Many of us look forward to opening up a new bottle of perfume on Christmas morning. Although consumers are more discerning than ever in their shopping habits, the fragrance market is forecast to grow this year, with annual revenues of €124 million expected by the end of 2022.
However, there are plenty of office parties and social events to get through before the big day itself. If your perfume stocks are running low, now’s the perfect time to invest in a brand-new fragrance to ensure you’re ready for any occasion. Need some tips to make your money go further? Read on for a snapshot buying guide to help you make the right choice.
Play it Safe with Amber Perfumes
Amber fragrances are a good shout if you’re looking for something you can wear throughout autumn and into winter. Perfumes from the amber family tend to be warm on the nose, with sweet top and middle notes. Typical ingredients include patchouli and vanilla, while there’s a lot of crossover with more exotic oriental fragrances that are laden with spices.
If you’ve ever worn a Thierry Mugler perfume before, you’ll know what we’re talking about here. These versatile scents are perfect for evening wear, but you can also get away with applying them earlier in the day. Alien perfume is a great choice if you’re looking for something more playful. Alongside amber, there are luxurious notes of jasmine, along with a zesty top of citrus fruits and sweet spices.
Choose a Seasonal Scent
If you’re feeling particularly festive, why not celebrate in style with a seasonal scent? You’re unlikely to find many perfumes being advertised as Christmas-only, so you’ll need to pay attention to the ingredients list. Let your nose do the work and look for notes of musk and cinnamon. A festive scent should pack a subtle punch of spiciness. However, you’ll also want a warm, soothing sweetness undercutting things.
Fragrances that are rich in ingredients like vanilla and honey are worth considering. Sometimes, perfumes containing sickly-sweet notes are also worth your time, although you’ll need to pay attention to how the scent develops over a few hours.
It’s tempting to go all out when choosing a festive scent. However, you don’t want to end up smelling like a Christmas candle. That being said, it’s worth getting festive when selecting ingredients. Myrrh and frankincense are seasonal staples, but you don’t want to be wearing a scent that’s overwhelmed by them. These aromas can be woody and, in high concentrations, rather pungent. To offset them, select a perfume that’s laden with fresh and zesty citrus top notes.
Finally, don’t overdo it when it comes to application. A high-quality eau de parfum can last for up to eight hours. Even if you do find yourself out late and need to reapply, do so in moderation. Aromatic oils will continue to release scent for up to 24 hours, so approach those second and third sprays sparingly.
