I want to get a new perfume, but I’m not sure where to start. Help!
Summer is a great time to freshen up your signature scent. Here’s your guide to smelling simply splendid this summer!
Experiment
Narrow down your options by deciding if you want fruity fun, floral sweetness or earthy green. Not sure? Head to a department store counter and start spritzing away! When testing, try out only one or two at a time or risk sensory overload. Smell coffee beans in between sprays to give your nose a break. Hint: Though choosing the prettiest bottle can be tempting, remember that it’s what’s inside that counts, not to mention what you’ll actually be wearin’.
Select
In order to avoid confuzzlement at the counter, it’s a good idea to have an idea in mind of what scents you gravitate toward. We’ve got a few Qs to get ya goin’ in the right direction.
Are you addicted to your sweet Bonne Bell Lip Smackers? Wishin’ you could bathe in yummy coconut sunscreen? You’re fun and fruity! Try: DKNY Be Delicious, $52/1.7 oz, Nordstrom.com. Smells like: Grapefruit, apple and cucumber. -OR- Carol’s Daughter, Jamaican Punch Eau de Toilette, $27/2 oz, carolsdaugher.com. Smells like: Orange, raspberry, peach, banana and vanilla.
Do you love to stop and smell the roses…literally? Are you a girlie girl and love fresh-cut flowers? You’re feminine and sweet! Try: Nanette Lepore, nanette lepore, $38/1 oz, sephora.com. Smells like: Moonstone Rose, Jasmine, Velvet Violet. -OR- ROXY by Roxy, $34/1 oz, roxy.com. Smells like: Magnolia, Violet and Lily of the Valley.
Is there no better scent to you than the woods after a summer rain? Love to whiff the yard after Pops cuts the grass? You’re green and earthy! Try: Kiehl’s Original Musk, $28.50/1.7 oz, kiehls.com. Smells like: Tonka Nut, White Patchouli, Bergamot. -OR- Origins, Spring Fever The Feel Good Fragrance, $36/1.7 oz, Bloomingdales.com Smells like: Lush cypress, Tangy Watermelon, Linden Blossom.
Apply
Try spritzing your scent on more than just your wrist. Dab it on the nape of your neck, behind your ears or behind your knees. These are your pulse points, which radiate heat to help activate the aroma. Works best if you apply to moisturized skin—just make sure to use an unscented lotion.
And remember, don’t over do it, girl! The last thing you want is to repel people like mosquitoes because of your perfume.
By: Kate Durkee and Holland White
