Choosing A Perfume

By Sara Blackmoore
The choice of fragrances
and scents seems to grow
wider every day, as
manufacturers fight for our
attention and try ever harder
to distinguish their offerings
from the competition. With
such a selection to choose
from, how does one even
begin to know where to
start when it comes to
buying perfume?
Broadly speaking, all
perfumes fall into one of six
different categories based
on their dominant top notes.
Different categories will suit
different people or
occasions.
Earthy or woody type
perfumes evoke smells of
the forest, and are usually
very refreshing. They often
tend to appeal to the older
generation, and may make
ideal gifts.
Oriental fragrances use
strong spicy scents, and are
ideal for special social
occasions, but be cautious
giving them to anyone you
don't know well - these
intense perfumes can be a
very personal choice.
The so-called "greens" are
much lighter than the
orientals, and are well suited
to more casual wear.
Because they make a less
dramatic assault on the
nose, they are also safer to
give as gifts!
Modern "oceanic"
fragrances are becoming
more and more popular,
particularly among younger
people who appreciate the
intense but often quite
unusual scents, which
instantly bring to mind
seaside scenes. Naturally
these are an excellent
choice in the warmer
months when thoughts turn
to holidays.
Spicy fruity perfumes are
also a good warm-weather
choice, and can be a good
all-round choice for the
woman who wants to wear
something with some
traditional base-notes but is
a little different to the classic
floral scents.
Finally, those classic floral
fragrances are suitable for
almost everyone and any
occasion. But be wary of
cheaper brands; this most
feminine of all the main
groups works best when the
ingredients used are of high
quality, and that means less
expensive brands can smell
exactly that.
Ultimately, choosing a
fragrance is a very personal
choice, and many women
prefer to stick with what
they know and buy the
same thing year after year.
But by trying different
fragrances from the same
group as your favourite
smell, you may just discover
a new gem.