Thinking about getting a new fragrance? Us too! However, finding a perfume that you like is no mean feat. Firstly there are the notes to think about – are you a woody and spicy type of person, or are you more citrus and floral? And hands up if you actually know the difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum?
Didn’t think so. Well, the below will serve as a great starting point to finding your IDEAL scent.
Understand Perfume Types
Before you enter into a new relationship with a perfume, you’ve got to have an understanding of how intense you want that relationship to be. Different types of perfumes provide different intensity because they differ based on oil concentration. Here’s a quick rundown of common perfume types:
- Parfum, the most potent, contains 20-30% perfume oil, offering long-lasting fragrance.
- Eau de Parfum, a lighter version, has 15-20% oil concentration, delivering decent longevity.
- Eau de Toilette, a popular choice, contains 5-15% oil for a softer scent.
- Eau de Cologne, typically masculine, has a 2-4% oil concentration, offering a light, fresh fragrance.
- Lastly, Eau Fraiche, similar to Cologne, contains about 1-3% oil, but lasts for less time, typically ideal for a subtle scent.
What Smells Do You Like?
The best place to start when it comes to finding a new perfume is to consider what scents you already love. Do you like that lemongrass smell in your washing up liquid? Or perhaps you love the jasmine scent that permeates your local Thai spa? Or, does the smell of Moroccan roses still linger from a recent trip to Marrakesh? Maybe the smell of freshly cut grass or the minerally aroma of sea air does it for you?
It’s important to consider the notes when finding a new perfume. As explained by Imperial College London, “perfumes are described in terms of ‘notes’, which can be single odour ingredients, such as vanilla, musk or jasmine, as well as more generic smells like ‘floral notes’”.
Once you’ve noted down the notes that you particularly like, the New York Times recommends the site fragrantica.com – an encyclopaedic database of scents – as here you can search for perfumes with notes that you know you like.
Experiment With Fragrance Layering
Consider spraying two or more fragrances over each other to create something totally new. Layering two smells that you love is a good place to start. You can create a wholly unique signature scent by combining two or more of your existing products. It’s all about experimentation here, but it is a good idea to start with heavier fragrances first.
Hit The High Street
Finding an affordable fragrance isn’t always easy. However, it is easy to find a high street fragrance that smells good. Yep, high street perfumes are no longer like those sickly sweet body sprays of the 90’s which would induce a headache the moment you sprayed them on. Today they are a more refined, elegant affair and smell *seriously* expensive. all without the serious price tag.
When it comes to highstreet perfumes, we love the The Zara Olfactive collection. If you’re a fan of Jo Malone (hey, who isn’t?), then you’ll be happy to hear that Zara’s perfume collection was created by Jo Malone herself. The perfume collection was inspired by vibrant cities across the world. Our personal favourite is ‘Energetically Tokyo’, which has notes of lily, Arabian jasmine and akigalawood. If you want an affordable range of quality perfumes, Zara is your go to.
Consider A Doppelganger Fragrance
Is there already a designer fragrance that you like, but you can’t afford the price tag?
Somehow lots of designer perfumes have sailed above the £100-a-bottle threshold, a figure that many of us mere mortals can’t justify spending. Enter doppelganger fragrances…
For dupes of designer fragrances, simply head to the olfactory department of some highstreet stores. As reported by the Independent, “should you be looking for a cheaper alternative to your favourite designer fug, TikTok has sniffed out a whole host of M&S own-brand eau de toilette fragrances that rival a range of cult classics”.
Yep, M&S’s own-brand fragrances have drawn comparisons to YSL’s black opium, Chanel no5, Marc Jacobs’s Daisy and Paco Rabanne’s Lady Million Scent, to name but a few.
The Independent also report that “Aldi’s roster of budget alternatives is unrivalled – particularly its perfume offering”. Their perfume dupes of designer scents start from just £4.99, and their Jo Malone dupes are particularly popular.
Finally, consider a cruelty free, vegan alternative to your favourte designer brand. We’re fans of Eden Perfumes, which started in 2013 and are based in Brighton. They sell vegan perfume dupes of popular brands at affordable prices. What’s more, Eden perfumes contain no synthetic preservatives and are IRCA certified. Result.
Smell Better For Less
You’ll be pleased to hear that, according to scientists, spending money on expensive perfume is a waste of money as the most attractive scents are cheap and simple. Indeed, a study by the Imperial College London of more than 10,000 fragrances discovered that people prefer simple scents like jasmine musk, bergamot, sandalwood and amber, as opposed to pricier alternatives on the market.
Try It On
The most crucial part of finding your new favourite fragrance is trying it on. Perfumes interact with your individual body chemistry, altering its scent. Your skin’s pH, temperature, and natural odours can influence a perfume’s notes.
Hence, trying it on allows you to experience its unique transformation and full range of notes on your skin, providing a real understanding of its scent on you. Spray perfume on your wrist, wait for it to dry, then smell. This lets the fragrance warm up and mix with your body’s natural oils.
Free Samples
You’ve probably used tester strips at your local fragrance store or duty-free before. Sadly, you’ll rarely be able to walk away with reusable perfume samples if you’re making an in-store purchase.
If you’re keen to bring some variety to your fragrance collection, why not stock up on a few samples from an online retailer instead? Admittedly, most retailers will have a limit on how many samples a single customer can order, but it’s a great way of mixing things up if you’re not ready to splash out on a full-sized bottle of scent.
Discount Codes
Once you’ve found the perfume you like, it’s all about getting the best price. Rather than relying solely on seasonal sales, you can take advantage of discount codes throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to restock your favourite perfume or try something different from an iconic brand like Diptyque, DIOR or D&G, discount codes can net you a sizable saving. Some codes are reserved for first-time customers, while others are introduced as promotional events. It’s always a good idea to check out the promo page of an online retailer before heading to the virtual checkout.
Don’t Miss Out On Sales Events
If you’re buying online, you’ll almost always come across a sale event. That being said, don’t automatically assume you’re getting a great deal. Valentine’s Day and the Christmas period are key retail windows for the fragrance sector. While these sale prices might be competitive compared to what other retailers are charging, you might still be paying close to the original RRP. Instead, look for end-of-season sale events for the biggest savings.
Swap Out An Unloved Scent
Do you have an entire drawer dedicated to bottles of perfume that have only ever been used once? Whether they’re an unloved gift or an ill-judged purchase, there’s no reason why they should be gathering dust. If you’re looking to make some quick cash, you can sell them online. Alternatively, think about swapping your unwanted fragrances with a friend. Chances are, they’ll be in exactly the same boat. If they’ve got their eye on something you’re not using and you’re crazy about a scent they’ve fallen out of love with, everyone’s a winner!