How to find a perfume that is right for you!

Finding a perfume that is just right for you can feel like an overwhelming task. Given the thousands of fragrances on the market, it may seem easier just to stick with what you've always known.   

Overall, yes, it can be overwhelming to find the right fragrance. The perfume you wear is a personal choice; it's not like the clothes you borrow from your best friend. The fragrance your best friend wears might not work with your particular body chemistry.

Besides, fragrance is a very personal choice. People will remember you for it. They will compliment you on it. They will ask what you're wearing. You'll wear it on first dates or for your wedding.

If you arm yourself with proper knowledge, then shopping for the right fragrance won't be such a daunting task.

Let's get started:

Fragrances are categorized according to notes, accords or other characteristics that define their overall similarities. More often than not, we tend to lean toward a particular fragrance family -- whether we know it or not.

FRAGRANCE FAMILIES

Fresh:  Fragrances categorized as fresh often include "green" notes, like fresh-cut grass, the smell of spring in the air, light citruses and airy notes. If you have an outdoorsy personality, a fragrance with fresh notes might be best for you.

Floral:  Probably the most popular of all fragrance categories, floral scents encompass a wide range of blooms, from a single rose petal to a medley of floral bouquets. Floral scents may include notes of jasmine, carnation, gardenia, orange blossom, rose, lily of the valley, tuberose ... you name it. Floral scents can be powdery or sweet, depending on their combinations. If you enjoy the scent of a particular flower, maybe you should try fragrances that include notes of that flower.

Oriental:  Just like its name suggests, the Oriental fragrance group is comprised of notes that are rich, bold and overall exotic. Notes like amber and vanilla are oftentimes present in the oriental group. Oriental fragrances lean toward the "heavier" side and are more sensual fragrances, ideal for nighttime wear or romantic occasions.

Woods (or Chypre):   This fragrance group consists of your aromatic wood and moss notes -- sandalwood, cedarwood, oak. Patchouli is sometimes present, as is vetiver and pine. Many masculine fragrances fall into this category, given the richness of woody scents.

FRAGRANCE PERSONALITY

Outdoorsy or sporty:   If you live by a who-needs-makeup philosophy and your idea of weekend fun is camping in the great outdoors, you may prefer a fresh, citrus fragrance. Citrus fragrances are invigorating and light, unlike orientals which tend to command a room. Your personality type doesn't want the fragrance to stand out, rather complement your personality. You may lean toward unisex and green, herbacious fragrances as well.

Examples with Links:

Elegant:   Maybe your weekends are lined up with black-tie dinner parties, and fragrance is much more than an afterthought. Oriental fragrances may be the best option for you. Rich and oppulent, these fragrances stand out and linger for hours. You may prefer a floral oriental (orange flower, vanilla) or a woody oriental (sandalwood, patchouli and spice).

Examples with Links:

Girl-Next-Door:   You have that certain Jennifer Aniston appeal; a little shy, a little sexy, but overall the girl he (or she) takes home to Mom. Fresh, clean scents are ideal as are woody floral. The latter might seem slightly more masculine, but woody notes can really bring out a shy girl's sex appeal.

Examples with Links:

All-American Guy:   You're athletic, handsome and playful. Your fragrance must be able to stand up to the challenge, but not overwhelm the room. Fresh, water scents are great options, as are light woods.

Examples with Links:

Sophisticated and Modern Man: You keep up with the latest clothing trends and prefer your fitted trousers to Euro-shoes to jeans anyday. A touch of classic goes a long way. Fresh, crisp fragrances are perfect for you. Throw in some sweet florals and you've got a winner.

Examples with Links:

FRAGRANCE STRENGTHS

What is the difference between Eau De Toilette, Eau De Parfum, and the other fragrance forms?  Here is a generalized list of the different concentrations available:

Perfume (Parfum)

This consists of a 15-30% concentration of perfume essence and is the strongest fragrance available. This means that not only do you need to use less, but also that the fragrance lasts longer, typically for up to 6 hours, depending on skin type.

Parfum De Toilette (PDT)

This is usually between a perfume and an EDP in strength but a few companies use the term to describe an EDT.

Eau De Parfum (EDP)

This is lighter than Perfume, with an 8-15% concentration, and so is less expensive but still has long lasting characteristics, from 3 to 5 hours.

Eau De Toilette (EDT)

This is a lighter more delicate fragrance, with a 4-8% concentration of the essence, and is therefore most suited to everyday use. It is normally less expensive than Eau de Parfum, and lasts for 2 to 4 hours.

Eau De Cologne (EDC)

This is often referred to just as Cologne and has the greatest dilution of fragrances with a 3-5% concentration of perfume essence, lasting up to 2 hours.

