Perfumes: buying guide on how to choose the ideal fragrance

There are no absolute truths when it comes to fragrances and smells. The choice of perfume is an extremely subjective matter. On the other hand, perfumes are worn, just like clothes, and they blend with the skin, becoming one with it. For this reason, finding the ideal fragrance is a very personal, almost intimate process.

If it is true, however, that tastes vary from person to person, as does the perception of a certain perfume, it is equally true that there are objective criteria to understand whether you are approaching a quality perfume or not. The world of perfumery, between women’s perfumes and men’s perfumes from the best brands , is very varied and making the choice is certainly not easy. However, with the necessary precautions it is possible to understand how to choose the perfect perfume .

How to choose perfume

Below, the main factors to keep in mind when choosing a new perfume and some useful guidelines to follow when purchasing:

Product type – Perfumes are divided into different categories depending on their formulation . We are mainly talking about perfume extract, eau de parfum , eau de toilette and cologne . What makes the difference between the various products is the concentration of essential oils dissolved in the alcohol, which determines the intensity and persistence of the perfume itself. With cologne and perfumed water , another type of product much appreciated especially in the summer period, the olfactory notes become more delicate. In perfumed waters, in particular, the concentration of essential oils is very low and the formula is mainly composed of distilled water. Furthermore, they are usually alcohol-free or at least contain very little of it.

Olfactory families – The essences present in the perfume make up its aromatic bouquet, called the olfactory pyramid in technical jargon . They are not all the same, on the contrary: very different and contrasting scented notes often coexist in perfumes. There are 7 main olfactory families : Citrus , Floral , Fougère , Chypre , Woody , Oriental and Musk . This cataloguing, universally recognized and introduced in 1984 by the Societé Française des Parfumeurs, has expanded over the years with numerous sub-categories.

For women, for men, unisex or genderless – Traditional perfumery has always distinguished perfumes by gender. It is therefore common convention to talk about women’s perfumes and men’s perfumes . However, especially over the last few decades, unisex perfumes have progressively established themselves (especially in the niche perfume market segment ), i.e. suitable for both men and women. Even more recently, however, genderless perfumery has been cleared: this means that perfumes are genderless and fluid, reflecting the fluidity that characterizes contemporary society.

The context – The choice of perfume is not exclusively linked to our personal feelings. In addition to satisfying the olfactory expectations of each of us, in fact, a perfume should always be shown off in the right context. There are, for example, perfumes more suitable for evening use and special occasions , which could clash with the work and everyday dimension . At the same time, the passing of the seasons is also an element not to be underestimated: in general, the perfumes used in the cold period are not suitable for the summer season and vice versa.

Bottle design – Especially when you buy a perfume as a gift or if you are part of the category of perfume enthusiasts and collectors, another element that plays an important role in the choice phase is the design of the bottle. Some packaging is true works of art and brands that operate in the perfumery sector often launch limited edition perfumes on the market characterized by creative and original , collectible bottles.

Skin type and personal needs – Never buy a perfume just because someone else has it. The performance of the perfume changes from skin to skin , therefore from person to person, based on the type of skin and its pH. The ideal is to always try the perfume on your own skin, not just on the cards usually found in perfumeries.

How much does a perfume cost?

When deciding to buy a perfume, obviously, it is important to orient yourself starting from a reference budget . The price of perfumes depends on an infinite number of variables, starting from their formulation – the distinction between perfume extract, eau de parfum, eau de toilette and cologne comes into play – but also from the format and, inevitably, from the brand , which plays a key role in determining the cost of the final product. It is not difficult, however, to find an economical perfume that still has good performance, just as there is no shortage of proposals suitable for those with an intermediate budget. For convenience, we have identified three price ranges. The economic range (that of the so-called low cost perfumes ) includes fragrances that cost less than 50 euros. The mid-range instead includes perfumes priced between 50 and 100 euros. Finally, the high end includes perfumes with a price above 100 euros, signed by the best brands . Just think, for example, of the great fashion houses that have expanded their range of action to the perfume market, from Chanel to Dior , and niche perfumery brands such as Montale , Mancera and Tom Ford .

