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Hey y'all.

So I am by no means an expert in picking out what you will like from across the internet, but I have been reading up a bit on the art of picking out a signature scent. I thought I might share my findings and some interesting information about perfumes with y'all.

So here it goes.

History

Here is a very extensive and thorough history on perfume, perfume industry, scent bases, perfume awards...etc etc if you are so inclined to read. The purpose of this post is to help pick a scent right for you so I think it is beyond the scope of what I want to talk about but I thought if you want the info... well there it is.

Basics

Different types of perfumes

  • Parfum ($$$$)

Parfum, also known as extrait de parfum or pure perfume, has the highest fragrance concentration. Parfum will contain anywhere from 15% to 40% fragrance however concentration is generally between 20% to 30% for most parfums. Of all scents, parfums last the longest; usually six to eight hours. Parfum generally also commands the highest price of all the fragrance types due to the high concentration of fragrance. People with sensitive skin may do better with parfums as they have far less alcohol than other fragrance types and therefore are not as likely to dry out the skin.

  • Eau de parfum ($$$)

After parfum, eau de parfum (EDP) has the next highest concentration of fragrance. Eau de parfum generally has a fragrance concentration of between 15% and 20%. On average, eau de parfum will last for four to five hours. It is also generally less expensive that parfum and while it does have a higher concentration of alcohol than parfum, it is better for sensitive skin than other fragrance types. Eau de parfum is one of the most common fragrance types and is suitable for everyday wear.

  • Eau de toilette ($$)

Eau de toilette (EDT) has a fragrance concentration of between 5% and 15%. It is cheaper than eau de parfum and is one of the most popular types of fragrance available. EDT fragrance will normally last for two to three hours. Eau de toilette is considered by some to be for daywear while eau de parfum is considered nightwear. The term eau de toilette came from the French term "faire sa toilette" which means getting ready.

  • Eau de cologne ($$)

Eau de cologne, or EDC, has a much lower concentration of fragrance than the above types of perfume. EDC generally has a 2% to 4% percent concentration of fragrance and a high concentration of alcohol. It is cheaper than other types of fragrance however the scent generally only lasts for up to two hours. EDC generally comes in bigger bottles and more of the fragrance needs to be used. Originally eau de cologne referred to a traditional recipe that used herb and citrus notes with little anchoring with base notes.

  • Eau Fraiche ($)

Eau fraiche is similar to eau de cologne in that the scent will generally last for up to two hours. Eau fraiche has an even lower concentration of fragrance than eau de cologne, normally only 1% to 3%. While eau fraiche has a low fragrance concentration, it does not contain a high amount of alcohol. Along with the fragrance, the remainder of eau fraiche is mostly water.

TL;DR: Parfum is expensive, doesn't come in spray form and it till last. EDP is a spray and still can be costly. EDT/EDC/EF is a spray and will be cheaper and doesn't last long.

Types of scent

  • Citrus:Commonly known as citrus or green notes, the fresh fragrances are often made from lemon, orange and bergamot; then accented with herbal notes to give that refreshing scent and revive the senses. These are a great choice for an uplifting springtime essence for both men and women.

  • Fruity: Like a cheerleader with a wicked side, fruity perfumes are fresh and spicy. These fragrances please the nose with the bright and familiar smells of apple, peach, berry, mango and other juicy fruits, often blended with florals to create a compelling aroma. Pretty without being overwhelming, these perfumes are ideal for a movie-and-dinner first date. Just apply sparingly.

  • Floral:By far the most popular type of perfume, the floral fragrance is a romantic, light and slightly sweet scent. These fabulous perfumes are a blend of flowers such as the rose, violet, lily, jasmine and lavender. Most mens floral scents have orange blossom at their heart, giving an alluring tone.

  • Oriental:As their name suggests the oriental perfumes originate from more exotic parts of the world. Made from spices such as pepper, cloves, cinnamon and vanilla, these fragrances are warm and sensual. There is also a certain depth to this scent that is quite popular with the more adventurous!

