Phillips says knowing what scent personality you are is very important to keep in mind when you got to a store or boutique and start trying different scents to see which one you like most. That said, keep in mind that many scents shift over time: "Many times a fragrance changes from top note, to middle note, to dry down, and it might take several hours before you really decide how you like it. And by then, you might be really confused," she says. So take special care to pay attention to the various notes at play during your fragrance shopping.
Many people suggest smelling coffee beans in-between fragrances to 'reset' your nose (and avoid anosmia or nose fatigue) so you can tell the difference between scents. But... you're really just smelling another strong scent.
"The best trick to combat anosmia is to take a piece of fabric (shirt sleeve or a scarf) smell it and then start the process of 'sniffing' all over again," suggests Phillips. "Or sniff your elbow, where the skin is usually unscented, and then start evaluating the fragrances again. You will be amazed at how quickly you will be able to identify the fragrances. It's clearing the palate."
Phillips says it's important to let the perfume sit for a few moments after spritzing (without rubbing it into your skin) so that you get the actual smell of the fragrance after the alcohol dissipates.
What are the differences between eau de parfum and an eau de toilette?
Well, it depends on how long you want your fragrance to last as they all have different concentrations. "The strongest most concentrated form of fragrance is perfume or parfum," says Phillips. "It has the highest percentage of essential oils, mixed with alcohol and distilled water. The more you dilute it the less concentrated it becomes. So after perfume, is eau de parfum, then eau de toilette, and the lightest form is eau de cologne. The higher the concentrations, the longer the fragrance lasts," she says. Just a few important distinctions when it comes to making your scent selections.
Should you have different perfumes for different seasons?
It's all up to you, says Phillips: "It's a question of preference. If you find a fragrance you love, you can wear it all year round. It then becomes your 'signature' and it is wonderful when you love a perfume and it really reflects your personality and individuality."
She also says that personalization of a scent is very popular now, so you could also consider having a scent made specifically for you and then have it customized for different seasons.
Also, there's nothing wrong with sticking to one signature scent or having a casual fragrance for daytime and a more sophisticated one for night time or special occasions.