*** Always refers to the largest format ***(Data updated as of November 2023 and subject to change over time)

Economic range (within 50 euros)

There are many cheap perfumes on the market that are good quality , intense, pleasant to wear and also persistent. There are many brands that refer to this price range, in terms of men’s, women’s and unisex perfumes. For example, the L’Erbolario perfumes are excellent , among which are now very popular evergreen references such as L’Erbolario Frangipani Profumo and the men’s bestseller L’Erbolario Ginepro Nero Profumo . The L’Erbolario
brand surprises, from season to season, with new perfumes : captivating, long-lasting and affordable . The Erbolario Notte a Tangeri Profumo is one of the latest innovations, a unisex amber perfume inspired by the exotic atmospheres of the Moroccan city, with inebriating and enveloping notes of tangerine and cardamom. L’Erbolario Alba in Asia Profumo is, however, a harmonious and balanced feminine perfume inspired by the elegant sensuality of the lotus flower, with pleasant musky, citrus and aquatic notes.

Helan perfumes also boast good reviews , such as the women’s perfume Helan Tonka e Pepe Rosa Eau de Parfum and the men’s fragrance Helan Olmo Eau de Toilette . Both brands have an accessible price point and mainly use ingredients of natural origin for the formulations of their perfumes. Many cheap perfumes are also easily available in large-scale distribution , such as Tesori d’Oriente perfumes . They cost little, but have good persistence and intensity .

There are many Tesori d’Oriente references to choose from in terms of feminine, masculine and unisex fragrances. Tesori d’Oriente Guajaco Wood Profumo is a masculine perfume perfect for the autumn and winter seasons: the protagonist note is the highly fragrant Guajaco wood, which is accompanied by spicy and aromatic accords of black pepper, cardamom and sage. Tonka bean, sandalwood, musk and iris make the fragrance even more intense, giving it greater softness. Among the unisex bestsellers, but loved mainly by the female public, Tesori d’Oriente Hammam stands out : inspired by the wellness ritual of the hammam, it includes citrus notes of mandarin and lemon combined with jasmine flowers, notes of vanilla, amber and musk.

Staying on the subject of budget-priced perfumes, a separate discussion is that relating to equivalent perfumes , usually inexpensive and inspired by more noble fragrances . Among the best sellers are those by Yodeyma , such as Yodeyma Power Woman Eau de Parfum , freely inspired by Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau de Parfum, and for men Yodeyma Instint Eau de Parfum , which is instead inspired by Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette.

Medium range (from 50 to 100 euros)

The mid-range includes branded but commercial perfumes , therefore available in all the main perfumery chains. Among the most popular are those from Dolce & Gabbana , such as Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Lily Eau de Toilette and the more recent Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Violet Eau de Toilette , both part of the Dolce collection .
Each fragrance in the line aims to pay homage to a flower, in this case the lily and the violet respectively. These are perfumes designed above all for a young audience , characterized by bottles with a very particular design: the caps of the bottles, in fact, are inspired in their features by the flowers protagonists of the olfactory pyramids. Dolce & Gabbana also offers men’s fragrances with an excellent quality-price ratio that fall into the mid-range. Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men Gold Eau de Parfum is one of the best sellers, a spicy aromatic that combines citrus notes such as blood orange and bergamot with aromatic and amber notes.

Another high fashion brand that designs mid-range perfumes is Versace . Versace perfumes are easily recognizable by the iconic Medusa logo that has characterized the brand since its inception and follows the bold style of the clothes that the Maison has always paraded on the catwalk. Versace Eros Eau de Parfum is one of the most loved men’s perfumes of the entire line: a riot of Italian mint, lemon and mandarin with an aromatic floral heart and pungent woody accords. Among the best-selling women’s fragrances, those from the Dylan line stand out, including Versace Dylan Purple Eau de Parfum , a charming and irreverent fruity floral that combines notes of orange and pear with amber and woody notes. Furthermore, some fragrances signed by international stars who have decided to debut in the world of beauty, such as Ariana Grande with her Di lei Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
, are part of this price range .

