Have you ever had questions like how to find the best perfume, how to take care of your perfume, where the scent should be applied, and how to get the most out of each and every spritz?

These may sound like basic questions but you'd be surprised at how frequently asked they are. No one is inherently born knowing about perfumes so it makes complete sense if you find yourself a bit lost sometimes. Lucky for you, in this article, we will cover all the frequently asked questions about perfumes. Let's get started!

How to Choose the Correct Fragrance?

Not all perfumes are available in-store, which is why you need to be aware of alternate ways to choose the correct scent for yourself. Some brands, like HABIBI New York, send a sample scent with the scent you order. This way, you can try the sample bottle and see if you like it. If you don't, you can return the fragrance to the company. 

Similarly, most companies allow customers to buy a Discovery Box from their website. This includes all the scents you may want to try. Spray each tester and allow the alcohol and top notes to subside before judging the real scent of the product. If you like the heart notes and the lingering base notes, you have found the correct fragrance for yourself!

You can even use blotters to understand the scent of a perfume but they are risky and you shouldn't rely on them to purchase a perfume. It is best to smell a fragrance on your skin and see if you like it.

Why Do You Love Some but Hate Other Fragrances?

Our DNA makeup is such that we are all conditioned with smell preferences. Of course, the scents you love and hate are also influenced by your life experiences. For example, if the smell of chocolate reminds you of your grandmother baking you cookies each time you went over and the scent of jasmine reminds you of the time you spent vomiting in your friend's backyard, you could feel differently about each of the scents.

This is known as an "olfactory fingerprint"- it is all the experiences you have had tucked away in the memory of smell. As humans we react to scent the same way we react to music- you like some instantly but cannot tolerate some from the get-go.

Does Your Hair and Skin Type Determine the Kind of Perfumes You Like?

This question falls on a wide range of answers. However, your skin type may have something to do with how you react to a set of scents.

Those with fair skin may prefer rich florals since their skin usually gets dry fast, causing citrusy scents to evaporate quickly. 

On the other hand, those with medium or dark skin have lots of natural oils present in their skin. This allows the scent of perfumes to last for a longer period of time, which is why they may enjoy oriental scents.

How Many Perfumes Should You Try At a Time?

In the perfume world, you must get to know each scent properly as it changes and develops. Ideally, you do not want to try more than two scents at a time- one on each wrist. Perfume shopping should never be a rushed errand but we understand that sometimes, responsibilities leave less time for luxury. In cases where you want to try a couple of scents at the same time, spray one on the inside of each of your elbows. Elbows make nice pulse-points so they can help you understand the scent of a fragrance.

However, do not try more than three scents at any given time or you will confuse your senses. Moreover, remembering which scent was applied where can get difficult so make sure you note down any necessary details.

We would recommend living with the scent before spending your hard-earned cash. This means getting a sample or a Discovery Set. If that is not possible, spray the scent on your wrists and walk out of the store. Continue smelling it during the day and see how it changes every hour. If you have fallen in love with the scent by the end of the day, go back to purchase the fragrance. 

Perfume/ Scent/ Fragrance- How are Each Different From Each Other?

There is absolutely no difference in all the above-mentioned words. Each of these words is used in the world of scent to describe a smell and the scented liquids that we apply to our clothes and bodies. In the US, fragrance is a commonly used world, as well as in the perfume industry.

The word perfume is derived from the Latin word "per fumum" which means through smoke. It goes back to the olden days when people would burn resins, flowers and wood, as offerings to their Gods. 

What is the Difference Between EDP, EDT, Cologne, Parfum, and Aftershave?

Each of these words are used to describe the concentration of oil present in a fragrance. Depending on the fragrance, the concentration may way. What you need to keep in mind is that the higher the percentage, the pricier the fragrance will be. Of course, Eau de Toilette or Perfumes all have different concentrations and notes.

