Heidi Norton
Finding a new perfume can be challenging, especially with the vast array of options available. Some people may prefer to rely on recommendations from friends or experts, while others may opt for online tools and communities, such as Fragrantica, that offer personalised suggestions based on scent profiles, current favourites, and dislikes. These tools can help narrow down the selection and provide tailored recommendations to suit individual preferences and budgets. Ultimately, the sense of smell is subjective, and the only true way to know if a perfume suits you is to experience it yourself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Online fragrance finder |
| Input | Fragrance you already wear/love or a friend loves |
| Output | Six suggestions for new fragrances at different price points |
| Other Options | Search by scent profile, current loves, and dislikes |
| Other Options | Take quizzes, book online consultations, and read reviews |
| Other Options | Buy sample discovery kits from The Perfumed Court or individual brands |
| Other Options | Keep a notebook or Excel spreadsheet to track full bottles, testers, and decants |
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What You'll Learn
Online fragrance finders
Fragrantica
Fragrantica is an online community and magazine dedicated to perfumes and colognes. It features an unbiased algorithm that can recommend new fragrances based on your likes. You can input a few fragrances that you or someone else likes, and the algorithm will calculate and suggest other perfumes you might enjoy. Fragrantica has a vast database of perfumes, with over 110,000 fragrances reviewed by nearly 1.6 million perfume lovers. The website also features articles, news, and discussions about specific perfumes, notes, and perfumers, offering a comprehensive exploration of the world of fragrances.
The Perfume Society
The Perfume Society's website offers a "virtual fragrance advisor" that can suggest new fragrances. You can input a fragrance you already wear or love, and the advisor will provide six suggestions for new perfumes to try, catering to different price points. Their system has thousands of fragrances in its memory bank, and if your favourite scent is not listed, you can email them for a personal recommendation of six fragrances. The Perfume Society also allows you to explore specific perfume houses and brands through their drop-down menu.
Online Communities and Review Sections
Engaging with online communities and reading reviews can also help you find new perfumes. Websites like Fragrantica have active communities where users share their experiences and reviews of specific perfumes. These communities often discuss unique and lesser-known fragrances, providing insights into the vast world of perfumes. Reading reviews can give you a sense of the notes, longevity, and overall experience of a perfume before you purchase it.
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Reviews and recommendations
When it comes to finding a new perfume, reviews and recommendations can be a great source of guidance and inspiration. Here are some tips to help you navigate the world of fragrances and find your new signature scent:
Seek Out Reviews
Reading perfume reviews can give you valuable insights into how a particular fragrance smells, performs, and appeals to others. Look for detailed reviews that describe the scent's composition, including top, middle, and base notes. For example, a review of a coconut-based perfume might mention that it has top notes of toasted coconut and bergamot, middle notes of jasmine and cacao, and base notes of vanilla and musk. Reviews can also indicate how long a perfume lasts, how strong it is, and whether it's suitable for certain seasons or occasions. For instance, a reviewer might comment that a particular fragrance is perfect for summertime or that it's an elegant choice for evening wear.
Consider Recommendations
Perfume recommendation tools and algorithms can suggest new fragrances based on your preferences. Some websites, like Fragrantica, use algorithms to make suggestions based on fragrances you already know and love. You can input a fragrance you wear or enjoy, and their virtual fragrance advisor will offer alternatives across different price points. This can be a fun way to discover new perfumes that align with your taste. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of personal recommendations. Ask friends and family about their favourite perfumes, especially if their scent preferences align with yours.
Explore Perfume Reviews and Magazines
Perfume reviews and magazines, such as Fragrantica and Now Smell This, are excellent resources for discovering new fragrances. These platforms often feature articles, interviews, and reviews by perfume enthusiasts and experts. For instance, Fragrantica offers monthly themes centred around specific notes, like ylang-ylang or lingonberries and cranberries. They also provide unbiased fragrance reviews, like the one praising a perfume that captures the moment "desert silence gives way to rain-drenched renewal". Now Smell This also combines reviews with fragrance news, keeping readers up to date with the latest releases and trends.
Sample Before You Buy
Whenever possible, it's advisable to sample a perfume before committing to a full bottle. Reviews can be subjective, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Visit perfume counters or stores that offer samples, and take your time testing different fragrances. Spray or apply a small amount of the perfume and assess how it interacts with your body chemistry. Remember that the scent may evolve over time, with top notes fading to reveal the heart and base notes. If you're considering an expensive fragrance, you might want to ask for a sample to ensure you love it before investing.
Trust Your Nose and Intuition
While reviews and recommendations can guide you, ultimately, the perfect perfume is the one that speaks to you. Scent is deeply personal, and you may find yourself drawn to fragrances that evoke specific memories or emotions. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore different perfume families. You might be surprised by the scents you discover and fall in love with. Trust your instincts, and don't be swayed solely by popularity or trends. The right perfume for you is the one that makes you feel confident and embodies the essence you want to convey.
