TOP NOTE: How perfume smells upon application is what you call the top note. It consists of molecules which evaporate quickly.

Lasts about 15 minutes after application

MIDDLE NOTE: This is also called the heart note. After the top note dissolves, the heart note develops after 10 minutes. It stays on for up to an hour.

Lasts about 30 minutes on top notes evaporate

BASE NOTE: This is the final stage and lingers on after the middle note lapses.

Lasts a long time, some more than 24 hours

Pick the right perfume according to your personal preference: Most people tend to choose only one perfume brand. This is great if you want to be identified with a signature scent. However, when you limit yourself to a single perfume, you limit yourself to exploring other scents that could fit you well. So it is better to change and try something else once in a while. Keeping three bottled brands is ideal. You have choices ready for any occasion.

Know your skin type. Dry skin cannot hold the fragrance too long. It is best to spray on immediately after shower while skin is still damp, or apply moisturizer before putting on perfume. It will hold the scent longer. Those with oily skin, on the other hand, are lucky because the ingredients of the perfume will stay longer to their body. For those with sensitive skin, it is best to consult your dermatologist before using perfumes.

Choose the right perfume based on location and type of event: Venue of an event does not only dictate what you can wear – it can also suggest the kind of perfume you should use. Indoor and small rooms do not require highly concentrated perfumes. The number of attendees and their own scents can cloud the cramp area and cause an unpleasant mix of odor after a while. Opt for lighter scents instead.

Outdoor events or activities offer just as wide an option as the space. You can wear any kind of scent and in different concentrations because the air and the space outdoors give you the freedom to do so. Just do not forget that too much exposure under the sun can affect your body temperature and as you sweat the fragrance starts to fade.

While in the store: Buying perfume is exciting for most aficionados. Do not let the excitement mess with the discovery process though. Hastiness in choosing perfumes is not a good practice. As Christian Dior said, “your choice of perfume says a lot about you than your handwriting.” So take your time when buying or even when considering.

Sales associates in stores always have on hand fragrant paper strips to distribute around people along their area. Do not hesitate to try it out. It can give you an idea what to buy but make sure you test the product directly on your skin prior to your purchase.

If a certain smell appeals to you, ask for the sample on the bottle, not on a plastic container where sales attendants usually transfer an amount and use it as a tester. The container of any liquid fragrant products can affect its scent and concentration. Spray directly on your wrist and wait 10 minutes before smelling it. This allows the fragrance to really surface and you will have a better scent of it to help you decide.