Few things are more alluring to men than the scent of a woman. Some scents are captivating while others leave an odious trail. The key is to pick a fragrance that matches your body chemistry. With all the celebrity and designer scents lining department store counters, finding a signature fragrance can be a challenge.
Step 1
Pick fragrances that reflect your personality. Decide what you want to convey. If it's your sexy side, sensual Oriental scents, such as musk, vanilla and amber are good choices. If you like to ride your bike or climb mountains on the weekends, choose a fragrance that is sporty and energetic. Green perfumes that contain notes of freshly cut grass, basil and cucumber reflect an active lifestyle. If you are a playful extrovert, something fruity, such as peach or apple, might work while florals reflect tenderness and femininity. Even if you simply want to uplift your mood, a trip to the fragrance counter can help narrow your decision.
Step 2
Do not be swayed by the latest trends. Glossy magazine ads pitch the latest scents, but everyone's skin is different. What smells good on others may not work for you. Heavy fragrances, like patchouli and sandalwood, tend to overpower women with fair complexions but blend well with the dark and olive tones because of the skin's ability to absorb perfume. Other factors that affect how well perfumes blend with your body chemistry include diets, medications and hormonal changes which is why your once-favorite scent may no longer smell the same.
Step 3
Set aside time for shopping. Like searching for new shoes, choosing perfume takes effort. Quick sniffs of a bottle cap will not do the trick. Instead, spritz your wrists and inner arm to let scents blend with your skin's natural oils and warmth. Most perfumes contain top, middle and base notes that combine to give an overall scent. The initial smell is the top note, which usually evaporates quickly. The middle note surfaces 30 minutes later while the base note lasts for hours. Allow time for notes to settle into your skin before deciding on a perfume. Sniff again after an hour to see whether the final note mingles with your chemistry.
Step 4
Avoid going overboard. Fragrances come in different strengths with eau de toilette, being one of the least potent. Perfume is more concentrated due to its higher oil content. Try on no more than three fragrances per shopping trip. Otherwise, your nose will stop recognizing the difference between scents. Make sure you are not wearing anything else. Deodorized soaps and fragrant lotions can alter what you spray on. Sniff coffee beans between samples to help restore your sense of smell. Ask the fragrance clerk for samples you can take home or jot down the perfumes you like.
Step 5
Change with the seasons and occasions. When choosing fragrances, consider the time of year. Airy scents with lemon, lime and grapefruit are refreshing during the summer because they are exhilarating and clean. Spicy, warmer fragrances with notes of cinnamon, clove and amber are fall and winter-oriented because they are more resilient in cold weather. These bold, heavier scents are also more appropriate for evenings and special occasions rather than the office.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 cup coffee beans
References
- American Academy of Dermatology
- Fast Beauty: 1,000 Quick Fixes; Rona Berg; 2005.
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