When we opt for a specific aroma among the vast range of options that are presented to us in both the male and female markets. We are giving a statement to the world of who we are? That is why we seek that this fragrance reflects our personality and gives us feelings of well-being and satisfaction.
The choice of the perfect perfume may seem an innocent and simple act. We go to the store, we ask for some fragrance that caught our attention. We smell it properly if it looks smell good to us then we buy it…
However, behind that simple decision, a series of organic and experiential factors have hidden that condition and influence why we opted for that option instead of another.
Our choices, preferences, and tastes are determined by various components, among them. We can determine mainly some that exert greater influence such as biological, mental, emotional, and social. This is because human beings are complex and multidimensional organisms. And these diverse dimensions that compose us are reflected in every area of our lives. Even when we are not aware of it.
As with any other thing in life, in the choice of a fragrance that represents us. We need to take into account our various aspects as unique and multidimensional beings. All with the purpose that this particular aroma is in harmony with everything we want and we are.
Thinking about all this, in this article, we will expose the four most important factors that you can have in mind when choosing the perfect perfume. In order to guide you in the search for that aroma that really reflects and determines the special person you are.
How to Choose Perfume – How to Select Perfume
The biological factor
Although human beings are basically composed in the same way, at a biological level we possess unique qualities that differentiate us from other human beings. Some of these distinctive characteristics can be quite evident,
such as the color of the skin, the color, and texture of the hair, the shape, and color of the eyes. Even the fingerprints of which we are usually aware that they are unique and unrepeatable.
However, there are some distinctive features that also vary from person to person. Such is the case of the chemical composition of the skin, the pH levels, the amount of sebaceous secretion, the body temperature, and the amount of water contained in the epidermis.
The pH is the potential of Hydrogen that has any aqueous liquid. Its scale of measure goes from the value 1 to 14; being 7 the indication of mean Hydrogen concentrations (neutral pH), measures lower than 7 indicate the lower concentration of hydrogen (acidic pH), and higher than 7 indicate a higher concentration of Hydrogen (basic or alkaline pH).
The pH of the skin is slightly acidic since it varies between 4.5 and 5.9 and is in a layer called hypodermis which is responsible. Among other things, for the proper lubrication of the skin.
The pH of normal skin is 5.50, at this level the skin works at its full capacity and does not present any problems. Skins with more acid pH (less than 5.50) generally tend to sensitivity, redness, and dryness. Since they have less sebaceous production and store less water.
On the other hand, skins with more alkaline pH (higher than 5.50) are usually oily due to excessive sebum production. And at the same time, lack greater defenses against external agents. So in most cases, they are susceptible to present infections or diseases of bacterial type (such as acne, among others).
Now, it is likely that you are wondering what all this has to do with the choice of the perfect perfume. We are here to tell you that this has to do absolutely everything with it.
You see, perfumes are chemical substances that get their characteristic odor from an exact and specific mixture of substances that interact with each other. Once you apply the fragrance on the skin, it will interact with the body chemistry. Hence the importance of testing the perfume directly on you and not only on the olfactory or blotter strips, and the explanation of why the same fragrance smells different in two people.
Your pH will slightly modify the aroma. Additionally, your skin type and body temperature will determine the intensity and longevity of it. From there it is clear the great importance of taking into account your own and particular biological constitution in the search for the perfume that will adapt ideally to your corporality.
One of the factors to take into account is that the fragrances will have a little fixation on cold and dry skins. So if this is your case. It is recommended that you apply it after good hydration with the cream of your choice (preferably that does not contain any aroma) and opt for perfumes and perfume waters that usually have a higher concentration of essential oils.
Oily skins and those with a high body temperature can intensify the aroma a lot. So in this type of person, it could be olfactory to use intense perfume.
If this is the case for you, it is advisable to look for softer versions such as cologne water. In the same way regarding sensitive skin. It is important to choose those fragrances with a lower concentration of essential oils. And, as far as possible, free of alcohol and parabens, in order to avoid irritation, redness, or allergies.
The mental Factor
Human beings usually celebrate the uniqueness of our personalities. This is defined from a series of patterns of thoughts, behavior habits, and ways of perceiving life that are rooted in each subject and are usually relatively fixed and stable.
The personality determines, in a certain way, our preferences and the way in which we react to experiences, people and things
That is why taking into account our personality as an important factor when choosing the ideal fragrance is vital. Since if we want each aspect of us to reveal to the world who we are, we must pay as much attention to the odor we exude as to the clothes that we carry when defining the image we want to reflect.