  • Woody:Largely favoured by men, the woody perfumes often have light top notes with a muskier heart. Made from sandalwood, patchouli and oakmoss, these warm, dry and musky notes provide an air of sophistication and mystery to all who wear them. Women prefer the woody notes for evenings.

  • Green:Smelling of fresh leaves and newly-mown grass, the green fragrances are a natural and energetic group. These scents tend toward the unisex, so are best left on the shelf when you're dressing to impress a hot date. Save them for daytime instead, when their sporty, modern appeal makes them a great fit for any casual or outdoor gathering. Wear one to cheer on your favorite football team, at the golfing range, or on a flea market amble with friends.

  • Oceanic: Oceanic perfumes are a modern invention, first appearing with Christian Dior's Dune in 1991. These scents use a blend of synthetic compounds to evoke natural aromas such as mountain air, ocean spray or clean linen. Crisp and fresh, they are an ideal choice for job interviews, when you want your perfume to say, "I'm clean, efficient and won't stink up the joint if hired."

  • Spicy: Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what these perfumes smell like. Uncap one and be transported to your mom's kitchen - if your mom was the type who baked cinnamon rolls and gingerbread from scratch. With notes of cloves, ginger, cinnamon, cardamon and pepper, spicy perfumes are comforting and alluring in an old-fashioned way. Wear one to your next parent-teacher meeting, or at lunch with that handsome officemate who you wouldn't mind sharing pastry with.

MAJOR NOTE!!!

Perfumes will smell differently person to person. The natural odors coming off of one person will 'mix' in with the perfume. So just because something smells good one one person DOES NOT MEAN that it will smell good on you.

Now that I know what to look for, HOW DO I PICK ONE CQ??

Well here are a few tips that I have found in all my years (read:minutes) of studying up on the subject (LOLOLOL).

  1. Do not smell 100 perfumes in one day. Your olfactory sense is very sensitive and by the 3rd perfume you have probably already overwhelmed them and you aren't getting the full effect of the perfumes subsequent to that (this is just my opinion and it is shared by a couple of websites that I've seen that say not to overwhelm your senses). There are sometimes coffee beans that you can use to "clear the senses" but I've seen that this is really a myth. Once your senses have been overwhelmed, coffee isn't going to reset it. It just takes out the scents you've already tried and gives you the opportunity to really get the full impact of the next perfume. So give your nose a break. Only a 3-4 at a time...MAX.

  2. Ask for samples!!!!!!!!!!!! This is probably the cheapest way to try out new perfumes. Whenever I go to sephora I use my points to get any free samples of the perfumes that they have. Sometimes stores are giving them out at the counters. Just ask. Not sure if there are any other ways to get free samples and if anyone has any suggestions here please do share!

  3. Rollerballs. Another inexpensive way to try out a perfume. They are like $8-30 investments and then you can upgrade to the full bottle if you like them (most are around 20-25). For people who have allergies (like me) this is a good way to avoid spraying yourself. You can put on a few strokes and it not overwhelm your surroundings.

Once you have found that signature scent...

Where to put it on.

Some people are fans of the spray the air and walk into it method

Some people like to put on the back of the nape of the neck

Some people like to put on the wrists

Personally, I put it on my wrists to waft it at people while I am talking to them, and behind the nape of the neck so if my honey kisses me on the neck he can smell it but not get a mouthful of it.

No matter where you put it though, you want to avoid the face, the hands, mouth and hair. The hands because you wash those constantly and it would just defeat the purpose.

Also, a little goes a long way. You do not want to walk into a room and have the person on the other side of the room smell you. That is just obnoxious to those who are right next to you.

Finally, ask for opinions from your SO and those who are close to you that will tell you honestly if it smells good on you. Do they like it? Not saying that they need to approve of a scent but again, your own personal smell mixes in with the perfume so you might be smelling something different than they are.

I hope this helps and that you learned something from it.

CQ


[–]bakebynumbersEarly 20s, Single2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Thank you for this guide- I love perfume! I agree with you on getting samples- you want to wear a scent a couple times to see how it mixes with your body chemistry. That is one of the things that I have no idea how it works haha but you can totally tell when someone has a good match!

