Though everyone's moods and tastes may change from moment to moment, most of us have certain constant personality traits. Generally speaking, we like what we know and tend to return to the familiar. Though you may not always use the same fragrance every day, chances are good that many of the ones you buy are of a similar type. You already know about your star sign. Now learn about your "smell sign"!
You've got boundless energy and optimism and love being on the go. When it comes to work, you're dynamic, and when it comes to play, you love the great outdoors. Fresh, green spring-like floral notes, such as hyacinth, violet and fresh-cut grass and leaves, appeal to your down-to-earth disposition and spirit of adventure. Citrus and water scents also connect you with nature.
You're in touch with your masculine side and approach life with a no-muss-no-fuss attitude. You're self-assured, practical and take no prisoners once you've set your mind on doing something. Woody to smoky chypre notes such as oak moss, bergamot, patchouli, musk and sandalwood characterize your strong, straightforward personality.
Still waters run deep, and yours do too. You're reflective and have a keen understanding of yourself and others. Though your sensitive nature causes you to shun superficiality, you form intense but harmonious relationships with those you allow into your inner sanctum. Spicy, warming Oriental notes with rich sweetness speak to your peaceful nature. Mull over mulled spices, amber and vanilla.
You're a hopeless romantic and live life with your head in the clouds. You wear your heart on your sleeve and often let it rule your head. Though some might say you're out of touch with reality, you wouldn't have it any other way. Fantasy is so much more fun! A combination of sweet floral and exotic Oriental notes takes you away to a magical place where you dream of orange blossoms and sweet spices.
Whether you're young or just young at heart, you're a force of nature and thrive on throwing caution to the wind. You've got that joie de vivre, that je ne sais quoi that draws people to you like a moth to a flame. Fun and fearless, your taste for fruity notes like blackcurrant, peach, pineapple and raspberry combined with fresh florals highlights your overt sensuality.
You're an uptown girl living in an uptown world. With your impeccable personal style, you exude timeless elegance and are impervious to fads. You appreciate the finer things in life, and your discriminating taste for richly romantic, feminine floral notes like rose, lily of the valley, freesia and lilac lets everyone know you're a class act.
You're a sister who's doing it for herself. You live life on your own terms and never feel bound by convention. Your freedom and individuality are intrinsic to your identity, and because of this, you have a strong artistic streak. Powdery floral notes like jasmine and orchid with a hint of balsamic resin express your desire—no, need—to be who you are without apology.
Ever wonder why a perfume's smell changes from the time of application to the end of the day? Every well-rounded fragrance consists of three notes: the top note (or head), the middle note (or heart) and the base note.
The top note is what you smell first, though it quickly evaporates to reveal the next layer. Top notes tend to be fresh and invigorating to grab the user's attention and make a memorable first impression. Commonly used top notes are citrus, light fruits, and green and herbal smells.
The middle note comes next and gives the fragrance its body. In addition to being stronger and more lasting than the top note, which is light and thus fades after about 10 minutes, it masks the heavy and sometimes unpleasant smell of the base note, which grows more palatable with time, much like the tannins in red wine. Middle notes typically include florals and dark fruits.
Last but not least comes the base note, which mingles with the middle note to give the fragrance warmth and depth. It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes for the base note's character to fully emerge. Base notes tend to be more masculine, like amber, musk, moss, tobacco, leather and woody smells.
Also note that note that not all fragrances are created equal. Most concentrated of all is perfume extract (extrait), lasting six or more hours. Next is eau de parfum, lasting three to five hours, then eau de toilette, which lasts about two. Eau de cologne is the lightest and has the lowest concentration of essential oils. Obviously, the stronger it is, the less you'll want to use. When it comes to fragrances, there definitely is such a thing as too much of a good thing!
If the price of perfume extract or eau de parfum is too rich for your blood, consider layering your fragrance to make it last the whole day without overwhelming anyone's senses. Start with a scented shower gel or bubble bath then use the matching lotion and powder. Finish with a light application of the matching cologne spray.
Most of all, have fun with it! Though the scientific effect of scent on attraction is debatable, one thing is for sure: Smelling good can make you feel good, and when you feel good, you project a confidence and sunny disposition that can only make you more appealing to everyone around you.