High end (over 100 euros)

The high end includes perfumes from the best brands , signed by prestigious Maisons who have made the history of perfumery with their allure. This market segment hosts iconic and very famous fragrances, the best-selling perfumes of all time which continue to receive acclaim and which have become true status symbols. The most representative of the entire category is Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum , the perfume par excellence commissioned by Coco Chanel herself. Among Chanel perfumes , the men’s perfume Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum , one of the best-selling men’s perfumes in the world together with Dior Sauvage Elixir Eau de Parfum , has also been enjoying great success for several years now . Staying within the Dior house, Dior J’Adore Eau de Parfum is also an authentic cult of high-end perfumery , recently joined by Dior J’Adore Parfum d’Eau , the first alcohol-free perfume from the French Maison.

With the fragrances proposed by the “sacred monsters” Dior and Chanel, in the high range there are many other equally famous and well-known perfumes, such as Burberry , Guerlain and Yves Saint Laurent perfumes .

Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum is one of the most popular women’s fragrances from the London brand Burberry : with three types of vanilla, it is a very long-lasting pure gourmand inspired by the inner strength of women.

Fans of high perfumery are well aware of Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria collection , dedicated to the beauties of the world and based on the use of precious raw materials . Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Bosca Vanilla Forte Eau de Parfum is a woody amber unisex perfume designed by the brand mainly for the autumn and winter period. Among the olfactory notes stand out bergamot, eucalyptus, vanilla and musk.

Yves Saint Laurent has also launched several successful fragrances in recent years, including the women’s perfumes from the Libre collection . Yves Saint Laurent Libre L’Absolu Platine Parfum is the most intense and persistent of the entire line, with aromatic notes of lavender sublimated by vanilla and amber accords. The brand is also renowned for its men’s fragrances. Yves Saint Laurent MySlf Eau de Parfum , among the new men’s perfumes , is already a bestseller. It is proposed as a tribute to modern masculinity, between floral and woody notes that create an interesting contrast.

The price is destined to rise further when approaching niche perfumes , mainly unisex, refined and certainly less inflated. In addition to the aforementioned Montale brand , there is a world. Among the most renowned brands, for example, Mancera stands out , with its best seller Mancera Red Tobacco Eau de Parfum .
Connoisseurs of niche perfumery also adore Tom Ford perfumes , such as the famous Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille and the equally famous Tom Ford Black Orchid . The latest novelty is Tom Ford Café Rose Eau de Parfum 2023 , a reinterpretation of a limited edition fragrance from 2012. It is a women’s perfume based on the dualism between rose and coffee, characterized by extreme persistence .

The Olympus of high perfumery also welcomes Frederic Malle and Byredo , even more niche as they are known only by true experts. Frederic Malle is a French brand that calls itself a perfume publishing house specializing in olfactory stories . Among the recently launched fragrances is Frederic Malle Heaven Can Wait Eau de Parfum , a unisex floral, woody and musky perfume inspired by the idea of ​​a private and reachable Paradise to be enjoyed on Earth. Byredo is a Scandinavian brand that makes the contrast between Swedish minimalism and opulent oriental raw materials its strong point. Byredo Rouge Chaotique Extrait de Parfum is a unisex spicy woody perfume that revisits Oud with juicy blackcurrant and plum notes.

Finally, Made in Italy excellence. Acqua di Parma perfumes fall into the segment of high-end niche perfumes and are one of the beauty symbols of Italian luxury abroad. The Acqua di Parma collection is extremely rich and varied and includes exclusive fragrances that hark back to the artisanal tradition of perfumery. Acqua di Parma Zafferano Eau de Parfum is one of the brand’s latest creations: a floral amber unisex perfume that allows saffron, citrus fruits and a flowery bouquet of rose, jasmine, geranium and orange blossom to coexist in harmony.

