Very often I hear women complain that they don’t really know what perfume they like, or that they are afraid to buy something new, so they simply stick with the perfume that was introduced to them decades ago. It is true that these days we are bombarded with new perfume launches every time we go to the stores. There are literally thousands of different fragrances.

How do you choose which one is right for you? Perfume is a very personal choice. What is good for one person may not follow another. Fragrances should not only reflect the personality of the wearer, but they smell different for everyone, as they blend with the natural oils and acids of their skin. Perfumes are generally classified into eight different areas, so once you know which category you like best, you can narrow your search.

1) Floral

By far the largest and most popular category. An accord of different floral notes including rose, carnation, jasmine, gardenia and orange blossom. Easily combined with any other family, floral perfumes are universally loved. This also includes single flower compositions such as rose, jasmine, tuberose, lily of the valley, or ylang ylang. Think Christian Dior J’adore, Gucci Eau De ParfumII, and Britney Spears Curious.

2) Flowery aldehyde

These fragrances are often described as a bit dusty. They are quite soft, although the aldehydes add shine to the floral notes. Think of Chanel No5, Carolina Herrera 212, and Bvlgary Omnia Cristalline.

3) citrus

This group of fragrances is light, spicy, refreshing and uplifting. The light and fresh characters of the citrus notes (lime, tangerine, bergamot, orange, lemon, petitgrain, mandarin, etc.) are often combined with sweeter aromas (flowers, fruits and chypre) Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune, Clarins Eau Tranquility and Donna Karan Be Delicious.

4) green

Green fragrances are fresh with a hint of sharpness that is often reminiscent of grass, pine, and freshly cut herbs. It is almost an outdoor or sports fragrance. The green notes are of a natural character; often married with fruity and floral notes. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca and Christian Dior Tendre Poison

5) Oriental

They are very sensual, warm and exotic fragrances that elude mystery. Contains musks, oriental resins, vanilla, precious woods, and dark chocolate. These perfumes are not for the faint-hearted or shrinking violets. Christian Dior Poison, YSL Opium and Guerlain Shalimar.

6) Mild-Oriental

The soft orientals combine oriental notes with various florals. Top notes are usually fresh. Britney Spears in control, Clinique Simply.

7) Cyprus (Woody)

Based on a woody, mossy and floral complex, containing cedar, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, pine and sometimes with fruity aspects, the chypre perfumes are rich and tenacious. Guerlain Samsara, Narciso Rodriguez for her and Donna Karan Cashmere Mist.

8) Watery

These are aquatic or marine notes that are reminiscent of the ocean or the smell after a heavy downpour, the sea breeze and fresh, cool dew. Think L’Eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake, Bvlgary BLV Notte.

Once you have decided on the perfume you like, you have another option. How strong do you want your perfume to have?

These are your options:

PERFUME – The strongest and most durable form of fragrance. Apply to all pulse points; wherever you feel your heartbeat – behind your ears, nape, at the base of your throat, on your chest, on the inside curve of your elbows, on the inside of your wrists, and behind your knees. The heat of the body at these points will ensure a well balanced fragrance application. It usually comes in a bottle. This form will last on the skin for 8 to 12 hours.

EAU DE PARFUM – One of the most common forms of fragrance found in many of the fine fragrance collections. It should be smoothed or sprayed just before dressing. It is usually a spray bottle and lasts on the skin for 6 to 8 hours.

EAU DE TOILET – Generally less concentrated than Eau de Parfum, it should be applied in exactly the same way as Eau de Parfum. Always in a spray bottle and will last 4 to 6 hours on the skin.

COLOGNE- The lightest form of fragrance. Perfect for splashing generously all over the body. It is the perfect refresher. It does not last long on the skin.

Once you’ve become familiar with the different options available to you, it’s time to hit the fragrance counter. But go slow. Our noses only recognize up to three smells. So don’t go soaking yourself in twenty different perfumes. Once you’ve tried three different scents on your skin, walk away.

Get out of the perfume area as the air here is full of smells. Leave the perfume on your skin for ten minutes before smelling it again. This way you should have an idea of ​​the true fragrance. If you still like it, you are on a winner.

Note: Never rub your wrists after spraying your perfume. This damages the fragrance notes and you will not get the true perfume.

Happy perfume shopping!