8 expert tips on how to choose the fragrance for your big day - and how make it your signature scent…
1. Shop for a fragrance in the morning – this is when your sense of smell is at its keenest.
2. Define your style and preferred fragrance family, whether it be classic, modern, sports, spicy, oriental, floral, fresh, woody, fruity or marine – then ask a sales assistant to show you fragrances that fit into the family of your preference.
3. Enlist expert advice to give you direction in what has become a complicated task. A few well-asked questions can tell an expert a lot about you. Generally, an expert will want to understand what type of fragrances you like (fresh, oriental, flowery) and how you use them (daily or in the evening). They can then help you find the perfect fragrance.
4. Try the fragrance directly on your skin. You may smell something on a friend, but you won’t know if you truly like it for yourself until you and wear it. Likewise with acid-free blotter cards, they’re fine as reference tools but scents need to develop uniquely with your individual chemistry.
5. Try three scents at the most, in parfum form wherever possible. Any more and you will confuse your sense of smell.
6. Always test the fragrance on pulse points, such as on the wrist and allow the fragrance to develop on your skin for at least half an hour.
7. Remember that changes in diet or the use of medication may alter the way a fragrance develops on your skin. If you love a fragrance but it’s too overwhelming, you may need to consider using a different strength, like a body lotion or try layering the product.
8. Ask for samples, then test them at home over a couple of days. Once you have tried something that really appeals to you, and it lasts well, you’ll know that it’s the fragrance for you.
5 of our favourite fragrances:
Chloé Signature L’EAU - is a fresh luminous and effortlessly feminine fragrance. L’EAU is a bright burst of rose, accented by the fresh and iridescent magnetism of magnolia.
Tiffany & Love for Her by Tiffany & CO - is a modern floral woody scent. The fragrance opens with a burst of bright and sparkling top notes, beginning with blue basil, a botanical ingredient developed exclusively for Tiffany, and paired with grapefruit for an aromatic crispness. The sweet floral bouquet of neroli is at the heart and associated with a woody blend of the hero blue sequoia at the base, together with vetiver and cedarwood give way to a faceted and feminine scent.
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle En Rose - Known as the “crystal smile”, La Vie est Belle is an ode to happiness. The famous La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum is reinterpreted with a floral fresh, ‘petally’, signature scent of a peony and roses heart.
Red Roses Wild Rose Lace Bottle by Jo Malone - This is the essence of modern romance. Inspired by a voluptuous blend of seven of the world's most exquisite roses, with crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon, it unfolds like a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. Totally romantic.
Woman Intense by Ralph Lauren – is a captivating fusion of warm, white florals and delicious black vanilla. Tuberose reveals its many facets of warmth and floral creaminess. Jasmine intensifies the white floral heart, while Orange Flower brings a sparkling freshness. Rich Sandalwood and delicious Black Vanilla brings a warm and spicy sensation, reinforcing the addictive florals.
Written by our guest writer, Nikki Yazxhi, editor and creator of BellaMumma.