Making sense of scents

Good to know

Check out the essentials in the perfumes that interest you. If, for example, you want a scent that says you are feminine but strong, accomplished and inspiring and believe in the power of self-knowledge, a scent such as Calvin Klein Beauty tells your story with its notes of ambretta seeds, jasmine and cedarwood. But if you are romantic; generous, charming (and can make others smile with just a glance) a perfect fit for you would be Love, Chloé.
 

Celebrities choice

If you're a fan of a celebrity, chances are you will want to test their personal scent. (Incidentally, celebrities really do get involved in the development of their scents!) Marc Jacobs Lola is a scent from this generation's hottest designer. As you would expect, it is sexy and bold. Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely evokes the richness and romance of a vintage perfume that is reflected in the sculptural sweep of the bottle. Bottle design matters. One Vera Wang fragrance is housed in a frosted bottle with platinum hued collars.
 

How to test

Some people like to spray a little scent into the air and then walk into it so it subtly envelops them. Others prefer to spray on a body pulse point, such as their wrist, and then leave it for a few minutes to give the notes time to settle before testing the scent.
 

Suit yourself

A last word of warning if you are choosing a new scent for your wedding. Don't be influenced by a scent worn on someone else because your scent makes such a personal statement about who you are.
 

A word of advice

We respond to a scent that a friend is wearing and say “That’s for me.” But hold on. The choice of a scent is highly individual. What works for a friend may not work for you. So do your homework by testing before you make a decision.