How to Pick a Perfume

When it comes to choosing a perfume, there's no substitute for trying them on. Perfumes react differently to different body chemistry and will blend with your body's own scent. But it doesn't have to cost a fortune to figure out which perfumes work for you. Read on to learn how to pick a perfume.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Perfume samples
• Mineral oil

1. Most perfumes come in two strengths: Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Eau de Toilette (EDT). The EDP is more concentrated and will last longer. The body lotion version of any fragrance is likely to be the mildest, but will give you a good idea of how the perfume reacts with your skin.
2. Get samples of perfumes in one of two ways: Purchase something inexpensive (such as a body lotion) at a perfume counter and ask for additional samples of other fragrances, or buy perfume sample "lots" from eBay. The perfume counter method will allow you to fine-tune your sampling, because the counter person will be able to recommend scents similar to one you like. The eBay method will probably yield a greater variety of samples, often for less than $1 each. Each sample vial is good for two to three applications.
3. Know that perfumes consist of three "notes," named for the order in which they are detected by your nose: first the top notes, then the middle, then the bottom. The middle and bottom notes are the ones that really count, since the top notes disappear after a few minutes. Because of this, when you try on perfume, resist the temptation to smell it right away; walk around for 10 minutes until the top notes fade and you'll be able to detect the true nature of the fragrance.
4. When you find a few fragrances you like, look them up online at perfume sale websites. The listings will tell you what is in the fragrance, sometimes even separating that information into the three notes for you. Look for similar elements in the fragrances you like: do they all contain tonka bean, or wisteria, or amber? This will guide you in selecting other fragrances to try.
5. If you can't find a fragrance that has just the right combination of scents for you, there are places where you can blend your own. You might also prefer a simple, one-note fragrance, such as lavender or orange blossom. If you buy a high-quality aromatherapy essential oil of that scent, you can dilute it with mineral oil for a scent that will last a very long time.

Tips & Warnings

• When strangers comment on how good you smell or ask you what you're wearing, that scent is a keeper.
• When you find a scent you love, buy the body lotion version as well and use them together for longer-lasting scent. The shower gel version won't make the scent last much longer.
• Expensive perfumes really do smell better; if the scent you adore is too pricey, consider buying the miniature bottle version.
• If you just have one application left of an expensive scent, spray it on a scarf or coat lining, to extend its use.
• Perfumes age once they are unsealed, so beware sampling a bottle that has been opened; the scent may have changed.
• Sample only one perfume per day (or at least, per arm). The overlapping fragrances will distort both scents.