Like human beings, perfumes have personalities, since they are combinations of scents that seek to convey specific sensations and at the same time are oriented to guarantee the communication and transmission of personal values by those who use them before their surroundings.
In fact, the fact that perfume houses make their creations thinking of a defined audience and invest so much effort and money in advertising aimed at specific targets. Speaks a lot of how relevant is the harmony that people make with fragrances (even in the levels of unconsciousness).
Fragrances are usually divided into olfactory families. According to the chord that stands out above the others. The classification by families (main chord) and subfamilies (nuances that accompany the main chord) is very subjective. However, one of the most standardized is the one endorsed by the International Museum and the French Perfume Committee.
In this classification, 7 families are distinguished (each with specific characteristics that distinguish them), these are Floral, Woody, Citrus, Fougere, Chypre, Leather, and Oriental.
The floral perfumes, such flavors are quite versatile, because depending on their concentration and associated components varies its character. In short, their odors tend to opt for the romantic and spring, so they are usually very present in women’s fragrances (although every day they gain more ground in men’s perfumery).
Depending on the essential oil used, the personality of the floral note can be understood in a more specific way, so notes such as neroli, lavender, daisy, and poppy tend to light, natural, fresh, and uncomplicated sensations; the peonies, tuberose, lilies, freesias, and gardenias are more complex and exotic notes that refer to sensuality and jasmine and roses are very much associated with the feminine and romantic.
The perfume woodsy can refer to either contradictory notes. On the one hand, there are fresh and light woods such as pine, cedar, vetiver, and bamboo, these evoke the wild freshness.
On the other hand, there are the most intense as sandalwood, guaiac, or oak that are associated with the classic and imposing. In general, they are associated with sensations of serenity, warmth, and strength.
For its part, the citrus fragrances that are obtained from fruit rinds such as lime, lemon, grapefruit, orange, or tangerine (among others), are associated with sensations of freshness and cleanliness. They usually have a sparkling and effervescent character, and are perfect for very active and radiant people, but who like the imposing odors or very sweet.
Regarding the Fougère family, it is characterized by sensations of freshness and balance, evoking nature in all its splendor. It consists of a specific olfactory chord: bergamot, wood, lavender, green notes, coumarin, and moss (ingredients on which was based a fragrance called “Fougere Royale”, launched on the market in 1882).
In the current perfumery, from this base have been made new combinations with floral notes, fruity and spicy.
In the same way as the Fougères, Chypre perfumes belong to a combination of aromas that evoke the composition of a classic perfume (“Chypre”, perfume developed in 1917 by Francois Coty on the island of Cyprus), consisting of notes such as Bergamot, pink, jasmine, patchouli, amber, musk, and moss. Their chords are balanced between freshness and warmth, being sensual and marked aromas, but not very heavy.
For its part, the olfactory family of the Leather is characterized by sobriety, discretion, originality, and elegance. Leather aromas are usually accompanied by woods, mosses, tobacco or smoked. The scent of leather refers to classic people, but very sure of themselves, sensual and who like luxury and comforts.
Finally, Oriental fragrances, from time immemorial, are associated with mystery and inner strength. This family is composed of different aromatic oils that are obtained from spices (such as vanilla, pepper, cardamom and cloves), some plants (such as ginger, cocoa, and licorice), resins (such as amber), and balsamic oils.
They are characterized by sensual fragrances, warm, intense and sweet, ideal for people who like to mark their presence.
As we can see, perfumes have different personalities as we do, that is why it is important to take this into account in order that there is total harmony between the aroma and who we are and, in this way, the fragrance intensifies our personality instead of hitting it.
The emotional factor
Another important factor to keep in mind when choosing the ideal perfume is emotions, as the sense of smell is closely linked to the development of feelings of well-being. This happens thanks to the fact that, during early childhood,
we begin to generate tastes and preferences based on the pleasure or displeasure relationships we experience as immediate responses to the thousands of new stimuli that are presented to us.
In this stage, the human brain begins to register and catalog each and every one of the things that are in the environment and that are experienced through the physical senses, and directly associated with feelings of liking or dislike.
Over time, the individual expands their tastes and makes new associations, however, many of the perceptions we had in the early stages will persist into adulthood.
