Finding Fragrances: Why Don't Scents Smell Good On Me?

Finding the perfect fragrance can be a challenging and confusing task, much like dating. You may have often wondered if a scent is working for you or if you should move on. While it is essential to trust your instincts and go with what you like, there are some factors that can help guide your search for the ideal fragrance. Firstly, your skin chemistry plays a crucial role in how a perfume interacts with your body. The same perfume can smell different on two people due to variations in body temperature, humidity, and even the products you use. Therefore, it is recommended to sample perfumes on your skin rather than solely relying on the scent in the bottle. Additionally, the way a fragrance is applied can also impact its final scent – rubbing it in versus spritzing or dabbing can yield different results. Seeking out samples or trial sizes is a great way to test a fragrance on your skin before committing to a larger bottle. It is also suggested to avoid using strongly scented products simultaneously, as they can clash and alter the true scent of the perfume. Ultimately, finding the right fragrance is a personal journey influenced by your preferences, emotions, and memories.

Body chemistry: how a perfume interacts with your skin and pheromones

Perfume is an incredibly intimate beauty product. It can evoke emotion, elicit memory, and enhance mood. However, finding the right one can be challenging, as no perfume smells the same on two people. The answer lies in body chemistry.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and everything you eat and drink is secreted through it. When you wear a perfume, it interacts with your skin, temperature, humidity, beauty products, clothing, and even your pheromones and natural odour. This complex interplay of factors determines the final scent, which can be difficult to predict. For example, if you rub in a perfume instead of dabbing or spritzing it, it might smell different.

Your body temperature alone drives the evolution of a fragrance. You will experience the top notes when it is initially applied and the dry-down notes after many hours of wear. Fragrances are made of ingredients with different volatilities. Citrus notes, for instance, evaporate more quickly than musky or woody notes.

Before buying a perfume, it is essential to sample it. However, without a breakdown of your body chemistry, you cannot be entirely sure how it will smell on your skin. One tip is to avoid using strongly scented products, such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or laundry detergent, as these can clash with your perfume.

According to Frank Voelkl, principal perfumer at Firmenich, fragrance preferences are subjective and based on personal preferences. It is more about finding a fragrance that makes you feel good and comfortable than the body chemistry reaction itself.

Fragrance longevity: how long a perfume lasts on your skin

Fragrance longevity, or how long a perfume lasts on your skin, depends on several factors. These include the perfume's concentration, ingredients and notes, your skin type, and where and how you apply it.

Perfumes with higher concentrations of fragrance oils tend to last longer. Parfum, with the highest concentration, can linger for up to 24 hours, while lighter options like Eau de Cologne or Eau Fraiche may only last a couple of hours.

Your skin type also plays a significant role. Oily skin generally retains scents better than dry skin, as the natural oils act as a magnet for fragrance molecules. However, moisturising before applying perfume can help those with dry skin. Combination and normal skin types may experience varying longevity in different areas of the skin, depending on their oiliness.

Applying perfume to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears, and even your knees, can enhance its longevity. These areas emit heat, helping to diffuse the fragrance over time. Additionally, layering with multiple scented products, such as body wash and lotion, can prolong the fragrance.

The ingredients and notes of a perfume also contribute to its longevity. Top notes are light and refreshing but fade quickly, typically lasting 15-30 minutes. Middle notes, or heart notes, emerge after the top notes and last longer, often up to 2-4 hours. Base notes form the foundation of the fragrance and can linger for several hours, sometimes even up to 24 hours, depending on the perfume's concentration.

Other factors that can impact perfume longevity include temperature, humidity, and airflow. Warmer temperatures may amplify fragrances but also cause them to evaporate faster. Colder weather tends to make scents last longer but project less. Airflow, such as from exercise or wind, can also stimulate perfume evaporation.

Perfume notes: the ingredients that make up a perfume's scent

Much like musical notes make up a song, fragrance notes are the individual components that, when combined, form a unified, pleasing perfume. These notes are the building blocks of a fragrance and contribute to its overall scent profile.

Perfume notes are typically categorized into three main types: top notes, heart/middle notes, and base notes. Each note plays a specific role in the fragrance's development and longevity, with top notes being the first scent you smell after spraying, heart notes forming the main body of the perfume, and base notes providing depth and warmth that lingers for hours.

Top Notes

Top notes are the initial scents that you perceive right after applying perfume. They are the lightest and most volatile notes, lasting only about 5 to 15 minutes. Examples of top notes include citrus scents like lemon, orange, and bergamot, as well as light floral scents such as lavender and rose. Top notes give off an initial impression and then smoothly transition into the next layer of the fragrance.

Heart/Middle Notes

Heart notes, also known as middle notes, are the scents that emerge as the top notes start to fade. They typically last for about 2 to 3 hours and form the heart of the fragrance. Heart notes include full-bodied, aromatic floral oils like jasmine, geranium, and ylang-ylang, as well as spices like cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom. They retain some of the top notes' aroma while introducing new scents to deepen the olfactory experience.

