- Understand the basic structure of perfume
Perfume is usually composed of top notes, middle notes, and base notes:
Top notes: The first smell after spraying, which lasts for a short time (about 15 minutes).
Middle notes: Appear after the top notes dissipate, which is the core smell of the perfume and lasts for several hours.
Base notes: The last smell left, usually the most lasting part, can last all day.
Understanding these levels can help you better judge whether a perfume is suitable for you.
- Determine the fragrance you like
Perfumes are usually divided into the following categories of fragrances, choose the type you like:
Floral notes: Such as rose, jasmine, lily, suitable for gentle and romantic people.
Fruit notes: Such as citrus, apple, peach, suitable for lively and fresh people.
Wood notes: Such as sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, suitable for calm and mature people.
Oriental notes: Such as vanilla, amber, spices, suitable for mysterious and sexy people.
Ocean notes: such as sea salt and seaweed, suitable for fresh and natural people.
Citrus notes: such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, suitable for energetic and refreshing people.
- Consider the occasion of use
Different occasions are suitable for different perfumes:
Daily use: choose fresh and low-key perfumes, such as citrus notes or ocean notes.
Workplace use: choose neutral or woody perfumes to give people a professional and stable feeling.
Date or dinner: choose sexy and rich perfumes, such as oriental notes or floral notes.
Sports or outdoor: choose refreshing and energetic perfumes, such as citrus notes or fruity notes.
- Fragrance testing is the key
Don’t rush to buy: When testing fragrances at the counter, don’t make a decision immediately. Spray on the test paper or wrist, wait at least 30 minutes, and feel the middle and base notes.
Don’t try too many at a time: Don’t try more than 3 fragrances each time, otherwise the sense of smell will be fatigued and difficult to distinguish.
Spray on skin: Perfume will smell different on different people’s skin, so it’s best to spray it on your wrist or behind your ear to test.
- Consider the concentration of the perfume
The concentration of the perfume determines its durability and diffusion:
Parfum: the highest concentration (20%-30%), the longest lasting (more than 8 hours), suitable for formal occasions.
Eau de Parfum: medium concentration (15%-20%), good lasting (6-8 hours), suitable for daily use.
Eau de Toilette: low concentration (5%-15%), average lasting (4-6 hours), suitable for casual occasions.
Eau de Cologne: the lowest concentration (2%-4%), short lasting (2-4 hours), suitable for sports or summer use.
- Choose perfume according to the season
Spring and summer: suitable for fresh, light perfumes such as citrus, marine or fruity notes.
Autumn and winter: Suitable for rich, warm perfumes, such as woody, oriental or spice notes.
- Understand your personality
Perfume is an extension of personal style. Choose perfume that matches your personality:
Lively and cheerful: fruity, citrus notes.
Gentle and elegant: floral, tea notes.
Mature and stable: woody, leather notes.
Mysterious and sexy: oriental, amber notes.
- Reference brands and word of mouth
Classic brands: such as Chanel, Dior, Jo Malone, etc., usually have rich product lines and are suitable for beginners to try.
Niche brands: such as Le Labo, Byredo, Diptyque, etc., are suitable for people who pursue unique smells.
Word of mouth recommendation: You can refer to online perfume reviews or friends’ recommendations, but in the end you still have to try the perfume yourself.
- Pay attention to the budget
Perfume prices vary greatly, from affordable to high-end. Choose according to your budget:
Affordable perfume: Fast fashion brands such as Zara and H&M also have good perfumes.
Mid-range perfumes: mid-range series from brands such as Jo Malone and Chanel.
High-end perfumes: luxury brands such as Creed and Tom Ford.
If you choose INALIS, you can get the same quality as desinger perfume, with a long-lasting fragrance but at a fraction of the price!
- Don’t blindly follow the trend
Everyone’s skin chemistry is different, and the same perfume may smell completely different on different people. Don’t blindly buy a perfume just because it’s popular or recommended by others, but be sure to try it yourself.
Recommend a few classic perfumes
Fresh and everyday: Jo Malone Blue Bell, Chanel Encounter Fresh (Green).
Elegant florals: Dior J’adore, Chanel No. 5.
Mature woods: Tom Ford Oud, Le Labo Sandalwood 33.
Sexy oriental: YSL Black Opium, Guerlain One Thousand and One Nights.