With over a thousand fragrances on the market, choosing one can be a challenge even when you already know which basic group appeals to you. If you don’t, you’re in luck: here’s the second installment in our series on fragrance types.
FRUITY
Light, fresh, sparkling scents that are great for daytime
- Notes: Grapefruit, berries, melon, mango, papaya and coconut
- Tips & Tricks: Fruity top notes have lighter molecules and fade quickly, especially in colder months. Pick tropical notes for winter; the molecules are heavier than citrus and last longer.
- Examples: Jean Paul Gaultier Ma Dame, Banana Republic Limited Edition Classic
GOURMAND
Dessert-like sweet, seductive scents
- Notes: Chocolate, vanilla, caramel, mocha, coffee; newcomers creme brulee, praline and rum
- Tips & Tricks: Gourmand perfumes vary greatly from person to person, so don’t give one as a gift unless you already know they like it. These are easy to go overboard with; dab on some rubbing alcohol to dilute the scent if you find yourself smelling like a box of Godiva.
- Examples: Ralph Hot, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, Harajuku Lovers G
WOODSY
Best for evening, these scents have a deep, earthy quality
- Notes: Cedar, amber, moss, sandalwood, frankincense, patchouli
- Tips & Tricks: Woodsy scents take longer to fully develop than lighter perfumes, so give them ample testing time. These perfumes last longer than others, but milk their life by storing them in a cool, dry area.
- Examples: Estee Lauder Sensuous, Kenzo Amour Le Parfum, Lancome Magnifique
FLORAL
Romantic and girly, the most popular fragrance type
- Notes: Rose, orchid, peony, mimosa, tuberose, violet, iris
- Tips & Tricks: If you flush easily, pick a more intense floral. Increased blood flow ups a perfume’s evaporation rate. Tropical blooms like orchids and tuberose have lots of oomph. Also, consider getting an eau de parfum, which on average include 15% fragrance versus an eau de toilette’s 8%.
- Examples: Beckham Signature, Shiseido Zen, Christina Aguilera Inspire, CK Secret Obsession, KENZO Winter Flowers
SPICY
Exotic scents best for after dark
- Notes: Cinnamon, ginger, saffron, pink peppercorn, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice
- Tips & Tricks: A little spice goes a long way, so only spritz half as much as you would another scent. Most perfumes go bad after 18 months, so consider snagging a smaller bottle since you’ll use less. Try layering them under a weak or too-sweet floral perfume to add staying power and balance.
- Examples: Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant, Bath & Body Works Black Amethyst, Ralph Lauren Notorious
Photo source: Getty/Telegraph.co.uk
Popularity: 2%
I love amber, moss, and patchouli notes. It’s true that it takes a longer time to develop but also i feel they are the ones that last longer on my skin. I especially wear this notes in winter, in summer i prefer gardenia notes:)