Make A Fragrant Choice

Wearing a fragrance is an essential part of dressing up. The fragrance you wear is an expression of your personality and of the image you wish to project.

Some FAQs to help you make a wiser choice in purchasing the right perfume.

Where do you apply perfume?

At the pulse point of your body; inside the wrists, elbows, at the temple and behind the knees; but never on skin exposed to sun. Avoid spraying perfume on clothes.

How do I select a perfume?

There are basically three categories to choose from: -

PARFUM or Pure Perfume (20 to 30% of perfume oil)

• Usually expensive and comes in small bottles.
• Made from the finest ingredients; it is concentrated. So a few drops should last for about six hours.
• Apply on the wrist or hollow of the collarbone at least 20 minutes before you go out because the body warmth brings it to its full strength.

• Less expensive and is the same basic perfume diluted with alcohol; so you need to use it more generously to make an impact. A good scent should last at least four hours.
• Spray across larger areas, such as the base of the neck, along the cleavage, at the elbows, etc.

• Smells similar to its more concentrated counterparts.
• Can be applied liberally. Since the scent evaporates within two hours, reapplication is necessary throughout the day.
• Can spray on ankles and the back of the knees as well.

Do I have to think of the time of the day and the occasion?

In an enclosed office, it is preferable to use a lighter fragrance. Heavier scents can be over-powering and sometimes, offensive.

How do I shop for the right scent?

• Test the fragrance on the wrist or elbow, where the skin's warmth brings out its character. Avoid rubbing the fragrance on the skin. This will cause the fragrance to develop quickly giving you a 'false' scent!!
• Don't make a decision to buy just after you have sprayed the fragrance. Give it time to develop. It is best to walk around the mall and then return to purchase it if you still like the fragrance. Give yourself at least 10 to 20 minutes. Better still; buy the perfume on the next visit. Don't try more than three or four types at a time. You will only confuse yourself and most likely not get the true scent of a particular perfume.
• If possible, ask for a sample to try at home!
• A perfume is a personal choice; so don't go by hearsay. The same perfume may smell differently on two different persons because of variations in body warmth.