Update your fragrance

Tuesday, January 24, 2012   |   Julia Hunter

Need a fragrance newbie for 2012? Instead of sniffing all you can get your hands on in the beauty department, consider what it is you like and work from there. Here’s our perfume worksheet on finding your new scent: Question 1: What’s my fall-back classic? Most women have a trusty fragrance that they buy over and over again. Look at what ‘family’ this scent is from. Is it a floral oriental or a ‘green’ fragrance for instance? This will help you decide what type of scent you like and from there you can make an update. Example: You’ve always worn Thierry Mugler’s Angel and this is classified as a gourmand scent (it’s got a yummy notes like black current). Try something that still has delectable gourmand notes but adds something fresh and zesty into the mix such as Armani Code by Giorgio Armani EDT (R749 for 50ml). This fragrance has vanilla as a base note but a fruity punch of orange blossom at its heart as well as orange fragrances in the top notes. Question 2: Can I swap my EDP for an EDT? The answer to that is yes, of course you can. This is a way of changing up your scent slightly but still wearing something you love and that works for you. But if you’ve always worn an EDP (Eau de Parfum) don’t expect quite as much fragrant power in an EDT (Eau de Toilette). As Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez note in their book, Perfumes, The Guide, an EDP is somewhere around 15 to 18 percent perfume oil whereas as an EDT is around 10 percent perfume oil. Example: Chanel’s Coco Madamoiselle EDT (R750 for 50ml) is lighter and sweeter than the perfume and EDP concentrations but still contains the classic floral duo of jasmine and rose. Question 3: What are the best new fragrances right now? So, if aren’t happy with a slight fragrance tweak or lighter concentration, then you need to make your new scent hit list. Sometimes trying something you would never have considered before is the only way to makeover your fragrance wardrobe. Examples: Here are a few new scents to sniff and their hero notes: Prada Candy EDP (R820 for 50ml): this is one of those ‘yummy’ fragrances we mentioned earlier. Think musks, benzion and caramel. Estée Lauder Sensuous Nude EDP (R745 for 50ml): a new addition to the Sensuous family (so, highlight this if you love the original), this EDP ups the sensuality factor with cozy musks that have a lingering effect on skin. Bobbi Brown Bobbi’s Party (R675 for 50ml): for those who love a classical and feminine scent, this is the perfect modern update. Think a sophisticated yet warm mix of rose, violet and sandalwood that makes it perfect for day and into the night. IMAGE: Shutterstock.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
	Julia Hunter Julia Hunter is a freelance lifestyle writer, editor and stylist with a special interest in beauty. She’s written for Marie Claire, Women’s Health, and Fresh Living magazines. When not writing about lipstick, she can be found tweeting about other very important topics such as which nail polishes really live up to their long-wear claims! She lives in Cape Town with her husband and far too many beauty products.

Free beauty tips straight to your inbox.
Special giveaways exclusive to subscribers.