A fragrance is, in many ways, just like a signature, and despite some of the most popular varieties being worn by any number of people at one time, they will smell entirely different on each of them. Although always featuring the same base, middle and top notes, our individual pheromones mean that no two people will ever smell exactly the same wearing it, ensuring that you always have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons.
Nevertheless, choosing the perfect perfume in the first place can be a difficult task, and if you’ve ever found yourself going ‘nose blind’ after sniffing one too many tester strips in your favourite apothecary, then you’re not alone.
Spritzing on your preferred scent and wearing it throughout the day before buying is a tried and tested way to choose the right scent, but if you don’t like the first one – or the second, or the third – then the process can be time consuming, and even tedious, taking the fun out of what should be an enjoyable experience. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to choose the perfect fragrance for the winter months this year, and you don’t need to be an expert to do so.
As the fruity and floral scents of summer make way for headier, richer scents, and with the arrival of the festive season imminent, there’s no time like the present to update your fragrance wardrobe, and to help you choose the perfect pick without the usual tedium, we’ve put together some simple steps to success.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
We all know the importance of keeping skin hydrated in winter – but it might surprise you to learn that it’s an important step in the process of choosing the right perfume. At this time of year, the level of moisture in the air outside drops dramatically in cooler temperatures, and thanks to an increase in the use of indoor heating, skin can quickly become drier than it should be.
So, how does this relate to fragrances? Well, because dry skin is so devoid of moisture, your skin is unlikely to retain any scent for long, meaning you’ll likely have to continue spritzing it on throughout the day. This can make it almost impossible to try out a potential new perfume before you buy, as no sooner will you have left the store than the scent will have faded.
Lay the groundwork for success first by ensuring your skin is suitably hydrated, including both face and body. Apply as soon as you emerge from the shower for maximum absorption, and be sure to pay particular attention to the neck and pulse points, where you’d typically apply your chosen scent.
Choose eau de parfum over eau de toilette
Given that fragrances have a trickier time sticking around on the skin in winter, choosing an eau de parfum over an eau de toilette is a no brainer. The former comprises a higher concentration of perfume oil than its alternative counterpart, ensuring that it offers greater staying power, and is also perfect for the party season, when you’ll no doubt want to stay smelling your best all night.
This doesn’t mean that there isn’t a place for your eau de toilettes in your collection, as lighter scents like these will work perfectly during the warmer spring and summer months. At that time of year, the increased moisture in the air can make eau de parfums overpowering and overwhelming – so know how to rotate your fragrances to suit the weather, and you’re onto a winner.
Pay attention to the base notes
Each and every perfume comprises top, middle and base notes, but those that tend to linger the longest are the base notes. That first spritz might smell good, but isn’t a true representation of how it will smell later on in the day – so when sampling perfumes or shopping for them online, be sure to take note of those bottom notes to get an idea of how they will progress on the skin over time.
Heavier base notes, which work well for winter, tend to fall into the woody and musky categories – look for the likes of sandalwood, bergamot, amber, warm vanilla and spices to ensure you’re on the right track. We love the sensuous Ex Nihilo, which comprises sandalwood, bergamot and amber – Essenza Nobile ships Ex Nihilo worldwide, too, so it couldn’t be easier to get your hands on a bottle in time for Christmas.
Of course, if you’re looking for something a little different, then you might like to consider a gourmand fragrance. These mouth-watering scents tend to exude tempting smells inspired by baked goods and desserts, like gingerbread and crème brulee. Look for a strong base note like vanilla to set you off on the right track, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a warming and comforting wintry fragrance choice.