For Men Eau De Toilette (EDT)

This has the greatest concentration of essence generally available for men and hence lasts the longest, up to 5 hours. It is often available in either a splash or a spray.

Aftershave

Less strong, it is the most popular choice and lasts for 2 to 3 hours. Aftershaves are kinder to the skin than EDT's. Those with very sensitive skin should use aftershave balms.

Eau Fraîche

The final term is “eau fraîche.” This can be considered the lightest scent substance and used as a light splash in hot weather or when engaging in sports. An old-fashioned term for “eau fraîche” is sweet-water.

We use the following list is as our general conceptual guide as to concentration, from greatest concentration to lowest, for a prepared fragrance essence in a given base:

Pure Parfum Essence

Parfum or Perfume

PDT

EDP

EDT

Cologne

EDC

Aftershave /Body Splash/Body Mist/ Room Spray/Linen Spray

Eau fraîche / sweet water 

Now you can find your preferred fragrance on our store:
 

Making Fragrance Last Longer

If I apply fragrance in the morning, should I expect it to last all day long?

No. A fragrance is not designed to last all day. You’ll probably need to refresh it every three to four hours.

Why doesn’t fragrance last on me?

Unfortunately, your body’s chemistry causes perfumes to evaporate more quickly from your skin. Perfumers would say that your skin ‘throws off’ fragrance.

Instead of an eau de toilette lasting for some 3 to 4 hours, it disappears within an hour, sometimes shorter. The rate of evaporation triples or even quadruples on your skin. Why? The acidity of your skin is a possible culprit. Lick your wrist. Does it have a sharp, tangy taste? That’s a sure sign of acid. And the more acidic your skin, the more it will tend to throw off perfume.

Medicines, too, will change your body’s chemistry. Low fat diets, stress, spicy foods, fast foods all affect body temperature and encourage the skin to throw off perfume. Add dry skin and pregnancy to the list and you’ll see why so many women complain about the staying power of their fragrance.

The solution? Put an emollient layer between your skin and your perfume. ‘Layer’ your fragrance to extend its life. Use a body lotion or body crème that matches your fragrance to create an emollient foundation for the eau de toilette. It will slow down the rate of evaporation and double the life of your perfume.

A second solution? Use the matching bath oils of your favorite fragrances as oil perfumes. After your bath or shower, while your skin is dry but still warm from the water, stroke the fragrant bath oil across your pulse points. Finish with a light spray of fragrance.

How can I make my fragrance last longer?

The secret to long-lasting fragrance is ‘fragrance layering’. Build up layers of scent on the skin by using different forms of the same fragrance - perfumed soap, bath oil or gel, body lotion or cream, dusting powder and eau de toilette. Each reinforces the impact of the other to quadruple the life of your favorite scent. Layering, or “fragrance dressing” as it’s sometimes called, is also a clever way to wear a fragrance that’s too overpowering for daytime use.

Aromatherapy: improving your concentration with a floral fragrance!

FLOWER BY KENZO FOR WOMEN 100ml / 3.4oz
EDP - Eau De Parfum

Infinity Scents Price: US$ 57.55

U.S. Retail Price: US$ 95.00

Clear and unusual, Flower by Kenzo links nature with city, emotions with a high-paced contemporary city life. This powdery floral scent is built on three basic notes. Floral note revolves around parma violet, gentle wild hawthorne, cassis and Bulgarian rose. Its powdery note is composed of voluptuous vanilla, white musk and opoponax with a gentle woody touch. 

It was created in 2000.  

Flower is created by Alberto Morillas.

What to do when you put on too much perfume?

It's a common mistake to apply too much cologne. Maybe you make a first spray and want just a little stronger fragrance so you make one more spray, then instantly you know it's too much. Or you were testing too many types of cologne and now you're getting a headache. 

No matter what the scenario, you have a smell that you don't want any more, so what do you do? 

Here are some simple and elaborate tips on what to do if you put on too much fragrance:

Moist wipes: It's like taking a bath but only using a cloth. You can wipe the smell around and dilute it, but you won't be able to remove it until you rinse with fresh water.

Dish soap and water: Keeps the scent at a minimal while the water clears away most of the alcohol.

Baking soda and water: Create a paste, and like the refrigerator, the backing soda will pick up the scent and the water will dilute the alcohol in the cologne.

Witch hazel and cotton ball: The clear liquid that activates facial mud masks extract scents and alcohol from the skin.

Rubbing alcohol and cotton ball: Reserved for less sensitive skins, only. The rubbing alcohol and the alcohol in the cologne could mix on your skin and create a red area that burns until you wash off with soap and fresh water.