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Discovery kits
Many perfume brands and retailers offer discovery kits, with some of the more popular ones being Penhaligon's, Sephora, Phlur, and Luckyscent. Penhaligon's, for example, offers a unique service where you can choose any two samples for $11, although the quantity is slightly less than their standard prepackaged discovery kits. Their Trade Routes kit is also highly recommended, as it offers a good variety of unisex spicy fragrances with hints of rose.
Sephora Canada also has an extensive collection of discovery kits, including the Kilian Paris perfume discovery kit, which includes popular scents like Princess, Love, Don't Be Shy, and Angels' Share. They also have the LoveShackFancy perfume collection, featuring floral scents like Endless Dreams, Forever in Love, and Moondance.
If you're looking for a genderless option, the Henry Rose Eau de Parfum Discovery Sampler Set is a great choice and is priced at $28. For something more customizable, Ellis Brooklyn's sample set offers miniature bottles with beachy and fruity scents like Salt and Sun Fruit.
With discovery kits, you can explore a variety of fragrances, find your signature scent, and even mix and match to create your own unique combinations.
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Samples and testers
Sampling perfumes before settling on a scent is a great way to save money and avoid the frustration of buying a large bottle of perfume that you later realise you don't like. There are several ways to get your hands on free or low-cost perfume samples, both online and in-store.
One way to obtain samples is to visit the makeup counter at your favourite department store, such as Nordstrom or Sephora, and ask for a fragrance sample. You can also sign up for an account at Ulta and opt for mailings, which will get you several free perfume samples each month. Beauty specialty shops like Sephora will also pour you a sample vial upon request. Many department stores also hold scent events, where you can receive deluxe-sized scents to try.
You can also request free samples directly from the perfume manufacturer. Some companies will give away free samples when they launch a new perfume, so keep an eye on your favourite brands and check their websites for free sample opportunities. You can also sign up for beauty product newsletters to stay informed about new product launches and giveaways.
Another way to obtain samples is to purchase them from niche boutiques online, which often sell sample vials of their scents through their online stores. Some of these boutiques even have sample programs that you can sign up for and get their newest fragrances mailed to you automatically. Perfume outlets and perfume sample businesses, such as Fragrances Line, Scent Split, and MicroPerfumes, are another excellent way to get a wide range of perfume samples at an affordable price.
Subscription boxes, such as Scentbox or Scentbird, are also a great way to build your knowledge of on-trend perfumes. These monthly deliveries will allow you to try a variety of perfumes without having to commit to a full-size purchase.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of sharing! If you have a friend with a full-size bottle of a fragrance you're interested in, ask them to decant an ounce or so for you.
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Scent profiles
When it comes to finding a new perfume, it's important to consider your scent profile. This involves exploring different fragrance notes and experimenting with various perfumes to discover what resonates with you.
Perfumes can be broadly categorized into olfactive families, each offering a unique olfactory experience. For instance, fresh and clean citrus scents can evoke a sense of vitality and energy, while warm and sensual oriental fragrances, often starting with an animalistic base like ambergris or musk, layered with warmer notes such as amber or vanilla, create a mysterious and alluring aura. Sweet perfumes, also known as gourmand fragrances, feature edible scents like honey, chocolate, or candy, making them perfect for when you want to indulge your playful side. Spicy perfumes, with notes of ginger, cinnamon, or cloves, evoke warmth and comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere.
The composition of a fragrance is another crucial aspect. Perfumes are typically composed of top, middle, and base notes, each playing a role in the overall scent experience. The top notes are the first impression, what you initially smell, while the heart notes, or middle notes, emerge as the top notes fade, adding depth and complexity. Finally, the base notes, also known as the dry-down, are the final scent that lingers, serving as the true signature of the perfume.
When choosing a perfume, it's essential to stay open-minded and explore unexpected notes. Certain scents can evoke specific memories or bring out different facets of your personality. Consider what emotions and sensations you want your perfume to evoke, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to discover new favourites.
Ultimately, finding your signature scent is a personal journey that involves trusting your instincts and embracing new olfactory adventures.
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Frequently asked questions
Finding a new perfume can be a difficult task, but there are several ways to go about it. You can take a quiz or book an online consultation. You can also refer to websites such as Fragrantica, which has a "my shelves" choice in the "search by notes" function. You can also refer to blogs and reviews to find a perfume that suits your taste.
You can refer to a virtual fragrance advisor that will suggest new fragrances to try across a range of price points. You can also refer to The Perfumed Court, which sells discovery kits.
You can refer to the perfume notes and match them to your preferences. You can also refer to reviews and descriptions to get an idea of what the perfume might smell like. However, the only way to truly know if you like a perfume is to smell it yourself.
You can keep a notebook or use a spreadsheet to keep track of full bottles, testers, and decants.
