| |
| A guy's guide to buying fragrance |
|
|
|
In general, you can shave 20 to 40 percent off the
price of fragrance by buying the bigger size, and some brands sell
refills that cost 25 to 40 percent less than the original bottle.
What women really
want
When it's time to choose a scent for your mother,
think about what would please her, not you. "Certainly
the people around her should like the fragrance
as well, but it's most important to focus on the
recipient," says Bloom. "Remember, fragrances
smell differently on each individual. Men love woody,
spicy, lime and leather qualities in their choices,
but women generally want to wear more sensuous,
feminine scents, especially the rich florals,
orientals and crisp greens."
If you're uncertain about what fragrance
to select, find out what your mom is currently wearing,
so that you know which category she prefers. If
she wouldn't leave the house without a spritz of
Estee Lauder's Beautiful, for example, then she
enjoys a modern floral blend -- which
probably means she'd be delighted with another floral
such as Vera Wang by Vera Wang or Happy to Be by
Clinique. If your mom enjoys being trendy, try celebrity
fragrances, such as Jessica Simpson's Taste or Sarah
Jessica Parker's Lovely, or spring for food-inspired
scents with good-enough-to-eat ingredients, such
as papaya and raspberry.
If you need help selecting a scent, ask for a certified
salesperson at the fragrance counter, says Bloom. Stores such as
Nordstrom and Sephora should have them.
Timing's important, too
Another consideration is whether the fragrance is meant for day
or evening use. Many women prefer a fresh, natural scent for day
wear, particularly if most of their time is spent on the job. Top
choices range from soft florals to green vegetal scents with prominent
traits of cucumber, pepper, or herbs such as mint or thyme.
For evening, scents are usually richer and warmer,
with hints of spice and wood. Heavier floral blends are also important.
Their impact is sophisticated, yet not overpowering; in other words,
the room won't clear out when your sweetheart walks in.
According to Bloom of the Fragrance Foundation, the
general trend -- for day or evening -- is
toward deeper, more complex scents. Consumers are less interested
in the single-note florals and more attracted to the opulent orientals,
with their dramatic impact.
Change with seasons
Weather, too, plays a role in choosing the right fragrance. In winter
months, women often go for sexier aromas -- typical of the orientals.
A good choice might be a mix of woody and spicy touches topping
a rich musk base. Full-bodied classics, such as Shalimar and Opium,
are just the ticket to warm up the mood.
In summer, light, airy scents dominate. Rather than
using heavy orientals, most women prefer a spray of coolness. Favorites
include the green and fruity eau de toilettes, such as Go by Urban
Decay, as well as sporty and nautical scents, with hints of spice
and lemon.
Finally, fragrance should fit the
wearer's personality; it should reflect her character
and spirit as well as her femininity and sensuality.
A rich, oriental perfume, for instance, suggests
an intense, dramatic personality; a tangy, green-based
cologne projects the qualities of an athlete or
outdoors lover; and a single-note floral, such as
lily of the valley or rose, may strike just the
right sweet chord for the grandmother in your life.
Leslie Hunt and Sheyna
Steiner contributed to this story.
|
