicy fruity perfumes are also a good warm-weather choice,
and can be a good all-round choice for the woman who
wants to wear something with some traditional base-notes
but is a little different to the classic floral scents.
Finally, those classic floral fragrances are suitable
for almost everyone and any occasion. But be wary of
cheaper brands; this most feminine of all the main groups
works best when the ingredients used are of high quality,
and that means less expensive brands can smell exactly
that.
Ultimately, choosing a fragrance is a very personal
choice, and many women prefer to stick with what they
know and buy the same thing year after year. But by
trying different fragrances from the same group as your
favorite smell, you may just discover a new gem.
