beauty. Fragrance 101

How To Find Your Signature Scent

The best way to know how to find your signature scent is to know what you’re looking for BEFORE you step foot into the fragrance department of your favorite store. Especially now that the holiday season has arrived, being prepared with the right knowledge for your search will most definitely cut your shopping time in half.

A Crash Course In Fragrance 101

Perfumers organize fragrances into four major categories:

Fresh

A wide range of clean, lively scents is found within the Fresh family. Fresh Citrus notes come to life with lemon, bergamot and orange, while Fresh Greens stimulate the senses with fresh-cut grass and violet leaves. The atmospheric Fresh Water notes recall rain, thunderstorms and stimulating sea breezes.

Floral

The always-popular Floral family ranges from a single flower to heady bouquets, with rose, jasmine, gardenia and more. Mixing in powder or vanilla produces Soft Floral notes, while the addition of sweet spices creates Floral Oriental fragrances. Peaches, pears, berries and more provide Fruity Floral variations.

Oriental

Rich and sensual, the Oriental family ranges from sweet vanilla and cinnamon to potent musk and patchouli. Classic Oriental fragrances smell of opulent resin, vanilla and orchids, while Soft Orientals incorporate incense and amber for a feminine, spicier finish. Woody Orientals mix in patchouli and sandalwood for a captivating variation.

Wood

The alluring scents of cedar, sandalwood and vetiver combine in the sensual Wood fragrances. The addition of oakmoss and citrus creates the forest-inspired Mossy Wood notes. Dry Woods incorporate hints of tobacco, recalling the intoxicating scent of Russian leather.

Now for a little Q&A

Where Should I Apply My Fragrance?

Spray your fragrance on your pulse points: your wrist, neck, inner elbows and the backs of your knees. These points are warm, and heat helps magnify the perfume and release all of its notes.

Where Should I Store My Fragrance?

Store your fragrance in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.

How Can I Make My Fragrance Last Longer Throughout The Day?

It’s all about layering. Use different forms of the same fragrance—body wash, lotion and cream—in addition to the fragrance itself. Contrary to what many people think, layering doesn’t make the scent stronger—it makes it last much longer throughout the day.

What are Top Notes, Middle Notes and Base Notes?

Top notes are the first impression of the fragrance—what you notice when you first spray it. As the top notes fade, you’ll smell the middle notes, which form the core of the fragrance. The base notes serve as the foundation and bring all the other notes together.

What is the Difference Between Perfume, Eau De Parfum and Eau De Toilette?

These names let you know the concentration of perfume oil in the product. Something labeled perfume has the highest concentration and will last longer throughout the day. Eau de parfum is slightly less concentrated, while eau de toilette is the least concentrated of the three. Some fragrances have eau de parfum and eau de toilette that smell slightly different from one another, so test both out to see which you prefer.

Should I Wear Just One “Signature Scent” Or Should I Have Different Fragrances For Different Occasions?

We all love to have that one fragrance that is truly ours, but there’s no need to limit yourself! Different situations call for different fragrances. For example, the fragrance you wear to the office may not be the fragrance you wear for a night out. Feel free to wear different fragrances depending on the occasion, season, or even just your mood.

Are There Any Tips For Traveling With Purfume?

Fragrance atomizers and rollerballs make traveling with perfume a breeze—just grab the travel-size bottle, and you’re good to go. They’re perfect for carrying in your purse and reapplying during the day, too!