What Makes Scents?

Shopping for a signature fragrance or perfume does not come as easy to me as shopping for the perfect LBD, accessory, or handbag. During the Christmas season, I made quite a few trips to the mall to complete my Christmas shopping and laughed to myself as I realized on one of these many trips that I consistently avoided the perfume counters. I would walk in between racks of clothing and zig zag between aisles to avoid the overwhelming buffet of perfume scents and the sales people who during this time of year, are not only aggressively trying to maximize their sales for the day, but are providing free samples or "spritzs" of cologne or perfume, trying to convince you that the perfume soaked stick of cardboard will smell just as great on you.YEAH RIGHT. Based on this observation, and the fact that we are entering another holiday season infamous for boosting perfume sales, Valentine's Day, AND that I am on a mission to secure a new signature fragrance, let's join forces and share some insider tips on how to choose the right fragrance or perfume for you!

1. What Mood Do You Want To Create?

Classic:

A Classic scent is a great accent to go with any outfit, occasion, and can be worn all year long. One of the most classic and memorable fragrances created is Chanel No.5. This perfume is the perfect combination of ming, rose, and jasmine. It is a stylic, chic choice for women looking for a Classic scent.

Delicate:

These scents are gentle, feminine, and irresistible! Some of the most well-known fragrances are L'Air Du Temps and Premier Jour both by  Nina Ricci. L'Air Du Temps and is a delicate blend of carnation, gardenia, jasmine, rose, and sandalwood. This fragrance has been described by many as a "garden of delights." Premier Jour is the opposite and made with notes of sugared almond.

Sensual:

This group of fragrances is daring, self-assured, and fervent. Opium and Chance by Chanel are two perfumes worthy of this category. Opium is a sultry and mysterious combination of carnation, jasmine, lily of the valley, mandarin, amber, and vanilla. Whereas Chance, one of Chanel's newest perfume additions, is comprised of citrus notes, jasmine, pink pepper, and white musk, and evokes a sense of passion and confidence (hmmm, maybe I will try this one! )

2. Body Chemistry 

Your body chemistry plays a leading role in how your perfume will smell on you. As body chemistry is completely individual, the same perfume sprayed on two different people with never smell the same. Therefore, it is important that you choose your signature fragrance based on how it smells on you, not on how it smells on someone else. Lastly, it is important to note that fragrances will change their aroma slightly after being on your skin for a period of time. Let the perfume settle on your skin for a while before you decide that it is the right perfume for you.

3) Other perfume pointers to consider:

* Your signature fragrance should complement everything about who you are from your looks, to your personality, to your lifestyle.

* As your signature scent is meant to emulate your individuality, take your time (it has been 3 years and counting for me!), shop around, and make sure you're completely satisfied with your fragrance of choice!