Here is a look-book of concentrations to help you make better choices:

• Solid perfume/ Extract- 20 to 30 percent
• Perfume- 15 to 25 percent
• Eau de Parfum (EDP)- 8 to 15 percent
• Eau de Toilette (EDT)- 4 to 8 percent
• Cologne (EDC)- 2 to 4 percent
• After shave- 2 to 4 percent
• Soap- 2 to 4 percent
• Body lotion/ cream- 3 to 4 percent
• Scented candle- 10 percent.

Can Men's Fragrance Be Worn as Perfume?

Of course. In the past 150 years, brands have started to make distinctions between male and female fragrances. While some may be suited to a specific gender, the kind of scent you like is a personal fragrance.

In fact, you will find many unisex scents available in the perfume market today. When it comes to scents, there are not any rights and wrongs you need to abide by. The world is your oyster!

What is a Fragrance Wardrobe?

In the words of Coco Chanel, "Perfume is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion."

You will find loads of people who have a collection of bags and shoes that they change based on their mood. Similarly, a fragrance wardrobe gives you the opportunity to pick the scent you want based on the occasion, time of the day, and your mood.

The key is to form a fragrance wardrobe that you love and one that resonates with you on a personal level. Remember, fragrances are not meant to be remain unworn, neatly stacked away in the corner shelf of your room. 

How Many Scents Should You Have in Your Fragrance Wardrobe?

The simple answer is that you can have as many scents as you want in your fragrance wardrobe. The only thing you want to make sure of is that the fragrances you collect do not remain unworn for too long. If you are a perfume lover and want to build a fragrance wardrobe, you can have as many as ten or even more scents in your collection.

One way to collect scents is to have different perfumes for spring and summer, and autumn and winter. You should definitely have a day scent and an evening scent. Usually, evening scents have a stronger concentration, while day scents are more subtle and outdoorsy. If a perfume makes you feel a certain way that you enjoy or invokes happy memories, definitely think about adding it to your collection!

What are Niche Perfumes?

"Niche" refers to perfumes that are hard to find, special, unusual, interesting, and in some cases, expensive. "Niche" perfumery has become popular over the past few years as many new names have started to make their mark in the fragrance department. 

The "palette" of fragrance ingredients is essentially the same but niche perfumers try different combinations or try to create scents that are inspired by special memories and experiences. Every fragrance you find has a story to tell. Learning more about "niche" perfumes is a wonderful way to know ore about the olfactory universe.

What are Celebrity Scents?

Celebrity scents stand for perfumes created with a celebrity name on them. Sometimes celebrities take part in creating this scent and sometimes, they do not. However, the scent is still known as a celebrity scent. 

Celebrity scents are made using the same "noses" as non-celebrity scents. Some of them can be truly beautiful. At HABIBI New York, we do not believe in snobbery about perfume- it all depends on the kind of scents you like. 

What are Seasonal Scents? Are Some Scents Better Suited to Winters than Summers?

In the hot summers, you might notice that some scents feel stronger and more overpowering. This is why many brands cater to lighter versions of their best-sellers for the hot months. Many people like heavy, comfort, "cocooning" fragrances in the winters but this is a personal reference.

At HABIBI New York, you will find richer fragrances, along with subtler ones that you can use in the warmer months. However, there is absolutely no compulsion when it comes to wearing perfumes. All you have to do is what seems right to you!

What are Daytime and Evening Scents?

You will find some fragrances that have "Night" or "Nuit" written on them. This works as a hint that these fragrances are meant to be used in the evening. However, there is no hard and fast rule that needs to be followed when it comes to scents. It is all about your preference and what scent resonates best with you. 

If you have a favorite fragrance, what you might ideally want to do is pick a lighter concentration that can be worn during the day- something like eau de toilette or eau fe parfum, and use the perfume version of the scent at night. This can be a more intense, stronger, and lasting scent of your favorite perfume.

Does choosing a perfume sound less intimidating now? Just a couple of things you need to keep in mind and that's it- you will become an expert at choosing perfumes for yourself and your friends!