One would be unable to count the number of perfumes/fragrances available in the market today and this is exactly why choosing one can be an exhausting and daunting task. Simply too many to pick from but if you had a guide, perhaps that would help you narrow it down. Well, you are in luck. By the time you finish this read, choosing the right scent will be less daunting.
So how do you pick the smell that is the best fit for you?
Choose Your Notes
The overall scent is determined by the notes and each perfume/cologne contains different notes. These notes consist of different layers called the base, top and middle notes and they all combine to create a specific smell. The top notes are what you get in that first sniff. They are the most prominent but they evaporate in less than 15 minutes and transform into the heart note. The middle note carries the main essence of the perfume and base note which lasts the longest, combines with the middle note and stays there for the whole day.
It is best to determine the type of cologne or perfume you prefer and then see which base note they contain before making a purchase decision. To get a better idea of which you think will suit you, you can learn more about the different types of notes used in making perfumes.
Choose The Right Concentration
The level of the concentration determines the longevity and boldness of the perfume or cologne. Usually, as the level of the concentration goes up, so does the price. Although pricey, perfume lovers consider them worth every penny. There are multiple concentration levels with different performance but we will explore the basics which are four in number. They are:
Eau de Cologne: This has the lowest fragrance concentration and is the most diluted one. The scent lasts up to two hours only. It’s formulated with 5% oil, alcohol, and water.
Eau de Toilette: It has an 8 percent concentration of perfume extract. It is fairly affordable and can be easily found in retails stores. It lasts up to 4 hours. This needs reapplication throughout the day to get it to last. It is an excellent choice during the humid season.
Eau de Parfum: This has a higher concentration level. It has an 18% concentration of oil and alcohol which lasts for about 6 hours after application.
Parfum: This one is the strongest as it contains the highest concentration of perfume extract up to 30% oil and alcohol. It lasts all day with just a single application on the wrist or pulse point.
Test the Fragrance
You should do some simple tests before deciding to purchase a fragrance to make sure it is something you will want to wear and will enjoy. First do a simple sniff test on the bottle to have an idea of what the main scent is like then proceed to test some on your skin. Testing the perfume on your skin is important as each skin has its unique code of hormones and pheromones that can slightly or even extremely alter the way a fragrance smells. Before purchasing, spray a small amount on your wrists, wait a few moments, and then smell the scent on your skin. Depending on your own chemical makeup, it can enhance or diminish the smell. It can also be altered if you have a certain chemistry that does not match the scent’s mixture. Most department stores offer testers to people so they can try the fragrance before making a purchase decision.
