From Bond No. 9 to Tom Ford, today's perfumes are a unique balance of artistic history and cutting-edge science. Celebrities and fashion brands frequently release new scents, creating a vast catalog ranging from earthy to flirty to sophisticated. If you're new to this wonderful world of fragrances, the diversity can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources (including this handy guide) to help you find a perfume that suits you perfectly.
Why You Should Wear Fragrance
Why wear fragrance in the first place? Whether you choose a scent from Bond No. 9 or Chanel, you can count on a wide range of benefits:
- Soothing smells may reduce stress.
- Smelling nice can boost your confidence.
- Nostalgic fragrances can evoke beautiful memories.
- Appealing scents may help you stand out.
How to Apply Perfume Correctly
There are a few ways to apply perfume, each with different effects on longevity and strength. Your natural body heat can intensify scents, so one of the most popular application methods is anointing pulse points:
- Neck
- Chest
- Back of knees
- Inside elbows
For a more even effect, try the misting approach. First, grab your favorite bottle of Bond No. 9 and spritz it into the air. Before the cloud dissipates, walk through it. You can do so clothed or unclothed, though you should only try the latter if the formula is biodegradable.
Whichever application method you choose, don't rub the fragrance into your skin. Instead, let it mix with your skin's oils naturally.
What You Should Know About Fragrance Types
What makes a Carolina Herrera perfume different from a Paco Rabanne eau de toilette? Essential oil concentration is the number one factor, as it affects potency and longevity:
Eau Fraiche: 1% to 3% perfume extract
Eau de Cologne: 2% to 4 % perfume extract
Eau de Toilette: 5% to 15% perfume extract
Eau de Parfum: 15% to 20 % perfume extract
Perfume Oil: 20% perfume extract
Parfum: 20% to 30 % perfume extract
The higher the concentration, the more expensive the fragrance tends to be. However, you don't need to splurge on Bond No. 9 for a high-quality scent (though it's undoubtedly a great choice); there are plenty of affordable, long-lasting options that smell fantastic.
How to Choose the Right Perfume
Body chemistry varies by person, so a scent that smells great on your best friend may not have the same effect on you. As a result, it's essential to try a range of fragrances before committing.
When trying a perfume, ensure you have enough time to experience the entire range of scents. Formulas typically contain three layers:
- Top notes
- Heart notes
- Base notes
You smell the top notes upon application, but they'll eventually fade, allowing the heart notes their time to shine. These also fade, leaving you with deeper, earthier base notes.
Since the types of fragrances have different lifespans, you'll need to test wear for the right amount of time. For example, Bond No 9 Dubai Garnet EDP will last between eight and 12 hours, while CH by Carolina Herrera EDT will last only two to four hours.
Where can you find high-end fragrances for an affordable price? LaBelle Perfumes has the latest releases as well as time-honored classics.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.