Try before you buy! Fragrance evolves over time. The first impression created by top notes that evaporate quickly is very different from the heart, or middle notes, of a scent and from the long-lasting base notes that become more noticeable as the hours pass. Ask for a sample at the store, and take your time to make sure the perfume is really You!

Care for Your Perfume

Protect your fragrance from sunlight, temperature extremes and changes. Sun is the enemy of your fragrance. A few minutes of direct sunlight can spoil a bottle of perfume. Keep your fragrance out of the bathroom where temperature changes are common, and protect it from extremes of heat and cold. Your scent may last for many years if it is carefully protected. The bottles look so pretty on your dresser, but if natural light is a concern, consider storing them in your drawer. If your scent starts to smell “funny,” it may need to be replaced.

How Much to Wear?

Annette Green, President Emeritus of the Fragrance Foundation, has suggested that your scent should not extend beyond the length of your arms as they are held out from your body. This is your personal “scent circle.” Keep in mind that some scents broadcast a much stronger message than others. You will certainly consider the setting as you decide how much to “spritz.” A business meeting or dinner date may call for more restrained application than will a plan to dance the night away.

Concentrations of Scent

The “parfum” (or perfume) formulation of any scent is strongest, followed by “eau de parfum,” (or EDP), an intermediate strength, then by “eau de toilette,” (or EDT), the lightest formulation. For most brands of scent, the only difference between these three formulations is the intensity. You normally don’t need to agonize over the choice, simply decide whether you prefer a lighter or richer effect.

Be aware, however, that some perfume houses – Chanel is one example - will vary the ingredients among the formulations so you get a slightly different fragrance experience from EDP and EDT. Stronger is not always better. Fragrance critic Luca Turin prefers Chanel No. 5 EDT over the more highly concentrated EDP version. Most perfume connoisseurs will discourage you from wearing the EDT version of Guerlain’s Shalimar, and urge you to spring for the richer perfume if this classic oriental is a favorite of yours.

Scent Selection – Above All…

Never settle for a perfume that fails to bring you exquisite pleasure.

Laura Donna, fragrance matchmaker lauradonna.com can guide you to that perfect scent. Classic, niche or custom fragrances, replications of discontinued fragrances, perfume design parties and ambient scenting available. Read more about perfume on her blog, perfumeispleasure.com.