Heidi Norton
There are several things to consider when buying perfume. Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between perfume and cologne, which are often used interchangeably. Perfume has a higher concentration of fragrance oils and is more expensive, whereas cologne, also known as Eau De Toilette, has a lighter concentration. Another factor to consider is your body chemistry; the same perfume might smell different on different people. You should also consider which fragrance family your perfume belongs to, such as oriental, floral, fresh, or woody. If you're unsure whether you'll like a particular perfume, it's a good idea to buy a roll-on instead of a full-size bottle. When testing perfumes, it's recommended to pick three, spray one on your neck and wrists, and wait 15 seconds before smelling them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body chemistry | The most important element in deciding a perfume that will suit you. |
| Fragrance family | Oriental, floral, fresh, woody, etc. |
| Warm vs. cool | Warm fragrances remind you of baked goods or cream soda; cool fragrances remind you of flowers or grasses. |
| Skin | Start with the neck area, and if it’s too much, spray on your chest area five minutes before dressing or on your hands if wearing short sleeves. |
| Retailer perks | Retail shops often offer free samples with purchases and free gift wrapping. |
| Testing | Pick three fragrances, spray one on the neck and wrists, and let it rest for about 15 seconds before smelling them. |
| Online research | Fragrantica is a good website for checking out new perfume releases. |
| Addiction | Fragrances can become an addiction. |
| Perfume vs. cologne | Perfume has a higher concentration of fragrance oils, so it lasts longer but is more expensive. |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the difference between perfume and cologne
When buying a scent, it is important to understand the difference between perfume and cologne. The two terms are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion or even purchasing the wrong product.
The main difference between perfume and cologne lies in the concentration of fragrance oils in each product. Perfume has a higher concentration, typically containing about 15 to 20 per cent of fragrance oils, while cologne has a lighter concentration, with around 2 to 4 per cent. This higher concentration of oils in perfume means that it will last longer than cologne but also that it will be more expensive.
Cologne, also known as Eau De Toilette, will usually be cheaper than perfume. It generally contains a high level of alcohol and will last for up to two hours, requiring the wearer to apply more throughout the day. Eau De Toilette fragrances are considered by some to be daywear, while perfumes are seen as nightwear.
While cologne is generally advertised for men, there are many women's fragrances that are also referred to as cologne. However, the misconception that colognes are designed for men and perfumes for women persists due to modern marketing. In reality, men can wear as much perfume as women can wear cologne.
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Know your body chemistry
Body chemistry is the most important element when deciding on a perfume that will suit you. Using the wrong perfume can lead to skin irritation, so it is important to understand how your body chemistry interacts with different fragrances.
The first step is to understand your skin type. If you have oily skin, for example, you may want to opt for a citrus scent, as these fragrances can help to mask body odour and sweat patches. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you may want to choose a more hydrating fragrance, such as a floral or creamy scent.
The second step is to consider your body's pH levels. Every person's skin has a unique pH level, which can affect how a perfume smells on them. To find the perfect perfume for your body chemistry, it is important to test the fragrance on your skin before purchasing. Spray the perfume on your neck and wrists, and let it rest for about 15 seconds before smelling it. This will allow the fragrance to interact with your body chemistry and develop its true scent.
Additionally, trust your skin when it comes to where you apply a fragrance. Start with the neck area, and if it's too much, try spraying on your chest or hands. Everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to find what works best for your unique body chemistry.
Finally, pay attention to the ingredients in the perfume. Certain ingredients may interact better with your body chemistry than others. For example, if a perfume contains notes that remind you of baked goods or cream soda, it is likely a warm fragrance. If it contains floral or grassy notes, it is probably a cooler fragrance. Understanding the different notes and ingredients in a perfume can help you make a more informed decision about whether it will suit your body chemistry.
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Identify the fragrance family
When buying perfume, it is important to identify the fragrance family it belongs to. Fragrance families include oriental, floral, fresh, and woody, each with distinct characteristics. For example, a fresh fragrance typically includes citrus and aquatic scents, such as lime or pineapple.
