One of my favorite luxuries are designer fragrances.  A personal fragrance communicates a message of who you are and what you want with a simple whiff.  A good scent will become your identity and leave lasting memories with those who experience it.  To get started finding a fragrance you’ll need to know just a few basics.

A top quality fragrance will have several notes, or layers of scent.  Top notes will come out instantly, middle notes appear after 15 minutes, and bottom notes are revealed after an hour.  A good fragrance will be a journey as each of these layers are exposed.

A quality fragrance in a smaller size (under 2 oz) used on occasion will easily last a year.  Top designers like Hermes or Versace have offerings at a cost around $50 retail.  Spreading this cost over hundreds of evenings will make you wonder why you haven’t done it before.

To find a new scent visit the fragrance counter of your nearest department store.  They will have many scents to choose from and are often knowledgeable of the latest releases and trends.  To sample the cologne, spray the sample bottle on a provided sample card, air it by fanning it shortly, then smell. Before evaluating the next product, cleanse your nose by sniffing coffee beans, which are usually available in a small container on the counter.  When you get down to two choices, it’s time to see how the scent reacts with your body chemistry.

Everyone has different skin types so each fragrance will smell uniquely on each person.  What smells nice on a friend may not smell the same on you.  Always try the scent in the store or as a sample first.  In addition ask about the return policy. Many stores will let you exchange a fragrance that does not meet your body type.

Once you own a new fragrance, you want to take proper care of it.  Keep your cologne in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures to properly preserve it’s fragrance.   At most a fragrance will last just 3 years.  If you have any dusty bottles older than that, it’s time to let them go.  Keep this in mind when deciding the appropriate size.

To enjoy the full fragrance experience, attend a special event.  High end department stores often feature seasonal events with promotional sales, hors deurves, and best of all, an ample sample bag.   They may charge a small fee, but it is well worth it.  Call around to a few stores to see when the next event is planned.