Perfume: how to best choose it

Speaking of perfumes, it is important to make a first distinction between two large families: artificial perfumes and natural perfumes . In the first, the olfactory sensation is produced by a mix of chemical substances that simulate the various olfactory scents. The latter, however, contain real natural extracts , a factor that makes the fragrances more faithful to the real aromas. It follows that, in terms of price, natural perfumes are on average more expensive than artificial ones. In addition to odorous substances and water, almost all perfumes contain a good dose of alcohol , which is essential for intensifying the fragrance. Alcohol, in fact, is a highly volatile substance, which evaporates easily and rises upwards, taking the odorous components with it. Among the raw materials that make up a perfume, essential oils stand out : the greater their quantity, the more long-lasting and enveloping the fragrance will be. The concentration of alcohol and essential oils determines the difference between perfume extract , eau de parfum , eau de toilette and eau de cologne . As for essential oils, the perfume extract contains a percentage between 15% and 30%. In descending order, this is followed by eau de parfum (from 8% to 15%), eau de toilette (from 4% to 8%) and eau de cologne (from 3% to 5%). Perfumed waters, on the other hand, usually contain less than 3% essential oils. The situation is similar when it comes to alcohol, which together with essential oils is the only component of perfume extracts. The percentage varies depending on whether it is eau de parfum (80%), eau de toilette (90%) or eau de cologne (70%). There are also alcohol-free perfumes , formulated mainly for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers. What is the best choice? For daily use, the best-selling type of perfume is eau de parfum , with good intensity and long duration.

Most popular women’s eau de parfum: 

Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Parfum

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum
Thierry Mugler Angel Eau de Parfum

Olfactory families

Since 1984, perfumes have been classified into different groups, depending on the ingredients and accords that characterize them, universally recognized as olfactory families . The introduction of this cataloging is attributed to Eugène Rimmel, a French perfumer, in collaboration with the Sociètè Française des Parfumeurs. Although numerous olfactory sub-families have been added over the years, the main ones are 7: Citrus , Floral , Fougère , Chypre , Woody , Oriental and Musk.

Citrusy

The Agrumata olfactory family is also known by the name Esperidata (from the Hesperides, figures of Greek mythology who, according to legend, guarded the Golden Apples of Hera, i.e. oranges). This group includes all Mediterranean-inspired fragrances, based on essential oils obtained from the peels of citrus fruits such as bergamot, orange, mandarin and lemon. Citrus scents , loved by both men and women, are fresh , energizing and light .

Citrus perfumes of every price range:

Guerlain Mandarine Basilic Eau de Toilette

Acqua di Parma Colonia

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scented Water

Floral

The Floral (or flowery) olfactory family is incredibly vast and includes all the perfumes made on the basis of essential oils obtained from flowers . Among the most used in perfumery are jasmine and rose, but also gardenia and violet. Floral perfumes are usually more appreciated by women.

Best known floral scents:

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum

Chloé Eau de Parfum

Hermes Twilly d’Hermès Eau de Parfum

Fougère

The French word “fougère” literally translates to fern in Italian, but the Fougère olfactory family has nothing to do with this plant species. The name derives from a perfume from 1882, Fougère Royale by Houbigant, which inaugurated the tradition of perfumes (mainly for men) based on natural elements such as woods , musks and lavender . The inspiration comes from the woods and the wild greenery of nature.

Cult fougère perfumes:

Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum

Davidoff Cool Water Eau de Toilette

Emporio Armani Stronger With You Eau de Toilette

Chypre

The Chypre olfactory family takes its name from the island of Cyprus, a favorite destination of French high society at the time of the introduction of Rimmel cataloging. Composed mainly of feminine scents, it is characterized by floral and fruity notes .

Iconic chypre perfumes:

Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum

Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum

Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum

Woody

The Woody olfactory family includes, as is easy to imagine, all those fragrances that include notes of cedar, sandalwood, vetiver or other varieties of wood. Woody perfumes , also called Boisè, are mostly masculine and are usually chosen by those who love reassuring and , at the same time, intriguing scented accords .

Persistent masculine woody scents:

Dsquared2 Green Wood Eau de Toilette

Bulgari Man Wood Essence Eau de Parfum

Montale Black Aoud Eau de Parfum

Oriental

The Oriental olfactory family (also called Amber) is that of warm and enveloping perfumes that seem to come from far away, recalling atmospheres from a thousand and one nights. Among the most common olfactory notes are vanilla, all types of amber, but also patchouli and spices, such as saffron and pink pepper. Oriental perfumes are usually much loved, especially by women.

