Did you know the seasons have a significant impact on your choice of scent? In summer we love to wear light floral fragrances with fruity notes. But with winter here you may find yourself drawn to warmer notes of wood, spice and vanilla.
A change in seasons is the perfect excuse to switch your signature scent. If you’re feeling a little blue this winter, perfume is the perfect way to lift your mood. For a calming scent, choose a fragrance containing rose and lavender essential oils. Or to feel rejuvenated, opt for energising scents like citrus and lemongrass that invigorate your body and mind.
But before you splash the cash, follow these fool-proof tips for how to choose and wear the fragrance that’s right for you…
It’s all about the base note…
During colder weather, top notes tend to fade easily as the skin is less warm then in summer. So make the most of your fragrance by choosing one with a stronger base note. Vanilla and musk last longer in cooler temperatures. Woody oriental scents are also popular during winter as their warm and spicy notes create a feeling of comfort.
Keep it clean…
Before stepping out to buy a new fragrance, make sure your skin is free from any scents. This includes shower gels, body lotions and hand creams, as a mixture of scents on the body can affect the fragrance you’re testing. Before entering the department store or fragrance section, step outside for a breath of fresh air to ensure you put your best nose forward when picking perfume.
Let it live…
When trying a new fragrance, allow at least 24 hours for each element of the scent to develop and don’t try more than three fragrances at once. Avoid the urge to rub your wrists together once you’ve sprayed as this destroys the top notes, altering the scent of the fragrance.
Where to wear…
Avoid spraying perfume on exposed skin during daylight hours, as the alcohol in most scents leaves skin prone to sun damage resulting in premature ageing. For best results, apply perfume onto your wrists or the skin under your clothes.
Body heat helps to release the scent from your skin, so any warmer parts like your inner elbows or behind the knees is also ideal. Spray your favourite fragrance on your hair for a subtle, long-lasting scent but remember to apply sparingly as alcohol can also dry out your hair.
Mix it up… Think of your perfume as a pair of heels…you wouldn’t wear the same shoes every day would you? To keep your favourite fragrance fresh and unique keep a collection of at least three scents and try swapping to a new one each day. Your perfume will last longer and your signature scent will be all the more special.
Take care…
We know the bottle may be too pretty to hide away, but keep your fragrances stored in a cool, dry place like a bathroom cabinet, as the heat of the sun causes your fragrances to evaporate. During summer months, keeping perfume in the fridge not only prevents them from drying out but the cool spritz is a great way to refresh a hot, tired body.
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