Finding Fragrances For The Perfume-Averse

how to find perfume with someone who doesn

Choosing a perfume for someone who doesn't like perfume can be tricky, but it's not impossible. The key is to find a scent that is subtle and not overpowering. A good place to start is to look for fragrances that fall into the same family as their favourite scents, such as citrus, woody, or floral fragrances. You can also try using a virtual fragrance consultant, which can provide suggestions based on the perfumes they already wear or love. Alternatively, you can add a personal touch by explaining the journey behind your choice of perfume, such as including a special ingredient that is dear to them.

Characteristics Values
Scent Citrus, woody, floral, etc.
Fragrance family Find out the perfume family of the fragrances they like.
Personality Match the scent with the person's personality.
Brand Opt for a big brand name for a great fragrance.
Personal touch Explain the journey of finding the perfume.
Discovery sets Try a discovery set to try several fragrances without committing to one.

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Ask them about their favourite scents

If you are looking for a perfume for someone who doesn't like perfume, asking them about their favourite scents is a great place to start. This can give you an idea of the fragrances they are naturally drawn to and help you understand their scent preferences.

When having this conversation, encourage them to think about the smells they enjoy in their daily life. For example, they might love the scent of freshly brewed coffee, baking bread, or the smell of rain on a hot summer's day. Perhaps they enjoy the scent of freshly cut grass, the sea, or the smell of a pine forest. These scent profiles can help guide your perfume selection.

You can also ask about their favourite memories or places and see if there are any scent associations. For instance, they might love the smell of the ocean because it reminds them of a happy family vacation, or the scent of pine might evoke memories of a beloved family cabin. These positive scent connections can make the idea of wearing perfume more appealing.

Additionally, you can inquire about their preferences regarding scent intensity. Some people prefer very subtle, barely-there scents, while others might enjoy a stronger fragrance that lingers. Understanding their comfort level with scent strength will help you choose a perfume with the right concentration and longevity.

If they are open to it, you can also suggest a trip to a perfume shop or department store to explore different fragrances together. This can be a fun and interactive way to discover their scent preferences. They might discover that they enjoy certain notes, such as floral, woody, citrus, or musky scents, which can guide your perfume selection.

Remember, the key is to keep the conversation focused on their scent preferences and make them feel involved in the process of choosing a perfume. By doing so, you can increase the chances of finding a fragrance that they will truly enjoy and feel comfortable wearing.

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Consider their personality and preferences

When choosing a perfume for someone who doesn't like perfume, it is important to consider their personality and preferences. Are they typically discreet and understated, or do they enjoy making a statement? Do they tend to favour certain scents in their day-to-day life, such as the smell of citrus fruits or flowers? Knowing their scent profile will help guide your choice. For example, if they gravitate towards citrus scents, a perfume with fresh and zesty notes might be more appealing to them. Similarly, if they appreciate floral arrangements, a perfume with delicate floral notes could be a good option.

Take the time to understand their preferences and the specific fragrances they enjoy. You can do this by discreetly observing their current perfume collection, if they have one, or by asking them about their favourite scents and fragrances. This way, you can identify the fragrance family they belong to, such as woody, floral, or citrus. With this information, you can use online resources like Fragrantica or WikiParfum to discover perfumes with similar structures or ingredients. These websites can offer valuable insights and suggestions based on the fragrances you know they like.

If you want to involve them in the process, you can even create a personalised fragrance together using services like the Scent Designer. Alternatively, you can present them with an array of options to try, allowing them to discover which scent truly captures their heart. This approach gives them agency and ensures that they feel comfortable with the perfume you choose. It also adds a thoughtful, personal touch to your gift.

When selecting a perfume, it's crucial to consider the personality of the recipient. If they are typically reserved and understated, a strong and overpowering fragrance might not be the best choice. Instead, opt for something subtle and delicate that complements their personality rather than overwhelms it. Conversely, if they are bold and expressive, a unique and striking perfume could be a perfect fit.

Ultimately, the key is to trust your instincts and nose. Choose a scent that resonates with you and your relationship with the recipient. Whether it reminds you of a special place you've visited together or contains an ingredient that holds a dear memory, the story behind your choice can make all the difference in winning their approval. By adding this personal touch, you can make the experience of selecting or gifting a perfume meaningful and memorable.

