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 |
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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  |
Jimmy Choo Eau de Toilette  |
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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  |
Estee Lauder Youth Dew Eau de Parfum  |
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If a scent with mossy, earthy notes appeals, then a woody fragrance is the one to choose. Think cedarwood, sandalwood and vetiver.
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Chopard Wish Eau de Parfum  |
Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum  |
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Love the scent of grass and herbs (think lavender, rosemary, basil and sage)? Then an aromatic fragrance is a great one to choose.
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Penhaligon’s Lavandula Eau de Parfum  |
Burberry Brit Rhythm Eau de Toilette  |
| 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.
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Davidoff Cool Water Woman Eau de Toilette  |
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia  |
| Fruity Perfume Love the scent of apples, peaches, blackcurrants – in fact, any fruit? Then a fruity fragrance is what's called for.
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Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette
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Rihanna Reb'l Fleur Eau de Parfum 
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- 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.
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