Testing times

Never be in a hurry while buying scents. Leisurely test the ones you have shortlisted till you find the “Eureka! This is me” aroma. Every time the shop assistant gives you a scent to try out, keep it at a distance and analyse if it smells good to you. Note that each person has a different natural body odour. What smells good on your friend might smell horrible on you.

Spray the perfume on your wrist. Wait for it to dry and then smell it.  When you find something you like, keep it on for a day and see how it reacts to you. Scents sink in only after 15 minutes, so let it stay on you for the rest of the day to know the longevity of the fragrance.

Do not try more than 2 scents at a time. After a point, everything will begin to smell the same and you will end up choosing the wrong scent. This is why stores selling perfumes have coffee beans on the ready to reset your smelling senses. Coffee helps enhance the latest aroma from the original one.

Consider also the climate of the place where you are living. Heat often evaporates perfume faster and cold temperature or humid conditions strengthen it.

It may look very easy but choosing perfumes requires a certain knack and a good sense of knowing what goes well with your character and dressing sense. If you want to turn sexy and seductive, then opt for something that brings out the sensual side of your persona. If you want to go cool for the day, pick something fruity. You are bound to feel different each day so have 2-3 perfumes with a different base to suit your mood de jour.

The steps may seem cumbersome to follow but the end result will be worth the time.