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

That is one of the things that I have no idea how it works

Well a lot of the foods we eat affect our natural odors. Think about someone who eats a lot of garlic or onions. Also sometimes our body's ph level puts a scent out too. That is just how a body smells. There are also other hormones that come into play when that time of the month comes around. I think it is interesting to see how people's natural scent changes. You can even tell when you walk into someones home.

[–]QueenBee1262 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Some of my favorite scents (I like gourmands!)

  • Angel by Thierry Mugler. This is a love it or hate it fragrance, and it smells different on every woman. My mom has sprayed it on her and it smells very sweet. On me, it smells very chocolate and peppery. So I like it for a night out. Definitely worth a sniff IMO, it's available at Ulta and department stores.

  • Fresh Beauty Love from the Eat Pray Love collection This fragrance is limited edition and if you are ever in NYC or Europe, definitely sniff this! Every person I have had smell this says it smells like happiness. Literally that is the only way you can describe it. & I have had MANY people smell it!!!!!

  • Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Caramel and burnt sugar. Attracts men like mad. Doesn't last very long, so I prefer to buy a rollerball and reapply through the day. The big bottle is very pretty though!

  • Ari by Ariana Grande and Sweet Like Candy by Ariana Grande Ugh, I feel so juvenile typing this, LMAO but dang Ariana makes great perfume! Good price and at Ulta they usually have a special going with a free gift. Ari has a very very sweet personality and smells like marshmallows and SLC is more grown up (HAHAHA for an celeb perfume LMAO) and smells like champagne and strawberries.

  • Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel This perfume is inspired by Angel, listed above. It lasts forever. It makes me feel very sophisticated. I wouldn't wear it in a work setting or a date because it can be a bit overwhelming.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (7 children) | Copy Link

I'm extremely fussy when it comes to scents. I have a small rotation of shampoos/conditioners, and 'body mists' that I use. One of the best feelings in the world - when we're cuddling and Occam comments on how much he enjoys the smell of my hair.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (6 children) | Copy Link

I use this heat protectant that my SO absolutely loves! But you only smell it the first day after you do your hair. Other than that I rarely wear perfume. I only have 2-3 that I wear on "special" occasions. But they would be my signature if you ask anyone.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (3 children) | Copy Link

Ooh what heat protectant? I've been using CHI stuff that smells amazing, I'll totally switch it up for something better. :)

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

This is what I use. No sulfates and smells amazeballs

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Well, I was going to Ulta this weekend anyway, I will probably pick some up!

[–]QueenBee1260 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Ahhhh Ulta is having a huge sale; definitely going to check this out this weekend?l! Curious, what DOES it smell like??

[–]mabeolMid 20s, LTR 1 year0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

Ahhh I've been looking for a heat protectant! You are my beauty hero today!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Lol. I guess so!!!

[–]sunfloweriesLate 20s / Engaged / 3 Years0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I've been getting some nice samples in my Sephora Play box. I've only ever used one perfume, Bond Girl 007 from Avon (weirdly un-Avonlike scent). I like citrus scents, and I think when it's in my budget, I might swing for CITRINE by Nest.

[–]Cathy_CatherineMid-20s | Married | 5 years0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

This thread made me look up what used to be my signature perfume and I'm thrilled to find that it's actually dropped in price over the years! I had put off buying any and stretched my last little bit forever using it only for special occasions, but now I'm excited to buy more.

Since I used to wear it for special occasions, I'm hoping my husband will associate the scent of it with those happy times. He adores my natural scent and is always stealing my pillow and headscarves because they smell like me, which makes me feel so loved in an almost primal way through such a simple act. I don't want to wear enough to overpower my own scent, but maybe just a few drops to add that little extra sumthin sumthin.

[–]tradmarriageftwEarly 30s, Married, 7 years0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

Does anyone know of any good examples of long lasting fruity scents? I find it hard to find a scent in the store that isn't overwhelming floral smelling.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I really like DNKY red delicious. You could even try the Be Delicious. Those were two of my favorites from a long long time ago.

[–]tradmarriageftwEarly 30s, Married, 7 years0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Thank you, i'll check them out!

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