Understanding the different fragrance families can help guide your purchase decision. If you are looking for a warmer fragrance, you might opt for scents that remind you of baked goods or cream soda. Alternatively, if you seek a cooler fragrance, you may prefer perfumes with floral or grassy notes.
It is worth noting that your body chemistry plays a crucial role in how a perfume will smell on you. The same perfume can smell different on various individuals due to differences in body chemistry. Therefore, it is recommended to test perfumes on your skin rather than solely relying on paper blotters. Spray the perfume on your neck and wrists, and allow it to rest for a few seconds before smelling it.
Additionally, be mindful of the difference between perfume and cologne. Perfume has a higher concentration of fragrance oils, making it longer-lasting but also more expensive. Cologne, also known as Eau de Toilette, contains a lower concentration of oils and is typically less costly.
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Know where to apply perfume
When applying perfume, it is important to consider your body chemistry and the fragrance family of the perfume. For example, if you have oily skin, a citrus scent can help mask body odour issues. The perfume's fragrance family, such as oriental, floral, fresh, or woody, will also determine where it is best applied.
The traditional areas to apply perfume are the neck and wrists. However, if the scent is too strong, you can try spraying it on your chest area or hands, especially if you are wearing short sleeves. It is recommended to spray perfume directly onto the skin, as this allows the fragrance to develop. When testing perfumes, it is best to pick three, spray one on the neck and wrists, and wait 15 seconds before smelling them to avoid olfactory fatigue.
Another factor to consider is the concentration of the perfume. Perfumes with a higher concentration of fragrance oils, such as Eau de Parfum or Parfum, will be more expensive but will also last longer. These perfumes can be applied sparingly to the pulse points, such as the wrists and neck, allowing the scent to gradually release throughout the day.
For lighter fragrances, such as Eau de Toilette, you may need to apply a more generous amount or reapply throughout the day. These fragrances are typically less expensive and can be applied to a wider area, such as the chest or shoulders. It is also important to note that some fragrances, such as citrus or floral scents, are considered "cool" fragrances and may be better suited for warmer climates or seasons.
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Sample before buying
Sampling perfume before buying it is an important step in the purchasing process. Not only does it allow you to test for potential skin irritation, but it also ensures that you find a scent that suits your body chemistry and personal style.
When sampling perfume, it's best to spray it onto your skin, as the fragrance will develop differently on your skin compared to a paper blotter. Start by spraying the perfume onto your neck and wrists, and wait about 15 seconds before smelling it. Olfactory fatigue is a real phenomenon, especially when sampling strong fragrances, so it's important to give your sense of smell a brief break.
If you're unsure about a particular fragrance, consider buying a roll-on or travel-sized version before committing to a full-sized bottle. This way, you can test out the perfume without wasting money or product if it turns out to be not quite right for you.
When testing a new perfume, pay attention to how it interacts with your skin. Some perfumes may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, so it's important to patch-test and observe any potential side effects. Additionally, different perfumes suit different skin types. For example, citrus scents can help mask body odour or sweat patches, making them a good choice for those with oily skin.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Retail stores often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the sampling process and provide insights into different fragrances. They may even offer free samples, so you can try out a variety of perfumes before making your final decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by considering your body chemistry and the fragrance family of the perfume. Fragrance families include oriental, floral, fresh, and woody, each with distinct characteristics. For example, fresh fragrances have citrus and aquatic notes, which can help mask body odour and work well for most people. You can also determine whether a fragrance is warm or cool by asking yourself what it reminds you of—baked goods or flowers, for instance.
The main difference is in the concentration of fragrance oils. Perfume has a higher concentration (15-20%) and is more expensive, while cologne, or Eau de Toilette, has a lower concentration (2-4%) and is less expensive.
It's a good idea to do some research online before visiting a perfume shop. When in the shop, pick a maximum of three perfumes to test on your skin, as olfactory fatigue is real. Spray on your neck and wrists, wait 15 seconds, then smell. Retail shops often offer free samples and gift wrapping with purchases.
