A guide to choosing perfume for beginners: How to find the perfect fragrance

"I want to start using perfume, but I don't know which one to choose." "The perfume I bought last time smelled different from what I expected." Have you ever had such an experience?

Choosing a perfume can be a daunting task, but with a few tips you can find the perfect scent for you.

In this article, we will explain in a step-by-step manner how beginners to perfume can find their ideal scent without making any mistakes.

3 reasons why you may fail when choosing perfume

First, let's understand why people make mistakes when choosing perfume.

1. Not knowing how scents change

Perfume scents change over time:

• Top note (0-15 minutes): The first gorgeous scent
• Middle note (15 minutes - 3 hours): The core scent of the perfume
• Base note (after 3 hours): A deep fragrance that lingers until the end

If you judge a fragrance based solely on the first impression (top notes) you get when you smell it in the store, it may be very different from the impression you get when you actually wear it.

2. Not understanding your own preferences

Choosing a fragrance just because it is popular or famous is likely to lead to failure. Fragrance preferences are very personal.

3. You're trying it the wrong way

• Try multiple scents at once
• Try this when you feel unwell or after smelling a strong scent.
• Judging by Mouette (Odogaron Paper) Only

These methods do not allow for proper evaluation of the aroma.

Basic steps to choosing a perfume

Step 1: Know your preferences

First, decide what kind of scent you like.

A quick preference check:

• Do you like the smell of flowers? (Floral)
• Do you like refreshing citrus scents?
• Do you like the scent of forests and trees? (Woody scents)
• Do you like spicy scents?
• Do you like sweet scents? (Oriental)

Other things to consider include the body cream and shampoo you normally use, and the scent of your favorite tea.

Step 2: Decide the usage scenario

The choice of perfume depends on the occasion:

Business

• A subtle and elegant fragrance
• Citrus, light floral
• Not too strong (less than eau de toilette)

Private Date

• A fragrance that expresses individuality
• Floral, oriental
• Can also be used in strong concentrations (eau de parfum)

Casual and everyday use

• Light and friendly scent
• Citrus, fresh
• Light concentration for easy reapplication

Step 3: Decide on a budget

Perfumes vary widely in price, from 5,000 yen to over 50,000 yen.

Recommended budget range for beginners:

• Entry Fee: 5,000-15,000 yen
• Middle: 15,000-30,000 yen
• Premium: 30,000 yen or more

It is wise to start with an affordable price range and gradually increase your investment as you get more comfortable.

The correct way to try perfume

How to try it in store

1. Go on a day when you feel well, but avoid going if you have a cold or hay fever.

2. I try no more than three a day because it tires out my sense of smell, so I don't try too many at once.

3. Pre-check with a fragrance stripFirst, check the fragrance type using a fragrance strip.

4. For a final check on your skin, make sure to apply a small amount of your favorite scent to your wrist or arm.

5. Take your time to make a decision. Observe the condition for at least 30 minutes, and preferably for several hours.

How to try it at home

Use the sample

• Many brands offer samples
• Test in real-life environments
• Get the opinions of your family and friends

Buy the mini size

• Start with a small size of 5-15ml
• The risk of failure is small
• Easy to try multiple scents

Recommended scents for beginners

1. Citrus (the easiest place to start)

Characteristics: refreshing, clean, popular with everyone Recommended reasons: Hard to go wrong, easy to use in any situation Representative examples: lemon, bergamot, grapefruit

2. Light floral

Characteristics: Elegant, feminine, not too flashy Recommended reasons: Popular with Japanese people, suitable for business use. Examples: Freesia, lily of the valley, peony

3. Fresh

Characteristics: Clean, modern, unisex Recommended reasons: Modern, easy to use, suitable for all ages. Representative examples: Marine notes, green tea, cotton

Where to buy perfume

Cosmetics counter in a department store

merit:

• Advice from our expert staff
• Wide selection
• Testers are plentiful

Cons:

• Price is high
• It is often crowded

Perfume specialty store

merit:

• A wealth of perfume expertise
• Also dealing with niche brands
• Personal Consulting

Cons:

• There are few stores
• Price range is high

Online Store

merit:

• Low price
• Plenty of reviews
• Available for purchase 24 hours a day

Cons:

• I can't actually try it
• Risk of counterfeiting

Online buying tips:

• Try it in store first before buying
• Use sample sets
• Choose a reliable site

Basics of how to wear it

Use in moderation

The ideal amount of perfume is just enough that people can barely notice.

guideline:

• Eau de toilette: 2-3 pumps
• Eau de parfum: 1-2 pumps
• Parfum: 1 pump or less

Where to attach

Recommended places:

• Wrists (don't rub)
• Behind the ear
• Chest (décolleté)
• Waist
• elbow

Places to avoid:

• Areas where you sweat easily
• Place exposed to sunlight
• A place where there are scents other than perfume

timing

• Put it on 30 minutes before going out
• For clean skin after a shower
• After moisturizing

How to store perfume

Proper storage will help your perfume last longer:

• Store in a cool, dark place (avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures)
• Store upright (not lying down)
• Store in a sealed container (close the cap tightly)
• Avoid temperature changes (bathrooms are not recommended)

Common beginner questions

Q1: What is the expiration date for perfume?

A: The standard is 3 years after opening, and 5 years if unopened. However, this varies depending on storage conditions.

Q2: What if the perfume seems too strong?

A: There are various measures you can take, such as reducing the amount you apply, changing the place where you apply it, or switching to a lighter concentration.

Q3: Should I change my perfume depending on the season?

A: It's not essential, but people tend to prefer lighter scents in the summer and warmer scents in the winter.

Q4: Does perfume give you a headache?

A: You may have an allergy to fragrances or have a hypersensitive sense of smell. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if necessary.

Summary: Find your unique scent

Choosing a perfume may seem complicated, but it's not difficult if you follow the basics.

Important points:

1. Understand your preferences
2. Try it the right way
3. Take your time to make a decision
4. Consider the usage scenario
5. Be sure to apply the right amount and method

Cavto's advice: Fragrance is a very personal experience. The most important thing is to choose a scent that you personally find "comfortable" without being influenced by other people's opinions or trends.

Perfume is a great tool to brighten up your daily life and boost your confidence. Use this article as a reference to find your own special scent.