How to choose a fragrance that is right for you

Have you ever wondered why one individual is attracted to a fragrance while another may feel repulsed by it? The sense of smell is strongly tied to your emotions and mood. One could be wearing a gorgeous strong fruity blend in a quiet and serious board meeting but receives negative attention by the ‘loud’ fragrance she is wearing.

Your scent should be a reflection of your personality while being appropriate for your age and the occasion. How do you know which one to choose? How do you select a fragrance that pleases your senses and remains pleasant to others? The scent you wear can influence someone’s perception and reaction to you, think about it... have you ever got a whiff of a lady as she rushes pass you to catch the elevator and you think to yourself that she must be wealthy, this opinion was most likely formed by the way she smelled as you know nothing about her.The way you smell can make a greater impression than your attire or dictum.

 Scents can be broken down into different categories, some more conservative than others thus some more appropriate than others. Think about going on a job interview versus going to a party, clearly a strong fruity scent may not be suitable for the interview whilst it will be acceptable for the party.

Floral scents are by far the most popular selection; it is greatly preferred by the younger crowd who wants to feel pretty and feminine yet subtle and not overpowering. This option is a safe one as it is suitable for most occasions. Floral perfumes mimic flowery fragrances such as sunflowers, roses and lavender. Examples of floral fragrances are Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden, Calvin Klein Escape.

Fruity fragrances are much like floral scents in that they seek to capture the essences of tropical fruits. It seems to be preferred by the younger shoppers as it is spicy and fresh and wears well in both warm and cool weather .This fragrant choice is usually by women who prefers classic fragrances with a little spunk. Examples of fruity fragrances on the market are DKNY's Be Delicious, Champagne by Yves Saint Laurent.

Woody

Fragrances that capture forestry and woodlands are the essence of woody fragrances. This natural scent is preferred by a more mature woman who aims to smell fresh with a hint of sophistication. It compliments cooler weather and evening occasions.  Examples of woody fragrances are Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker, Chanel No. 19 and Givenchy Organza.

Greens as the name suggest are reminiscent of the outdoors in the spring, they are similar to oriental but more subtle. It is suitable for casual, evening and business wear, perfect for that job interview. These are safe gift options when taking the fragrant route, you niece will be pleased as greens are preferred by younger sportier people.  Examples of green fragrances on the market are Versace Metal Jeans Women and Diorissimo by Christian Dior.

Orientals are viewed as sensual fragrances with blends of flowery scents and spices. They are a strong scent which embodies qualities of all the other categories, this makes it a great choice for corporate and that special occasion. Both young and old embraces this scent. Examples of oriental fragrances are Chance by Chanel, Fendi by Fendi and Estee Lauder's Intuition.

With these in mind the selection process will be less of a confusing one and more of a methodical process .Less time will be spent at the perfume counters with the frustrated clerk in helping you to choose the fragrant that is right for the purpose. Keep in mind your fragrance should reflect your personality.

Perfumes 101

 Have you ever notice that a perfume smell differently on different people? Lasts longer on some people and affects your mood?Why do fragrances smell differently on different people? Each individuals’ body chemistry and diet are different, therefore the skin will react differently to the oils that perfumes contain. For example fragrances on persons with a diet high in fat and spicy foods will be more intense.  Certain essential oils contained in perfumes have an affinity to our skin; they may be absorbed while others may not. This creates an imbalance in the compound of the fragrance and accounts for the noticeable change in smell on different individuals.

Why does a fragrance last longer on some people?
Skin types are the deciding factor in how long your fragrance will last. Dry and oily skin both affects the longevity of your fragrance.  The thirsty skin will quickly absorb the oils contained in the fragrance spray while the moisture rich skin will take a longer time to do so. As a result fragrances will last longer on skin that is mosturized. Therefore it is recommended for dryer skin types that you apply a matching body lotion or unscented one on your pulse points along with your spray to help your fragrance last longer.

How should I or where should I apply fragrance?
Most people are not sure of the correct way to apply fragrances. On the clothes and spraying in the air then the walk through have been the popular way. These unconventional methods are the ways not to apply your fragrance. You should apply fragrance to the pulse points on your neck at the base of the throat, wrists, behind the ear and the crook of the arm. These areas are ideal as this is where the blood vessels are located closest to the skin which radiates more heat and acts as ‘vaporizer’ with the fragrances. For longer-lasting effects start spraying from the ankles then work your way up since vapor rises.

How do I store perfume?

 For those who like to discard the boxes of the perfumes, you should know that the best way to store perfumes are in the box. Prolonged exposure to heat light will change the balance of your perfume over time.

Can fragrances affect your mood?

 Fragrances serves more than physiological purposes, it also supports psychological well being. Research has shown that certain fragrances can enhance our state of mind and moods and overall wellbeing. Different scents have their own unique effect on our state of emotions. The essential oils (the extracted aromatic compounds of plants) that are contained in perfumes have properties that will enhance your mood.