In Part 1 of this guide we provided a little background on fragrance notes and how they define a perfume's character. We then offered some advice on how to go about testing new perfumes. In Part 2 we will help you to choose new fragrances to add to your collection, offer advice on how to apply perfume for best effect as well as how to prevent your perfumes from spoiling.
Choosing a fragrance
Often confusing and daunting, especially with all the choices available. But never fear – simply buy what you like, but don’t be afraid to try something new and different too! You have already got an idea on testing fragrances and avoiding overdoing it - so now is the time to put it into practice before making that all-important decision.
Try to find out what perfume "family" your favourite fragrance/fragrances belong to and you are naturally drawn to (I love Floral Orientals) and then look for new fragrances that reside within that family.
Perfume families:
Floral
Soft Floral
Floral Oriential
Soft Oriential
Oriential
Woody Oriential
Mossy Woods
Dry Woods
Citrus
Green
Water
Aromatic Fougere
If you want to try a completely new fragrance style, without going out on a limb pick something to test from an adjacent family as it will have similar qualities (that is unless you want to be daring of course – in which case, just let your nose decide).
In the end, as long as you take your time when testing them, make a considered well-informed choice and, above all, buy something you genuinely like – then that is money well-spent!
If you are buying a fragrance as a present for someone, and you are not certain what they prefer, then you may find reading some perfume reviews of use. They help give the readers an idea on perfume characteristics and may help narrow down some styles and types to choose from.
Where to apply a fragrance
Some fragrances will leave marks on metals, fabrics and other jewelry (pearls specifically) – so it is best to apply your chosen scent on clean skin before putting your jewelry (and clothes) on. I also tend to avoid using any strongly smelling shower gels, body lotions or deodorants too.
Apply over the pulse points; your wrists, the bend in your elbows, nape of your neck and your cleavage. Your body-warmth will rise so you can also apply to the backs of your knees too.
Do not rub your wrists together after applying a fragrance (I am guilty of this) as this can prematurely break down or "crush" the scent.
You can also apply fragrance to your hair. However, only do this on very freshly-washed hair or the natural oils on your hair will alter the fragrance – often to its detriment. The amount of styling product I put on my hair on a daily basis (before I straighten it to death) makes this option impractical. If you have nice clean hair and you don't put half a gallon of straightening balm on it every day – then feel free to try this, but remember to only lightly spray a little perfume onto the hair as it can be very drying!
Human skin is a complex organ and has its own odour and chemistry that is unique to the individual. This can subtly alter fragrances so they can smell slightly different from person to person (for instance; I love Dune by Christian Dior, but it does not smell "right" on me, much to my chagrin). If you have had a similar experience with a fragrance it is worth trying it again in a different situation or climate or at a different time of the month, as hormones, I believe, can also play a significant part in our skins odour/chemistry.
Fragrance will also last longer on darker and/or more oily skins than on dry and/or fair skins. This is because it will mix and unite with natural oils for a more stable and lasting effect.
How perfumes change over time
Perfume is a volatile substance and easily evaporates and alters when exposed to the air. Once opened and unsealed, perfumes start to oxidise and degrade. This can take some time (many months, perhaps even a year or two), depending on what type of bottle they are in (vaporisers are more sealed than open-necked bottles with stoppers) but if you have a large fragrance wardrobe or use fragrance infrequently then you may wish to take some steps to ensure that they are stored in a way that minimises degradation.
You can refrigerate perfume, but if you have as many as I do – this is not an option.
I recommend keeping perfume in a place that is dark and as cool as possible or, at least, not subject to sharp temperature fluctuations.
Although perfume bottles are beautiful and designed to be displayed on a dressing table, please try to resist, unless the bottle is heavily tinted or opaque or you are able to use it up quickly. Once a perfume starts to darken significantly this usually means that it has started to oxidise. You will need to use it quickly before it spoils.
I have to say that, if stored correctly, and used up within about 18 months of purchase you will rarely, if ever, have to dispose of any spoiled fragrance.
About the author
Debbie Cave is 39 and works in Quality Assurance for a large home improvement retailer. She lives in Hampshire with her partner and dog. Amongst numerous interests and hobbies, Debbie has held a lifelong love of fine fragrance and hopes to be able to share some of that passion with DM Fragrance readers.
Read more perfume articles from DM Fragrances