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Opt for subtle scents

If you're looking for a perfume for someone who doesn't like perfume, opting for subtle scents is a great strategy. These perfumes are intentionally minimal and meant to enhance, rather than overpower, the wearer's natural scent.

Subtle perfumes are designed to create a sense of intrigue and mystery, leaving a lasting impression without being too overwhelming. They are often composed of softer, more delicate ingredients, allowing for a more streamlined formula with intentional spaces between notes. This looser spacing lets the wearer's skin react and influence the scent, resulting in a unique fragrance that blends seamlessly with their natural body chemistry.

Perfumes with subtle scents can be crafted from a variety of ingredients, including essential oils and natural fragrances. For instance, Glossier's perfume features ambrette seeds, ambrox, iris, and pink pepper, creating an understated scent that enhances the wearer's body chemistry. Maison Margiela's fragrance, inspired by sunshine after a rainstorm, combines aquatic accords with rose petals and pine needles for a refreshing and delicate scent.

Some key ingredients in subtle perfumes include cetalox, a synthetic molecule in the ambergris family, and Iso E Super, a celebrity-beloved aroma with a static-y, dry cedar scent. These minimal formulas often have a longer-lasting effect, lingering softly on the skin without being too forceful.

When choosing a subtle scent, consider fragrances with notes that complement and enhance your natural body chemistry. Opt for perfumes that are designed to be understated yet captivating, leaving a trail of intrigue and mystery in your wake.

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Try discovery sets

If you're looking for a perfume for someone who doesn't like perfume, discovery sets are a great way to explore and sample a variety of fragrances before committing to a full-sized bottle. These sets typically include multiple small vials or samples of different perfumes, often from the same brand or a similar fragrance family. This allows you to test and discover scents that you or the recipient may enjoy, without the risk of investing in a large bottle that may go unused.

Discovery sets are often themed or curated to showcase a brand's unique offerings. For example, Maison Margiela's set includes fragrances that aim to transport you to a specific time period, with scents like 'By the Fireplace' and 'Jazz Club'. Kilian Hennessy's set features woody and spicy options, while also providing a decorative atomizer for on-the-go use. Some sets, like the one from Dries Van Noten, showcase intense fragrances with unique notes like rosemary, patchouli, cypress, and pink pepper.

You can also find discovery sets that offer a range of fragrances from different brands. Sephora's discovery set, for instance, includes 13 trial-sized fragrances from various brands, along with a scent certificate to redeem a full-size bottle of your favourite at no extra cost.

These sets are a fun way to explore different perfumes and can make great gifts, especially for those who are hard to buy for or are particular about scents. They provide an opportunity to discover new favourites and broaden one's fragrance horizons.

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Use online tools and referencing websites

There are a variety of online tools and referencing websites that can help you find a perfume for someone who doesn't like perfume. Here are some options:

Fragrantica

Fragrantica is a website that offers a perfume finder tool. You can input fragrances that you or the other person likes, and their unbiased algorithm will recommend other perfumes based on millions of user votes. The website also features a community that provides perfume reviews, columns, and news.

The Perfume Society

The Perfume Society's website has a 'virtual fragrance advisor' that can help you find new fragrances. You can input a fragrance that you or your friend likes, and the advisor will suggest six new fragrances to try across different price points. The website also allows you to explore specific perfume houses if you want to delve deeper into particular brands.

Online Reviews and Magazines

Websites like Fragrantica and other online magazines often feature perfume reviews and columns by experts and enthusiasts. Reading these reviews can give you insights into different fragrances, their notes, and the experiences they evoke. This can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a perfume for someone who doesn't typically enjoy perfume.

By leveraging these online tools and referencing websites, you can gather information, recommendations, and expert opinions to increase your chances of finding a perfume that suits the preferences of someone who isn't typically a fan of perfume.

Frequently asked questions

It's important to be logical when matching a scent with someone's personality. Avoid overpowering scents and instead opt for something discreet. You can find out their preferred type of fragrance, be it citrus, woody, or floral, and choose a perfume from the same fragrance family.

You can hunt through their perfume collection or simply ask them. You can also use websites like Fragrantica or WikiParfum to find perfumes with common structures or ingredients as the ones they like.

You can design your own fragrance using a Scent Designer or a Blending Consultation. You can also gift them a bespoke fragrance experience where they can learn what type of fragrances they love.

You can look into other scented gifts like candles, diffusers, or scented body products.

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