Is there anything more uplifting than dousing yourself in your favourite fragrance? Perhaps a bubble bath, but perfume still ranks pretty high. The only problem – if you can call it that – is that the market is so saturated with different perfumes that finding your signature scent can be a laborious, if not sweet-smelling, process. Luckily there are ways to find the one that is right for you. Here are five of them.
Related: Scent layering: what it is and how to do it
1. Find your flavour
Fragrances have the ability to evoke memories, and this is why we are drawn to some more than others. This is why identifying other scents, flavours and seasons can help you to narrow down your hunt for ‘the one’. Like autumn and eating cinnamon pancakes? Then you should explore spicy oriental scents. Prefer long walks in the park in spring? Floral scents might be more up your alley.
2. Let it mellow
Making the decision about which fragrance you want to define you is no easy feat, and it shouldn’t be made in a hurry. When trying on different ones at your local perfume counter, don’t just buy the first one that appeals. Fragrances take time to reveal all of their notes, which means you should wear a scent for at least a full day before forking out your cash so that you can see if you love its base notes as much as its top ones.
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Related: Make your perfume last longer
3. Own your age
Younger women tend to be drawn to very different scents than their older counterparts, and this is because as we get older our tastes become more refined and we are in a position to spend more on cosmetics than our teenage selves were. The perfume you wear should reflect who you are now, rather than who you were then or wish you were today. Just something to think about when you are browsing the beauty aisle.
4. Express yourself
Everything from the clothes you wear to the makeup you put on is an opportunity to express yourself, and it’s the same when it comes to the fragrances you spritz on. Perfume can be used to match your personality – a bold scent for a fearless woman – or you can use it to balance it out. So if you are shy, you can use a more intoxicating scent rather than a mild one for that element of surprise.
5. Enjoy the journey
We are all unique, and so is our body chemistry. What this means is that a fragrance that might small amazing on your colleague might be less alluring on you. It’s also worth noting that just about everything in life – including how you experience a scent – is subjective, so look at the experience of finding your ideal match as a personal journey rather than a panel discussion.
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How to pick the perfect perfume for any occasion
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