Searching for the perfect gift for a special lady in your life? Fragrance is always a safe bet. However, unless you're absolutely certain about her preferred perfume, choosing fragrance can be a minefield. Not sure what her signature scent is? Can't discern the difference between warm and woody perfumes? Not to worry. Our guide breaks down all the basics, giving you the best chance of singling out the right scent for her.
Key Fragrance Varieties
Women's fragrances fall into one of several categories. Getting a handle on them will make it far easier to find a scent that will go down a storm with someone special.
First, there are fresh fragrances. These scents tend to be rich in citrus and herbaceous notes. There are also florals. Some floral perfumes are incredibly distinct, while other fragrances bring subtle fruity character into the mix. Lancôme La Vie Est Belle is a fine example of this type of perfume.
Woody and musky aromas are the way to go if you're looking for a more sophisticated scent. Perfumes that fall into this category tend to be the most expensive, but they're the perfect choice for evening and special occasions.
Finally, there are oriental fragrances. They're a more exotic option and are designed for women who prefer bolder aromas. A typical oriental perfume will combine florals and spices for a warming, sensual scent that lingers long after it's applied.
Getting to Grips with Fragrance NotesIf you're feeling confident, it's worth taking
a punt and selecting a new signature scent to surprise someone with. In order to do this, you'll need to have a good nose for perfume notes.
In short, perfume notes are the individual ingredients that make up the final product. They're split into three different categories: base notes, heart notes and top notes.
Base notes tend to be more earthy, with musks and spices like vanilla commonly used. Heart notes are more eclectic, but fragrances like Lancôme perfumes tend to use things like sweet jasmine and cinnamon. Top notes are more distinct. Everyday perfumes usually use citrus notes to cap things off, while more refined scents will deploy subtle florals like lavender.
Fragrance Concentrations
The perfume market is big business. By the end of 2022, Irish consumers are expected to spend spend more than €123 million on fragrances alone. Perfume prices can vary considerably between brands. As such, it's tempting to go with a cheaper, low-concentration option.
Fragrances marketed as Eau Fraiche might be inexpensive, but they rarely include concentrations higher than 3%. Although aromas can still be intense, they'll usually dissipate within an hour, requiring regular reapplication. Eau de Toilette is an affordable alternative that will deliver longer-lasting aromas. Eau de Toilettes can boast concentrations as high as 15% which should deliver noticeable fragrance for as long as 8 hours.
The most expensive options are Eau de Parfum and Pure Parfum fragrances. With an Eau du Parfum fragrance, you're looking at concentrations of between 15 and 20%. Once applied, these fragrances will linger around for up to 12 hours. If you're prepared to spend a premium, Pure Parfum is the way to go. With concentrations as high as 40%, a single application of Pure Parfum can produce aromas that last for as long as 24 hours.
