How to Choose a Fragrance You’ll Love

Buying a fragrance can feel overwhelming, especially when every bottle smells wonderful for the first ten seconds. Understanding a few basics makes it much easier to find a scent you will wear for years.

Know the fragrance families

• Floral: rose, jasmine, peony. Romantic and easy to wear.
• Fruity: berries, peach, citrus. Bright and playful.
• Fresh: citrus, green notes, aquatic accords. Clean and energising.
• Warm & woody: vanilla, amber, sandalwood. Cosy and long-lasting.

Most perfumes combine families. A floral-fruity scent, for example, opens with juicy fruit and settles into soft flowers.

Understand concentrations

Eau de parfum contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils than eau de toilette, so it usually lasts longer on the skin. If you want a scent to carry you from morning to evening, an eau de parfum is a good choice.

Test it the right way

1. Spray onto a paper strip first to narrow down your options.
2. Try your favourite on your skin, on the inside of the wrist.
3. Wait at least 30 minutes. The top notes fade and the heart of the fragrance appears.
4. Check again a few hours later. This is how it will smell most of the day.

Apply it so it lasts

Spray onto pulse points such as the wrists, neck and behind the ears. Don’t rub your wrists together, as this breaks down the top notes. A light mist on clothing or hair can help the scent last longer too.

Store it well

Keep bottles away from heat, humidity and direct sunlight. A drawer or cupboard is better than a bathroom shelf.