A Simple Guide to Finding Your Fragrance Soul Mate

There’s a certain pressure that comes with fragrance shopping in a department store. First there’s the poetic language of ‘notes’ only the sale’s assistant understands. Then you sniff a nose-bewildering array of fragrances on blotting cards. No wonder online sales of perfume are booming. Here’s your cheat sheet for successfully shopping scent online…

UNDERSTAND THE PERFUME PYRAMID

Notes are simply a way of describing the different components of a perfume. The top notes are made up of light molecules that create a first impression. Middle notes are usually more mellow and stick around for longer. Then you’re left with the base notes: rich, heavy scents that add depth and linger until the end of the day. Remember, if you see a fragrance has a top note of lemon, which you love, but middle and base notes you hate (jasmine and vanilla), it’s not the scent for you as your favourite notes will evaporate within 15 minutes.

STICK TO THE SAME FRAGRANCE FAMILY

Chances are the majority of your fragrances come from the same one or two fragrance families. If you’re a creature of habit, stick with your current favourite or fragrances that feature similar notes.

VANILLA OR SOFT FLORALS ARE THE SAFE BET

‘If you are choosing for someone else and that person finds big, heady floral fragrances overpowering or just not right for them, choose softer ones centred around sweet peony or delicate rose,’ says Michelle Feeney, founder of Floral Street. ‘Vanilla can also be a favourite scent and studies have shown that it reduces stress and anxiety, as well as being considered comforting and warm.’

FOCUS ON A PERSON'S CHARACTER OR LIFESTYLE

‘Similar words can be used to describe a fragrance and someone’s personality or mood: delicate or bold; focused or energetic or even quirky or rebellious,’ says Feeney. ‘Use this as a guide for your scent selection, and also think about their personal preferences. If they like spicy food, for example, they might like something laced with saffron or red peppercorn. Someone who enjoys long country walks might be into a green, woodsy smell.’

GO FOR A BESTSELLER

If in doubt, bestsellers are a safe bet because chances are, if you’ve smelt it on someone else and liked it, the more open you will be to trying it for yourself. Next’s best-selling fragrances is a good place to start…

EMPORIO ARMANI IN LOVE WITH YOU FREEZE

If you’re a fan of fruity, floral fragrances, you ‘ll love the ultra feminine quality that comes from cherry and peony on a sensual white musk base.

CALVIN KLEIN CK EVERYONE

Genderless, vegan and in a recyclable bottle, this fragrance already ticks a lot of boxes. And that’s before you even get to the juice inside (clean, citrus notes on a musky base).

ELIE SAAB NPD LE PARFUM ESSENTIAL

Orange blossom and patchouli has us counting down the days to an exotic holiday somewhere.

KENZO FLOWER POPPY BOUQUET

If you loved the powdery original, you’ll adore this punchier mix of Bulgarian rose, jasmine, pear and almond wood.

FLORAL STREET WONDERLAND PEONY

A sweet floral with berries and violets but there’s a hint of cedarwood to keep things interesting.