Women's Perfume Guide: Choosing the Perfect Scent – Perfume Scents

Women’s fragrances span an enormous range, from airy florals to rich, spiced blends. With so much choice, finding a scent that feels like yours can seem overwhelming — but a little know-how and some patient testing will get you there.

Understanding fragrance concentrations

Women’s perfumes generally fall into four categories, defined by how much fragrance oil they contain.

Eau de Parfum is the most concentrated and longest-lasting of the four. It suits special occasions, or any time you want your scent to make an impression.

Eau de Toilette is lighter and less concentrated than Eau de Parfum. It works well for everyday wear and can be topped up during the day.

Eau de Cologne is the lightest and least concentrated option. It is a good choice for hot summer days, or when you want only a subtle trace of scent.

Perfume oil is the most concentrated form of all. It appeals to those who want a long-lasting scent without the alcohol found in traditional perfumes.

Matching a scent to your style

Personality and personal style are useful guides when you are choosing a fragrance. If you lean romantic, floral notes such as rose, jasmine or lavender are a natural starting point. If you think of yourself as more of a free spirit, fruity or citrusy notes — grapefruit, lemon or peach — may suit you better.

Making perfume last through the day

Application matters as much as the scent itself. Apply perfume to your pulse points: the wrists, the neck and behind the ears.

Resist the urge to rub your wrists together after applying. Doing so breaks down the fragrance; let it dry naturally instead. Layering can also help — a scented body lotion or shower gel in a matching or complementary scent will carry the fragrance further.

Finding your scent

The range of women’s perfumes is vast, and the right one is a matter of fit rather than fashion. Weigh up the concentration you need, the notes that reflect your character, and a few practical habits that help a scent last. Then try as many as you can. The fragrance that feels unmistakably like you is out there.