Base Notes

Base notes are the foundation of the fragrance, providing depth and warmth. They are rich, heavy, and long-lasting, kicking in about 30 minutes after application and lingering for 6 hours or more. Popular base notes include vanilla, amber, musk, patchouli, and woody notes like sandalwood and cedarwood.

Finding Your Signature Scent

When it comes to finding your signature scent, it's important to trust your instincts and go with what you like. Your skin will tell you if a fragrance works for you, and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly. Don't worry about identifying individual notes right away; focus on whether you like the overall scent and how it makes you feel.

Sampling is key. Try visiting specialised boutiques or department stores to smell a variety of fragrances and get an idea of what you're drawn to. You can also utilise online resources like Fragrantica, which offers a vast database of fragrances, their notes, and reviews.

Remember, the perfect scent is out there, and it's all about discovering the unique combination of notes that resonates with you.

Sampling perfumes: how to test perfumes before buying

Finding the right fragrance can be a confusing and challenging task. Perfumes can smell different on different people, and it can be tricky to know whether a scent will suit you without trying it. Here are some tips for sampling perfumes before committing to a purchase.

In-Store Sampling

If possible, it is always a good idea to sample a perfume in-store before buying. This allows you to experience the scent on your skin and determine whether it suits your body chemistry. When testing perfumes in-store, spray or dab the fragrance onto your pulse points, such as your wrists or neck, and give it a few minutes to settle. You should know within a few minutes whether you like the scent or not, and how it interacts with your skin.

Request Samples or Trial Sizes

If you are unable to test a perfume in-store, consider requesting a sample or purchasing a trial size. Many brands offer small samples or travel-sized bottles, which allow you to try the fragrance without committing to a full-sized bottle. This way, you can wear the perfume for a day or two and see how it interacts with your body chemistry over time.

Avoid Clashing Scents

When testing a new perfume, it is important to avoid using other strongly scented products, such as scented body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, or laundry detergent. These products can interfere with the scent of the perfume and give you a misleading impression.

Consider Your Preferences

When choosing a perfume, it is essential to consider your personal preferences. What brands do you like? What particular notes or ingredients are you drawn to? Choosing a fragrance that aligns with your tastes and values is crucial in finding a scent that makes you feel good and comfortable.

Prepare Your Skin

When sampling a new perfume, it is recommended to apply it to clean skin. Ensure you shower beforehand and apply only a neutral or unscented lotion. Additionally, consider applying the perfume lower on the body, as scent tends to travel upward.

Understand the Evolution of Fragrance

Keep in mind that a perfume's scent can evolve over time. Fragrances typically have top, middle, and base notes, which are revealed at different stages after application. For example, citrus notes may be prominent at first but fade more quickly than musk or woody notes, which linger for hours.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a perfume that suits your body chemistry and personal preferences. Sampling perfumes before buying allows you to make an informed decision and avoid wasting money on fragrances that don't work for you.

Perfume application: how to apply perfume to make it last longer

Applying perfume correctly can make all the difference when it comes to making your favourite scent last longer. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your fragrance:

Moisturise Your Skin

Dry skin can absorb fragrance more quickly, causing it to fade faster. To prevent this, moisturise your skin before applying perfume. Use an unscented lotion or body oil to create a barrier on your skin, allowing the perfume to cling to it for a longer period. Not only will this make your fragrance last longer, but it will also keep your skin hydrated and smooth.

Apply to Pulse Points

Applying perfume to your pulse points is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make it last longer. Pulse points are areas of the body where the blood vessels are closest to the skin, generating more heat and intensifying the scent. The most common pulse points include the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. Simply spritz or dab a small amount of perfume onto these areas and let your body heat do the rest.

Layer Your Scents

If you want your perfume to have a stronger and longer-lasting scent, try layering it with other scented products from the same fragrance line. Start with a scented body wash or shower gel, followed by a matching body lotion or cream, and then apply your perfume on top. Layering your scents will create a more complex and intensified fragrance experience that will linger on your skin throughout the day.

Store Perfume Properly

The way you store your perfume can also affect its longevity. To ensure your fragrance lasts longer, keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat, light, and humidity can alter the composition of the perfume, causing it to degrade and lose its potency. Instead, store your perfume in a cool, dark place, such as a drawer or cabinet, to preserve its scent.

Apply on a Warm Body

The temperature of your body can influence how long your perfume lasts. Applying perfume after a warm shower or bath can help open up your pores, allowing the fragrance to penetrate deeper into your skin. The heat from your body will also help to activate the perfume, making it last longer throughout the day.

Avoid Rubbing Your Wrists Together

When applying perfume to your wrists, avoid the common habit of rubbing them together. This can cause the fragrance molecules to break down, diminishing the scent and reducing its longevity. Instead, simply let the perfume dry naturally on your skin without any rubbing or friction.

Frequently asked questions