This series of neural connections are not usually made consciously but are explained by the preference for certain textures, shapes, colors, sounds, tastes, and smells. It is not necessary either to understand why we prefer certain things instead of others, at least not in the search for a perfume; What is important is to understand that odors can greatly influence our emotions.
Odors are elaborated, mentally speaking, mainly in a close relationship with the limbic or primitive brain, which is why they are very powerful emotional triggers.
These stimuli go through interconnections of which we are hardly aware since they activate the most basic and visceral sensations in us. That is why certain fragrances make us comfortable and provide us with feeling good and being in a good mood, while others are terribly unpleasant and can even unwittingly displease us.
Evidently, the human being is in the perennial pursuit of full well-being, and knowing that aromas can bring us closer to a better or worse state can be very disturbing. However, as we have already noted, it is not necessary to understand the neural interconnection mechanisms to choose a perfume that enhances our positive emotions.
Knowing if we are choosing the perfect perfume (based on our emotions), is as simple as exploring our interior a little.
When testing a fragrance, we can take some time to ask ourselves some questions and analyze the data we obtain, for example: how does this particular smell make me feel, what emotions does it evokes in me, perhaps it refers me to some situations of the past that generate feelings for me of pleasure, I feel well-being when using it. If the answer is affirmative, then voilà, you have your perfect perfume potential.
There are many other questions we can ask ourselves about it, the important thing in it is to connect with one’s emotions, how I feel about a particular scent is vital when choosing the most appropriate fragrance.
In any case, what is sought is a sense of success, safety, beauty and pleasure, the key is that its smell allows you to evoke positive emotions and take into account that clearly not all people respond in the same way to all smells (This will be very influenced by the individual experiences), so only you can know how it feels for you.
The Social Factor
Following a little the previous line, the reason why so many people invest time and money in perfumes is for the pursuit of well-being, but beyond the own sensations that are sought as a result of the ideal perfume (and that certainly are the most important), the right fragrance can “change your environment”.
It really is not as literal as that, but several studies have determined that the practice of perfuming ourselves with pleasing smells for us, affect personal security and body posture and those are factors that greatly influence the response of others before us.
That is, we do not change the environment with the aroma, but by changing ourselves (by having pleasurable practices) we change the way we are perceived by those around us.
Taking all this a little further, although we already know that every olfactory taste is a world, there are ways to influence others according to your perfume. As we have seen, each perfume has its own personality and while it does not “clash” against ours, the biological constitution itself and the individual emotional world, choosing the perfect perfume for every occasion can play in our favor in interpersonal relationships.
To make use of this, we can choose olfactory families such as “Cueros y Maderas” in situations such as very competitive labor meetings where it is necessary to show our aplomb, restraint, and self-management. The Oriental, Foguère and some Floral can be very powerful weapons of seduction that allow us to feel confident when interacting with romantic intentions; while Chypre and Citrus are ideal for relaxing situations and day today.
Some other useful information that you can take into account when trying perfumes are:
- Take your time: having at least a day of difference between the test and the purchase will allow you to know how the fragrance develops by spending hours on your skin.
- Madruga: going in the early hours of the morning is ideal because at this time of day the smell is more sensitive and less influenced by external stimuli.
- Do not use previous aromas: itis recommended that you do not use perfumes or odorous creams that may interfere or be confused with the aroma you are going to taste.
- Ask for an olfactory: although it is crucial that you apply it on the skin, asking for a drying strip at the same time will allow you to compare the intensity and longevity of the aroma on your skin. In this way you can determine if that fragrance will be set in the right way on your skin type as designed.
- Less is more: do not apply more than one perfume on your skin for each visit to the perfumery, nor saturate yourself by sniffing too many aromas as it could momentarily interfere with your olfactory appreciation.
- Trust in you: It can be a temptation to ask the opinion of friends, family, our partner or even the vendors; however, the only thing that is really relevant is your opinion, since it is your personal characteristics (biological, mental and emotional) that will interact with the perfume, the response of others is completely influenced according to your feelings of security and wellness.
While the choice of a perfume (after reading this) might sound like a complicated task, really everything is summarized in one thing: to know ourselves well and know who we are and what we want.
If we are still a bit lazy in this area for fear of not knowing how to choose the most indicated aroma, go out in search of the perfect perfume can become the ideal excuse to undertake the most fun trip of your life.
So get down to work, search, explore, live and have fun in that search for the ideal perfume
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