Choosing the right fragrance is important as it reflects your personality. There are thousands of perfumes to choose from, each with unique compositions and special blends of top, middle, and base notes. Every woman has her own preferences regarding her fragrances; some prefer warm and spicy scents, while others opt for fresh or floral perfumes. If you are seeking a signature scent, consider what effect you wish to make on others and where you plan to where the perfume.
Composition
Each perfume has its own unique composition. A fragrance is usually emitted in stages, which reflect on its top, middle, and base notes. You should first experience a perfume’s top notes, which are the opening scents of the fragrance. Once the top notes fade, which make take around 30 minutes, you should detect the perfume’s middle notes for several hours. After the middles notes dissipate, you should experience the base notes, which finish the fragrance, for a few hours. Quality perfumes take you through all three stages of experiencing well-balanced top, middle, and base notes.
Sillage
A perfume’s sillage refers to how long the scent lingers and the trail it leaves behind. Every perfume has a different degree of sillage ranging from weak to strong. The degree of sillage often reflects on the quality of the perfume; lower quality fragrances often have weaker sillage, while more quality perfumes typically feature stronger sillage. However, the best perfumes deliver the perfect amount of sillage - just enough to intrigue the senses without being overbearing.
Longevity
How long a fragrance lasts on your skin is another important factor to consider. Poor-quality perfumes typically fade away faster, requiring more frequent application. Higher quality perfumes do not fade as quickly or require more than a few sprays on the skin. Less frequent application means the perfume lasts longer, making it worth the money. Although the longevity of one perfume may different from person to person, the best perfumes provide five to six hours of longevity on average due to their quality oils.
Fresh Perfume
Fresh perfumes are typically very safe, non-offensive, and appropriate for all occasions. Ideal for daily use, fresh perfumes are suitable for any age group. Fresh perfumes exude femininity with their soft and delicate notes of white musk, floral, and citruses. They may also come across as sweet, fruity, or aquatic, depending on their compositions.
Floral Perfume
Popular with women of all ages, floral perfumes are known for their timeless, romantic qualities. Rose, lilac, jasmine, and gardenia are some common notes found in floral perfumes. Some floral perfumes come across light and sweet, while others are heavier due to musk notes. In general floral perfumes are very feminine and suitable for both daytime and evening wear.
Woody & Earthy Perfume
Woody and earthy perfumes exude dry aromas that are inspired by nature. They typically feature woodsy scents such as musk, moss, and exotic woods laced with floral and citrus notes for added complexity. Woody and earthy perfumes are less feminine, yet engaging and intriguing nonetheless. These may seem almost unisex, since their notes are very similar to woody and earthy colognes.
Warm & Spicy Perfume
Warm and spicy perfumes are more intense and sensual than other perfumes. They commonly feature exotic notes such as clove, amber, and vetiver for warmth and depth. Ideal for evening wear, warm and spicy perfumes are sometimes referred to as oriental fragrances. They are often stronger and heavier than fresh and floral perfumes.
Keep in mind a perfume often has different results on each person wearing it. Everyone has a unique body chemistry, and a fragrance many smell different or last longer on certain individuals. Always test a perfume before purchasing it to experience all the stages of the fragrance and ensure it suits your personal preferences.