Choosing a new perfume can be a bewildering experience. After all, there are thousands of different options and there are so many different factors to bear in mind. For example, is the perfume for you or for someone else? Do you want to wear it in summer or winter? Is it for special occasions or every day? Moreover, shop assistants, adverts and scent experts often use words like "citrus", "musky" and "floral" to discuss perfumes and these terms can be confusing if you don't know what they mean. If you find it difficult to distinguish between different types of perfumes, here's a rough guide to help you get started.
Some of the most popular perfumes are those with citrus notes, since they leave a fresh and clean scent in the nose and can be worn during the day without overpowering those around you. The average citrus perfume tends to possess notes of tart grapefruit and orange zest, as well as sweeter fruits and flowers for balance. These perfumes are also perfect for wearing in spring and summer, thanks to their typically refreshing and zingy smells. Well-liked citrus perfumes for women include Be Delicious by DKNY, CK One by Calvin Klein and Cristalle by Chanel, while men favour Happy for Men by Clinique and YSL Pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent.
However, while citrus scents are ideal for daily wear, many people prefer to wear something with more lasting strength in the evenings. Floral perfumes are a popular choice for evening occasions and special events, such as weddings or a trip to the theatre. They incorporate notes from fragrant flowers like roses and jasmine, as well as a few zesty citrus notes and soft spices like vanilla to counteract the heady floral aroma. If you're a woman looking for a new floral perfume, try Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani or the classic scent Anais Anais by Cacharel.
Men on the other hand often favour perfume perfume with woody tones. Woody scents offer citrus and fresh green notes, along with musky and floral undertones. Their warming fragrance makes them ideal for autumn and winter wear, as well as wearing outdoors or after sports. What's more, their popularity means that they are often favoured by celebrity perfume brands, such as Intimately Beckham Men by David Beckham and Usher for Men by Usher Raymond. However, women aren't excluded from woody scents either, and their choices include Angel by Thierry Mugler and Romance by Ralph Lauren.
There are several more types of perfume to be aware of, including oriental, water, green and aromatic fougere. However, familiarising yourself with these three basics will be the perfect start to getting to know more about the fundamentals of choosing a lasting and memorable scent.
Clint Starr writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
