How to Shop Perfume Online: Some products are easy to buy online - perfume isn’t traditionally one of them. Here’s how to discover your next signature scent, without smelling it first.

Beauty School

How to Shop Perfume Online (without smelling it)

Some products are easy to buy
online - perfume isn’t traditionally one of them. Here’s how to discover
your next signature scent, without smelling it first.

REFERENCE YOUR EXISTING PERFUME

Look to the perfume you’re already wearing for inspiration. What notes
feature or what fragrance group is it from? You may discover that you
have a penchant for floral fragrances, in which case you should probably
stick to that group. If you’re not sure what notes your existing
fragrance portfolio includes, sites like Fragrantica.com can help.



READ REVIEWS

OK, so you won’t always have the same opinion as the rest of the online
community, but reading reviews can help you get a feeling for a
fragrance. If a lot of people say a perfume is “too strong” and you like
lighter aromas, then it’s probably not the perfume for you. Blogs can
be a good source for impartial reviews too.



KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE  

Understand what you prefer: eau de cologne, eau de toilette or eau de parfum. An eau de cologne doesn’t last for long but is great for a refreshing pick-me-up, whereas an eau de toilette
is the most common type of fragrance, normally lasting for several
hours. If you like stronger, longer lasting scents you should opt for an
eau de parfum or parfum. Know which you prefer before clicking: “Buy”.



PERFECT YOUR PERFUME VOCABULARY

Get to know the descriptive words that are commonly used in relation to
scent. If a smell is depicted as “intense”, “seductive” and
“enveloping,” then it’s likely to be a woody or Oriental fragrance,
suited for the evenings or making an impact. But, if it “bursts” or
“sparkles” then it’s probably a feminine, floral or fruit-based scent.



CONSIDER THE PACKAGING

A fragrance’s packaging channels the theme and smell of the scent within
it. A gold box and bottle suggests eveningwear and an opulent smell.
Pale blue and green packages imply nature and freshness (think summer
and daywear), whilst pink bottles are likely to be feminine and made up
of floral notes.



LEARN YOUR NOSES

Perfumers (or Noses) tend to have their own signature style, so have a
look at their portfolio of fragrances – let’s call it their CV – and see
if you’re familiar with any of their other creations. If you enjoyed
one, you’re likely to enjoy another.



DON’T GET HUNG UP ON PRICING

Just because a fragrance is expensive, doesn’t mean it’s the best. Look for other quality signals, instead of price tag alone.