Everything you need to know about perfume before you buy.
Perfumes are not only an addition to your everyday look, but also a subtle way to express yourself, your emotions and personality. By diving into the world of scents, you discover not only new aromas, but also their deeper meaning and impact on your well-being and how others perceive you. To fully understand what perfumes are and how to choose the perfect ones, it is worth knowing a few key aspects related to their creation, application and storage.
Knowledge of fragrance notes
Perfumes are made up of three main layers of scent: top notes, heart notes, and base notes. Top notes are the first impression you feel when you apply the perfume, and are usually light and quickly evaporate. Heart notes appear after a few minutes and create the main essence of the scent, lasting several hours. Base notes are the heaviest and most persistent ingredients, remaining on the skin for many hours, sometimes even all day. Knowing these layers makes it easier to understand how perfumes evolve over time and which scents will best suit your style.
Types of perfumes: Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, or maybe Parfum?
Different types of perfumes have different concentrations of fragrance oils, which affects their longevity and intensity. Parfum (perfume extract) is the most concentrated and long-lasting, with 20-30% oil content. Eau de Parfum (EDP) has a slightly lower concentration (15-20%), but is still long-lasting and intense. Eau de Toilette (EDT) is a lighter option, with 5-15% concentration, ideal for everyday wear. The choice depends on how long you want the scent to last and how intense you want it to be.
Determining your fragrance type
Before you decide to buy a perfume, it’s worth understanding your scent preferences. If you like fresh, light scents, you might like citrus or aquatic notes. If you prefer something more sensual and warm, go for oriental, woody, or spicy scents. Knowing your preferences will help you narrow down your choices and find a scent that truly captivates you.
The importance of skin pH
The pH of your skin can affect how a perfume smells once applied. Those with a more acidic skin pH may find that a perfume develops more quickly and has a stronger scent, while those with a more neutral or alkaline pH may experience a more subtle scent. That’s why it’s always a good idea to test a perfume on your skin before buying it to make sure the scent develops as you expect.
Perfume Testing: Why Is It Worth It?
Before you decide to buy, it is worth testing the perfume on your skin, because the scent can vary from person to person. It is best to apply a small amount to your wrist or the inside of your elbow and wait a few hours to see how the scent evolves and how long it lasts. Remember not to rub your skin after application, because this can disrupt the development of the fragrance notes.
When and how to apply perfume?
The best time to apply perfume is right after a shower, when your skin is still slightly damp, which allows the scent to hold its own better. Apply perfume to pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, behind your ears, and the crooks of your elbows, as these areas emit heat that helps develop the scent. Try not to overdo it with the quantity – less is often more.
How to store perfume to retain its scent?
Perfumes are sensitive to light, heat and moisture, so it is important to store them in the right conditions. It is best to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators. Avoid storing perfume in the bathroom, where changes in temperature and humidity can negatively affect the scent.
Does price matter?
More expensive perfumes often contain higher quality ingredients and are more complex in their composition, which can affect their durability and uniqueness. However, price is not always a guarantee of quality. It is worth comparing different scents and brands to find the perfume that offers the best quality at the right price for you. Also, remember that well-known brands often add a premium for their logo.
Perfumes and the season
Different scents work better in different seasons. In the summer, it's worth choosing light, fresh scents that don't overwhelm in the heat, such as citrus or aquatic. In the winter, heavier, more sensual compositions work better, such as oriental, woody or spicy, which add warmth on colder days. In the spring and fall, you can go for floral and green scents, which are lighter but still have a distinct character.
Trust your instincts
Choosing perfume is very personal and what others like may not necessarily suit you. Trust your senses and choose a scent that evokes positive emotions in you and that makes you feel good. Do not succumb to fashion or peer pressure – perfumes are supposed to emphasize your personality and add self-confidence.
