We all like to smell amazing, but not all perfumes are created equal, and not all scents suit everyone. But with so many perfumes to choose from, as well as information telling us that certain scents are for certain seasons or times of day, the search for that perfect fragrance can be a bit overwhelming.
Here are some tips to help you find the perfume that suits your lifestyle, taste and nose:
Find your favourites
Your sense of smell is not only strongly linked to your other senses, such as taste, it’s also powerful at evoking memories. Your favourite foods and season can play a big role in helping you find a scent that you will fall in love with. If you like sipping piña coladas on the beach in summer, for example, then a fresh fragrance might be right for you.
Related: Make your perfume last longer
Be patient
When browsing the beauty counters, don’t get so carried away and spray so many different scents at the same time that they are hard to distinguish from one another. Also, don’t buy on impulse. Many perfumes take a while for the notes to unfold on the skin, so ideally you should wear it for a day, or even sleep on it, before deciding whether to buy a particular fragrance.
Related: 5 weird things that happen to you while you sleep
Embrace change
What may have smelled great on you 20 years ago won’t necessarily be the same today. This is because our body chemistry changes as we get older, and as a result of hormonal changes. Another thing to bear in mind is that just because a perfume smells wonderful on a friend doesn’t mean it will smell good on you.
Be open
When testing scents, try to keep an open mind. If you usually go for something warm and spicy, why not try something floral or fruity? You may be surprised by how much it suits you. Remember that a signature fragrance should balance out your personality rather than overpower it, so play around with different scents until you find one that’s perfect for daily wear.
PHOTO: iStock/Yuri_Arcurs