Most loved oriental feminine perfumes:

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum

Paco Rabanne Olympèa Eau de Parfum

Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum

Musky

The Musk olfactory family (also known as Cuoiata) includes very intense and persistent perfumes , refined and able to get noticed. They aim to reproduce the smell of leather and tobacco , with animalic notes reminiscent of undergrowth. Musky and leathery notes mainly characterize men’s and unisex fragrances.

More enveloping leathery musky scents:

Guerlain Cuir Intense Eau de Parfum

Salvatore Ferragamo Ferragamo Intense Leather Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum

Regardless of the type of family to which they belong, olfactory notes can be classified based on their appearance and their duration over time. Perfumes, in fact, are conventionally broken down into notes (not always coinciding with the actual ingredients of the formula) which constitute the olfactory pyramid . This is divided into 3 levels which, from top to bottom, graphically and conceptually represent the evolution of the fragrance. The top notes open the pyramid , usually very light and volatile like citrus ones. They are the first ones that are perceived, in the minutes immediately following the vaporization of the perfume, and the ones on which the first impression is normally based. The heart notes (floral and fruity ones are very common) determine the trail of the perfume , as they are more intense and profound , as well as more persistent. These are felt within the first 20 minutes of the initial spray. Finally, the base notes are the most present and warmest: they are not perceived instantly, but they evaporate very slowly and last for several hours after application. Among the most common are woody, amber and musky notes.

Perfumes for women, men, unisex and genderless: the characteristics

Although the market is currently moving in another direction, perfumes are traditionally divided into women’s perfumes and men’s perfumes . Taste is subjective and personal, but it is worth underlining that those canonically cataloged as feminine perfumes tend to be distinguished from masculine perfumes by some very specific peculiarities. The best-selling women’s perfumes almost always place emphasis on the floral component, relegating the other families to a secondary role. In most cases, these are quite soft, harmonious and very fresh essences. The most common olfactory notes in men’s perfumes are, however, the spicy and woody ones, including hints of leather, tobacco, oak and sandalwood which compose a more intense and aggressive olfactory bouquet.

These distinctions, however, are not at all rigid: there are many men’s perfumes also chosen by women and vice versa. Furthermore, so-called genderless perfumes have recently become popular , not to be confused with unisex perfumes . The latter have occupied the shelves of perfumeries for several decades and, as the term itself suggests, are designed for both men and women . With genderless perfumes a further step forward has been taken: the world of perfumery does not recognize this division but, on the contrary, aims to be genderless , fluid and inclusive. Everyone chooses the perfume they prefer, without being influenced by labels.

Most loved unisex and genderless perfumes:

Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette

Calvin Klein CK Everyone Eau de Toilette

Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur Eau de Parfum

Niche perfumes: what they are and why they are so in demand

We often hear about niche perfumes , but what is the meaning of this definition and what are they ? Niche perfumes are so called because they were born from a very specific need, namely that of satisfying a niche market. They are exclusive fragrances, mainly made with precious raw materials and mostly using artisanal methods. The name of this category of perfumes also refers to the literal meaning of the word niche: in niches, ancient master perfumers used to keep plants, spices and ingredients of great value, to protect themselves from prying eyes. Returning to contemporary reality, when we talk about niche fragrances we are referring first of all to their distribution .

Niche perfumes are rarely found in the most popular perfumery chains, but are sold only in strictly selected boutiques. The situation has changed slightly with the advent of e-commerce, but what is most striking about niche perfumes is precisely their lack of omnipresence, an indication of exclusivity and rarity. These fragrances have a strong personality , they do not follow current trends and, moreover, they are mainly unisex or genderless . Alongside the creations of now very famous niche brands such as Montale and Mancera , both French, or Byredo , of Scandinavian origins, there is a rich array of Italian niche perfumes . Among the most well-known and appreciated brands, for example, Simone Andreoli , Xerjoff and Nasomatto stand out .

