Gone are the days when buying perfume meant simply spritzing testers until something smelled nice. Smart perfume shopping requires strategy, patience, and a bit of insider knowledge. Whether you're treating yourself or buying a gift, here's your foolproof guide to finding the perfect scent in stores.
Start Fresh
Begin your perfume hunt with a clean slate. Avoid wearing any fragrance when you go shopping, and try to schedule your visit in the morning when your nose is most alert. Coffee beans, often provided at perfume counters, aren't actually effective palate cleansers – instead, smell your own skin or step outside for fresh air between testing different scents.
Know your choice of fragrance family
Understanding fragrance families can help narrow down your search. The main fragrance families are:
- Floral
- Woody
- Oriental
- Fresh/Citrus
- Spicy
- Fougère (Fern-like)
- Chypre (Mossy-Woody)
- Gourmand (Sweet, dessert-like)
The Three-Perfume Rule
Resist the urge to test every beautiful bottle you see. Our noses can only reliably distinguish between three to four scents at a time before experiencing olfactory fatigue. Make a shortlist of fragrances you'd like to try, and stick to testing no more than three per shopping trip.
The Right Way to Test
Never judge a perfume by spraying it on paper strips alone. While these strips (called blotters) are useful for initial screening, perfumes react differently with each person's skin chemistry. Once you've narrowed down your options, spray each contender on different parts of your skin – wrists or inner elbows work best.
Check our collection of perfumes.
The Waiting Game
Here's where most shoppers go wrong: they buy a perfume based on its initial impression. Fragrances evolve over time, revealing different notes in stages (called top, heart, and base notes). After spraying, wait at least 30 minutes to experience how the scent develops. The final fragrance that lingers on your skin is what you'll be living with daily.
Know Your Terms
Understanding basic fragrance concentrations can save you money and disappointment. From strongest to weakest: Parfum, Eau de Parfum (EDP), Eau de Toilette (EDT), and Eau de Cologne (EDC). While parfum is the most expensive, it often offers better value as you'll need fewer sprays, and the scent lasts longer.
Seasonal Considerations
Remember that fragrances smell and perform differently depending on the season. Heavier, spicier scents work better in cold weather, while lighter, citrusy fragrances shine in summer. Test perfumes in conditions similar to when you'll wear them most often.
Don't Rush the Decision
Found a scent you love? Don't purchase immediately. Walk around the store or mall wearing it. See how it develops and whether you still enjoy it after an hour. Many stores offer samples – take advantage of these to test the perfume at home for a few days before committing.
Price vs. Quality
Higher prices don't always guarantee better quality. Many mainstream fragrances are excellent, while some niche expensive perfumes might not suit your taste. Focus on what smells good to you rather than the price tag or brand name. For example, Fernweh’s perfume range starts at just Rs 499.
The Authenticity Factor
Buy from reputable retailers to ensure you're getting genuine products. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic perfumes aren't just about the scent – they're about safety too, as counterfeit fragrances can contain harmful ingredients.
Remember, to never get influenced by salespeople that they pressure you into a purchase, and trust your instincts always.
Also, Check:
- The Art and Science of Perfume Notes: Understanding Top, Heart & Base Notes!
- The Difference Between Perfume, Eau De Cologne, Eau De Toilette, and More!
- Why are perfumes so expensive?
- Interesting facts about perfumes
- Debunking the Top 10 Myths About Perfumes and Fragrances