Finding Lovely Fragrances: A Guide To Scents And Perfumes

Finding a fragrance that you love can be a challenge, but it's worth it when you find the perfect scent. A good fragrance can make you feel young and carefree, or stir up memories of a loved one. It can complement your outfit or set the mood for a romantic evening. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help you find your new favourite scent.

Try lots of different fragrances to understand what you like and dislike

Finding a fragrance that you love can be a fun and rewarding process. It's important to try lots of different fragrances to understand what you like and dislike. This can be a great way to explore and discover new scents that you may not have otherwise considered.

When trying new fragrances, take the time to sample a variety of different types, from fresh and citrusy to warm and spicy. You might be surprised by what you discover! For example, you might find that you enjoy the freshness of a citrus-based cologne in the summer, but prefer the warmth of a woody or musky fragrance in the winter.

It's also a good idea to experiment with different concentrations, such as eau de parfum or eau de toilette, as these will have varying levels of intensity and longevity. This can help you find a fragrance that not only suits your taste but also your desired level of projection and sillage (the degree to which a fragrance leaves a trail).

Additionally, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try fragrances that are completely different from what you're used to. You might discover a whole new world of scents that you never knew existed. For example, if you usually go for light and floral fragrances, try something with deeper notes like amber or patchouli.

Finally, take your time when testing fragrances. Don't feel rushed to make a decision, as finding the perfect scent is a highly personal journey. Spray or apply the fragrance and wear it for a few hours to see how it develops on your skin. You might find that a scent that you initially disliked grows on you, or vice versa. Trust your nose and go with what makes you feel confident and happy.

Research fragrances online

When researching fragrances online, it's a good idea to start by reading reviews from other customers. This can give you an idea of the scent, how long it lasts, and whether or not it's good value for money. You can also find out if the fragrance is subtle or overpowering, and whether it's suitable for day or evening wear. For example, Sarah Jessica Parker's 'Lovely' fragrance is described by customers as having a "lightweight, floral scent that is not overpowering", as well as being "sweet, floral, and slightly powdery".

You can also research fragrances by brand. For instance, Tom Ford fragrances are said to "evolve over time as you wear them", with one reviewer describing the "evolution" of the scent as "beautiful".

Some fragrances are also described in terms of their "fragrance family". For example, Tom Ford's 'Rose Prick' is a "warm floral" with key notes of "rose de mai, Bulgarian rose, and Sichuan pepper".

It's also worth considering the occasion for which you're buying the fragrance. For example, one reviewer describes Sarah Jessica Parker's 'Lovely' as "perfect for a romantic evening on the town".

Finally, you can also research fragrances by price, bottle size, and availability. For instance, some customers appreciate the generous bottle size of Sarah Jessica Parker's 'Lovely' for the price.

Buy small samples of fragrances to try

When looking for a lovely fragrance, it's important to try out different scents to find the one that suits you best. A great way to do this is to buy small samples of fragrances, also known as perfume or cologne samples.

Sephora and Amazon are two popular places where you can find a wide variety of fragrances to choose from. Sephora offers a range of lovely fragrances, including those from well-known brands like Tom Ford. On the other hand, Amazon provides an extensive selection of perfumes and colognes, with options like the Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely fragrance, which is highly rated by customers for its pleasant, affordable, and lightweight floral scent.

By purchasing small samples, you can explore different fragrance families, such as floral, woody, or musky scents, and discover which ones appeal to you the most. You can also test how the fragrances evolve over time, as some, like Tom Ford's, are designed to change subtly throughout the day.

Additionally, buying samples allows you to find fragrances that complement your outfits or set the mood for different occasions. Whether you're looking for something romantic, carefree, or simply a scent that makes you feel young, sampling a variety of fragrances will help you make an informed decision before committing to a full-sized bottle.

So, if you're on the hunt for a lovely fragrance, consider purchasing small samples from retailers like Sephora and Amazon. This way, you can explore a range of scents, discover new favourites, and find the perfect fragrance that suits your unique personality and style.

Explore different fragrance notes

Fragrance notes are typically categorised into three main types: top notes, heart notes (also known as middle or mid notes), and base notes. Each note plays a specific role in the fragrance’s development and longevity. Notes at the top of the pyramid have a higher volatility (they evaporate faster), while notes at the bottom are longer-lasting. Top notes, sometimes referred to as headnotes, form the top layer of a fragrance. In other words, top notes are the scents you detect first after spraying a perfume. Some common top notes include citrus scents – like lemon, orange, and bergamot – as well as light floral scents like lavender and rose. Basil and anise are also commonly used as top notes.

Heart notes make up the 'heart' of the fragrance. Their function is to retain some of the top notes' aroma while also introducing new scents to deepen the experience. Sometimes referred to as middle notes, the heart notes also serve as a buffer for the base notes, which may not smell as pleasant on their own.

Base notes include warm, crisp, or earthy scents like oud and sandalwood.

Some of the most common fragrance note categories include fresh, floral, spice, fruits, woods, and musk, each of which is typically used in specific note categories. For instance, floral and fresh scents are almost always top notes while woodsy and musky scents typically appear toward the bottom of the note pyramid.

Try fragrances in department stores

Department stores are a great place to try fragrances. Sephora, Ulta, Dillards, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Perfumania all offer testers to try. You can also buy sample sizes from The Perfumed Court, which is a great way to "try before you buy".

Frequently asked questions