Best-selling niche perfumes over the years:

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume Eau de Parfum

Byredo Gipsy Water Eau de Parfum

A perfume for every age and occasion

When choosing a new perfume it is also important to take into account when and under what circumstances it will be used . We must not underestimate the fact that each perfume, through precise olfactory notes, highlights certain aspects of the wearer’s personality. This does not mean, therefore, that each person must correspond to a single perfume. On the contrary, different fragrances can underline different aspects of everyone’s character in various situations and occasions of use , from work to more informal free time up to special evenings and important events.

A perfume used in a work environment, for example, should be more discreet than a fragrance to be shown off during a social event. In the workplace – think of the closed office environment – a fragrance that is too pungent could be intrusive and disturbing for those around you. Furthermore, it is not a given that you have to remain tied to the same fragrance for your whole life. As the years pass, personal taste evolves and in the same way needs change based on age . It should also be remembered that perfumes have their own seasonality : perfumes for summer should be fresh and light, because very intense ones with warm notes such as woody and spicy (perfect for winter) could be unsuitable and even annoying at higher temperatures. The ideal, especially if you want to invest a significant budget, is to focus on versatile perfumes , suitable for better or worse for all occasions and therefore can be used as a passepartout .

Versatile perfumes for all occasions: 

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette

Chanel Allure Eau de Parfum

Kenzo Flower Eau de Parfum

Quantity and duration over time

Except for a few exceptions, the same perfume is generally available in different formats. We start from travel formats and mini-sizes , from 10-15 ml, up to the maxi format of 200-250 ml. Furthermore, many fragrances also have the possibility of refilling thanks to special refills . As is natural, the price increases as the milliliters increase. However, there is not necessarily a correspondence between the quantity of perfume present in a bottle and its duration over time . For example, 50 ml of cologne runs out faster than a similar quantity of eau de parfum, due to the different concentration of essences.

The more concentrated a product is, the smaller the quantity must be dispensed to make it intense and persistent and, consequently, the longer the bottle will last. Another aspect to evaluate when choosing the perfume is its duration throughout the day. Also in this case, the issue of concentration comes back into play , with perfume extracts that are perceivable even after more than 10 hours and colognes and perfumed waters that, however, vanish in very short intervals of time. However, it is not certain that the best perfumes are necessarily those with the highest concentration of essences. The choice, as already mentioned, takes on a very subjective connotation. It is no coincidence that colognes continue to be highly appreciated and widely sold.

Most renowned colognes:

Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Intense Cologne

Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza
4711 Original Eau de Cologne

Design and bottle

The aesthetic impact plays a crucial role in the choice of perfume. In fact, much more than in other product categories, the design of the bottle and box is fundamental for attracting the consumer’s attention. In most cases these are purely aesthetic elements, but sometimes they can also be functional. The packaging, for example, in addition to recalling the colors of the bottle, can also act as a support for it, enhancing its lines. Some perfume bottles, then, are true works of art and collector’s items . Made of glass or crystal, they give life to minimal silhouettes or depict more elaborate natural shapes, such as butterflies, female silhouettes, floral images and much more.

There are many perfumes with designer bottles on the market, characterized by packaging that has now become iconic and easily recognisable . Just think of the bottles of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male line which take the shape of a muscular male bust . The first bottle of this type was launched in 1995 and, almost 30 years later, it continues to be proposed and receive acclaim. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir Parfum is one of the latest perfumes launched on the market by the brand, an amber fougère with seductive and captivating gourmand accords.

Also very particular is the bottle of Paco Rabanne Phantom Parfum , a persuasive spicy aromatic which has recently been added to the other references in the Phantom men’s line by Paco Rabanne . In the shape of a robot , it can be connected to your smartphone to access exclusive content offered by the brand.

As for women’s perfumes, those from the Good Girl line by Carolina Herrera certainly have very original packaging: in the shape of a shoe with a stiletto heel , they celebrate femininity and glamour. The brand, from time to time, makes slight changes to differentiate the various fragrances. Most of the bottles are black, while the bottle of Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl Glam Parfum is available in red to bring to mind the black cherry notes that characterize the olfactory pyramid.

