Before You Buy Fragrance

Fragrances can range from a few dollars to a few thousand and I am going to attempt to explain why that is and what you should know before purchasing your next bottle. Take an afternoon and go exploring the world of fragrance. You are in for such a treat! Consider the fact that it has captivated women for the past 4000 years and will likely continue another 4000 or so. Lets find out what its all about!

For Yourself
When purchasing a fragrance for yourself, it is best to go to the mall and actually try on the fragrance. And don't make up your mind after a few seconds. Walk around the mall for 20 minutes and allow the scent to develop. If you still like the scent after the twenty minutes, you have a keeper.

*Be sure to ignore those tiny scraps of paper that the sales people will spray with a mist of scent and then hand to you. That will give you absolutely no indication of what the scent will be like on you!

For Someone Else
If you really want to buy a fragrance as a gift, you are going to have to do a little snooping. Find out what they are already using and either buy them a gift set (if they are almost out) or buy something by the same company. Never surprise someone with a fragrance that they aren't familiar with. Chances are, it won't be appreciated. Fragrance is a very personal thing.

As I mentioned above, you might wonder why some perfumes cost the earth and some are on sale for a few dollars. Here's why...
The expensive fragrances use natural ingredients to give the fragrance its richer scent. It's that simple. These ingredients are understandably expensive and that cost is passed along to the consumer. A fragrance using manmade formulas containing no natural ingredients, cost less to manufacture and the cost is understandably lower. The choice is yours.

• Fragrance Companies

Smart Tips
There are several fragrance families to choose from. Go to a fragrance counter and ask a rep to help you discover these different families. There are seven basic fragrance types that all fragrances fit into while some will fit into more than one. They include single florals, floral bouquets, spicy, woodsy-mossy, oriental, fruity, and modern blends. You might be ignoring a fragrance group that you are about to fall in love with. And oh yes, when choosing a new fragrance, always go alone.

• Perfume Tips

More Smart Tips
*Do not store expensive perfumes or eau de toilette in the refrigerator. Yes, it has been done. If you want your fragrance to smell the way it is suppose to, keep them on the shelf.
*The scent that your best friend is wearing, will not necessarily smell the same on you.
*As you get older, the scent that you have been wearing, can and probably will change on you.