The choice of fragrances available seems to grow wider and more confusing every day as manufacturers and advertisers fight for the attention, and the wallet, of consumers. It is becoming harder and harder to distinguish the offerings among all the competition. With such a huge selection of perfume bargains to choose from, how does the average person even know where to start when it comes to choosing a good perfume? Generally speaking, all perfumes can be divided up into about six different categories based on the dominant top note of the scent. Certain categories may be more suitable for different people, places, or occasions.
Types of Perfume
A scent described as earthy or woody evokes the aromas of the forest. This is usually a refreshing, clean, outdoorsy fragrance that often tends to appeal to the older generation or athletic types who just want to smell good without necessarily smelling sexy. This kind of fragrance is a good choice for a to a friend or relative. An oriental fragrance variety is usually strong and/or spicy. This might be an ideal selection for that special social occasion, but you must be careful about picking the right one, either for yourself or as a gift. The intensity of some oriental perfumes can be off-putting to some people. Fragrances known as “greens” are much lighter than oriental scents and may be preferred by people who don't care for too much fragrance intensity. These varieties are well suited to casual everyday wear. Because they are less dramatic, they are also safer to give as gifts! A more modern type of scent is the new “oceanic” fragrances that are becoming so popular among many younger people today. These scents are intense, but not usually overpowering because of they seem fresh rather than spicy. Oceanic scents can evoke, obviously, seaside scenes and they are a great choice for the warmer months and vacations and cruises. Fruity and somewhat spicy perfumes are another a good warm-weather choice that can also be a good everyday-wear choice for a woman who wants to wear a scent with traditional base-notes without smelling like her grandmother's intense pure floral scent. The fruity/spicy combination counteracts while enhancing the floral aroma. Finally, those classic floral perfumes based on roses, lilies of the valley, honeysuckle, and so on are still always suitable for almost everybody and any occasion. But to be cautious of selecting the cheaper brands found in discount stores. Floral scents are the most feminine of all the main perfume varieties, but they work best when they are made from high quality ingredients. Imagine how many roses must be used to get the basic scent of a rose into a perfume and you can see why a good floral scent is so expensive. Less expensive brands can smell… well, cheap! Choosing a fragrance is a very personal choice and not an easy choice, especially since each person's individual body chemistry alters the scent and the scent continues to alter over time as it is worn. Many women have a favorite perfume or two and prefer to just keep buying the ones they know and love year after year. With the huge variety of scents and sizes available today, as well as the discount prices and perfume bargains available online, it's a shame not to broaden your horizons and try a new fragrance once in a while. By trying different fragrances from the same group as your favorite smell, you may find it easier to discover new favorites.
