What Fragrance Represents You?

By Selma Komisky

“As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved all around us.” 

– 2 Corinthians 2:15 (LVG)

Searching for your own special fragrance is a bit of a challenge, but when done right you will end up with your own unique perfect blend.  I recall back as a young teen I wore different sweet flowery perfumes like White Shoulders, then in college I wore Yves Saint Laurent, then later Anne Klein and Happy – Clinique. I don’t wear any of these scents anymore, nor do I care for any of them. With age we all change and we grow out of particular fragrances.

The scent of a particular perfume will vary slightly from one person to another because each person’s skin chemistry and body temperature will react slightly differently to any fragrance. It’s a good investment to buy a good, quality perfume versus a cheap fragrance because in the long run the quality perfume will last longer. Aromas trigger your senses and can change your mood. It can give you a boost, calm you down, or just all around make you feel good.

Some goods tips to remember are if you want your perfume to last, try to spritz a little in your hair, when you move around you can smell your fragrance. Another tip is that it’s better to use a parfum versus a toilette because it has more of a concentration than a toilette. Never rub your wrists together after applying your fragrance because it loses it scent. Don’t waste your perfume by spraying it into the air and walking through the mist. You want to dab or spray your fragrance on the warm areas of your body that will exude the aroma longer or it will just evaporate.

To have a touch up, you can carry a smaller version (purse-size, roll–on, or solid) of your favorite perfume in your purse to re-apply. Also be aware not to overdo it with applying too much perfume. You want it to be pleasant to be around, not suffocate people.

It’s helpful when shopping for new scents to not just spray testers on those little pieces of paper and quickly make a decision on your purchase. It’s better to ask for a sample (if available) and test it at home on yourself. See how you like it over time and get input on what others think how it smells on yourself. You may change your mind and pass, or you might love it! It’s wise to do this especially when perfume can be costly. Side note – you can go online to FragranceNet.com or Perfumania.com and shop for your favorite designer fragrances and save up to 70% on department store prices and get free shipping.

And like a fine fragrance we can spiritually be that sweet smelling aroma to others wherever we go sharing the Word of God.

So whether you spray, squirt, dab or atomize, consider some scents that might be your signature fragrance.

Enjoy!

Floral
Description: Delicate, feminine, and elegant, powdery

Contains: flower extracts rose, lily, jasmine

Examples to try: Forever- Vera Wang, Dolce Floral Drops-Dolce Galbana, Stella- Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs-Daisy Dream,  L`Occitane –Roses et Reines (solid)

Fresh 
Description: Clean, soft, soap, light, zesty, candles, fresh from the shower

Contains: lemon lime sea breeze aquatic aromas, violet leaves, fresh dew

Examples to try: Chanel Chance, Issey Miyake-L`Eau d Issey, Ralph-Ralph Lauren, Burberry Brit Rhythm- pink

Citrus and Fruity
Description: Sweet, Fun, fruity, tart, citrusy

Contains: Berries, jasmine, freesia, mandarin, lemon, watermelon, orange blossom, apple

Examples to try:  Juicy Couture-Viva la Juicy, Elizabeth Arden -Green Tea, Betsy Johnson Perfume, Nina- Nina Ricci, Marc Jacobs- Daisy Delight, DKNY- Be Delicious Green Apple, Kate Spade –NY Live Colorfully, Vera Wang-Princess Power

Woodsy and Spicy

Description: Warm, earthy, masculine

Contains: dry wood, moss, patchouli, sandalwood,

Examples to try: Coco by Chanel , Narcisco Rodriguez by Her, Estee Lauder Youth Dew    JimmyChoo –Jimmy Choo, Ava Luxe Moss

Oceanic

Description: Beachy, fresh, suntan oil/coconut

Contains: citrus spices that evoke being by the ocean/salty air, sand

Examples to try: Sunflowers –Elizabeth Arden, Cool Water Women – Davidoff,  Beach-Bobbi Brown, Dune-Dior, Giorgio Beverly Hills –Ocean Dream for Women

Clean

Description: Fresh laundry, airy, modern, simple, soothing, crisp

Contains: Night Blooming White Jasmine, Petals, Daffodil, Fluid Musk’s, Water Lilies

Examples to try: Clean-Cool Cotton, Philosophy –Amazing Grace, Clean-Rain,  Clean –Fresh Laundry, Glow- by J. Lo

Oriental

Description: Spicy, exotic, warm

Contains: cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, orchids, thick rose

Examples to try: Gucci- Rush,  Donna Karen –Cashmere Mist Eau de Toilette, Amarige-Givenchy, Hanae Mori- Butterfly, Kiehls Original Musk, Dior- Midnight Poison

Gourmand

Description: Delicious, comfy, edible or dessert like qualities

Contains: vanilla, chocolate, honey candy, caramel, musk, cinnamon

Examples: Thierry Mugler -Angel, Prada – Candy,   Pear + Olive from Slumberhouse,
Jo Malone Nutmeg & Ginger, Cocoa Tuberose-Charna Ethie, Unknown Pleasures by Kerosene, LaVanilla,

Catagorys of Fragrances (potency) from http://beauty.about.com

Parfum (Perfume)
20-30% concentration
lasts up to 6-8 hours

Eau de Parfum ( EDP)
15-20% concentration
lasts up to 4-5 hours

Eau de Toilette (EDT)
5-15 % concentration
lasts up to 2-3 hours

Eau de Colonge ( EDC)
2-4 % concentration
lasts up to 2 hours

Eau Fraiche
1-3% concentration
lasts 2 hours