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FRAGRANCES

Women’s Fragrance Guide – How To Choose Perfume

Women’s Fragrance Guide – How To Choose Perfume
allbeauty
Writer and expert8 years ago
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How to choose perfume? Discover how to pick the right scent every time. Floral to oriental, for yourself or a friend - our easy guide explains it all.

Knowing how to choose perfume can be tricky. If you've ever wondered what the fragrance groups mean, we're here to help. Plus you can shop all fragrances shown at allbeauty, and save £££ off RRP.

The Secret To Choosing Perfume! With thousands of perfumes available in-store and online, the choice may seem overwhelming - especially if you're choosing a gift. Happily, there's an easy way to get it right most times* The key to choosing perfume is to go by perfume group.

The Main Perfume Groups There are actually 14 perfume groups to choose from(!), don't worry, these can be narrowed down to just 6 main groups: Floral, Oriental, Woody, Aromatic, Citrus and Fruity. Most people like fragrances from more than one group. However, the vast majority have one perfume group they particularly like. As long as you pick from this group, it's hard to go wrong!

If These Scents Appeal... Try This... Or This

Floral Perfume

The easiest fragrance to pick - for anyone who loves the smell of roses, freesias, daisies (in fact any flowers), a floral perfume is the one to choose. There are plenty on offer, so it may be easier to choose by favourite flower e.g. rose or by price, or by brand.

Paul Smith Rose
Eau de Parfum
How To Choose Perfume
Jimmy Choo
Eau de Toilette
how to choose perfume

Oriental Perfume

For anyone who prefers heavier scents. Musky cinnamon, spicy fragrance, warm and sugary scents with vanilla. Just one word of warning: unless you’re really sure, choose another group. Oriental fragrances will be too heavy for anyone who's not a fan.

Calvin Klein Euphoria
Eau de Parfum
how to choose perfume
Estee Lauder Youth Dew
Eau de Parfum
how to choose perfume

Woody Perfume

If a scent with mossy, earthy notes appeals, then a woody fragrance is the one to choose. Think cedarwood, sandalwood and vetiver.

 

 

Chopard Wish
Eau de Parfum
how to choose perfume
Thierry Mugler Alien
Eau de Parfum
how to choose perfume

Aromatic Perfume

Love the scent of grass and herbs (think lavender, rosemary, basil and sage)? Then an aromatic fragrance is a great one to choose.

 

 

Penhaligon’s Lavandula
Eau de Parfumhow to choose perfume
Burberry Brit Rhythm
Eau de Toilette
how to choose perfume
Citrus Perfume
Love the clean, zesty scent of lemon, orange and mandarin? Or not a traditional fragrance fan at all? Then citrus scents are a great choice! Universally popular, they’re fresh and subtle. 

 

Davidoff Cool Water Woman
Eau de Toilettehow to choose woman
Giorgio Armani
Acqua di Gioia

how to choose perfume
Fruity Perfume
Love the scent of apples, peaches, blackcurrants – in fact, any fruit? Then a fruity fragrance is what's called for. 

 

 

 

 

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette

how to choose perfume

 

Rihanna Reb'l Fleur
Eau de Parfum
how to choose perfume 

 

How To Choose Perfume: a few tips to remember
  • The most loved perfume group is probably Citrus, followed by Floral. Citrus is a clean, fresh smell, Floral does what it says on the tin and is a very feminine scent
  • The most dividing perfume group is probably Oriental. Think of strong scents containing patchouli, musk and spices...
  • The top notes of a fragrance will leave first, so pay attention to the base notes. For example, if a fragrance has floral top notes but a musk base, then musk will be the scent that lingers.
  • Don't know whether to choose eau de toilette/parfum/cologne etc.? Read our dedicated blog post 'From EDT to EDP & Storage'

 

*Fragrance reacts differently when on the skin. This means something which smells awful in the bottle can actually smell incredible when applied. It's also an emotional substance as scents evoke memories in most people. So although you may get it right most of the time, remember it's not an exact science.

All fragrances available from allbeauty at time of writing.

allbeauty
Writer and expert
View allbeauty's profile
allbeauty