Then there are bottles with more traditional shapes, but still worthy of note and collectible . This is the case of the bottle of Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia Eau de Parfum , a floral magnolia perfume decorated with a new version of the Flora print designed by Vittorio Accornero for the Maison way back in 1968, and of Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Eau de Parfum , a vanilla amber whose bottle boasts an opulent gold-coloured Sacred Heart, a symbol very dear to Dolce & Gabbana .

Other perfumes with particular and creative packaging:

Moschino Toy Boy Eau de Parfum

Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Fleur Terrible Eau de Parfum Légère

Paco Rabanne Phantom Eau de Toilette

The perfume test

Trying the perfume is a crucial step. After having identified the fragrance that, in theory, fully satisfies your needs (from budget to olfactory family), it is essential to test it directly on the skin in the perfumery and then complete the purchasing experience in store or online, if you prefer. . For an effective and reliable test, it would be better not to use other perfumes or creams in the preceding hours which could distort the olfactory test. Furthermore, it is recommended to never smell more than three fragrances at a time . After a few smells, in fact, the nose is no longer able to perceive the essences well and the test risks being unreliable. Once you have identified the perfumes you like the most, it is a good idea to proceed by vaporizing a small quantity on the mouillettes, the test cards with which all perfumeries are supplied. It is important to let the liquid dry well to be able to fully perceive the fragrance. Between one test and another it is recommended to wait a few minutes and, perhaps, smell some fabric to “clean” your nose. Subsequently, the testing phase ends with the test on the skin , specifically on the wrists, to evaluate not only the performance of the perfume but also to get an idea of ​​the intensity and persistence as the hours pass.

How to choose perfume based on your skin and why it changes from person to person

Perfumes should never be purchased simply for fashion or because they look “good” on someone else. Perfume changes from person to person and the performance of the fragrances is closely related to the skin type of each of us. A first factor that significantly influences how the perfume is perceived is the skin pH : a more acidic or more basic skin alters both the duration of the perfume and its olfactory perception. Those with a very acidic or too basic pH usually have difficulty identifying a fragrance that lasts for many hours. Excessive sebum production also alters the performance of perfume on the skin, as does excessively dry skin. Oily skin, as a rule, causes perfumes to persist longer, while dry skin facilitates their evaporation . It follows that, for example, very light formulations such as colognes and eau de toilette perform well on combination or oily skin, but risk fading quickly or not feeling at all if sprayed on dry to very dry skin.

Where to put perfume and how much to use?

There is a general rule that indicates how much perfume to put in , so as not to overdo it but still ensure a good rendering of the fragrance. It is preferable not to spray more than 3 sprays of eau de parfum and not to exceed 5 pumps of eau de toilette . Another focal question concerns where to put the perfume . This should be sprayed on the so-called pulse points , where the blood pressure is strongest. These are the wrists, the back of the neck, the hollow of the elbows and the knees. The neck and neck, in particular, are real strategic points when it comes to applying perfume: this area of ​​the body is ideal for leaving a trail.

How to make the perfume stay longer on the skin?

There are tricks that allow you to prolong the duration and intensity of the perfume . First of all, it is recommended to apply the perfume after the shower , when the pores of the skin are well open thanks to the humidity. The ideal is to spray the fragrance on skin that is not completely dry , after having massaged a perfume-free moisturizing cream onto the body so as not to alter the perception of the olfactory notes. Alternatively, if available, you can use the perfume together with the body cream combined with it: in fact, there are many perfumery brands that combine individual fragrances with matching bodycare products , from shower gel to deodorant. It is not a good idea to spray perfume on clothes, especially if they are items of clothing made of very delicate fabrics such as silk which could become irremediably stained. Rather, it is better to vaporize a little perfume in your hair (especially if it is long): there are special hair perfumes on the market , without alcohol and therefore not harmful to the hair, to combine with your favorite fragrance.

Creating a comprehensive buying guide for perfumes in a tabular format involves considering several key factors. Here’s a simplified template to get you started:

This guide provides a balanced overview of the key considerations when purchasing a perfume. Depending on the individual’s preferences and needs, certain factors may be more or less important.