How to Buy Perfume Without Smelling it Online
Shopping for perfume online can sometimes be a daunting task: not being able to test fragrances in person, so many are afraid to make a purchase that mightn't suit their taste or personality. But the right strategy and a little research mean you can find a scent you will love without leaving your house. Below, we explore practical strategies to get you confidently shopping for perfume online.
Know Your Fragrance Families
Before you can begin shopping, it's important that you learn something about the concept of fragrance families. Most perfume fragrances are categorized in either floral, woody, oriental, fresh, or gourmand. Knowing which family appeals to you will help in narrowing your search. In the event that you were particularly pleased with the smells of fresh flowers, you will want to look through the floral family. If you like rich and spicy notes, an oriental fragrance might be the best for you.
Analyze Your Previous Favorites
Think about the perfumes you loved and wore in the past. Look for their notes online and search for any recurring patterns or themes. Perhaps you have been wearing perfumes like Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, where you liked its warmly spicy, a little sweetish profile; this might turn you on with other perfume fragrances which feature dominant notes like vanilla, lavender, or cinnamon. You really know what attracted you before when browsing your choices online with this sense.
Learn the Language of Fragrance Notes
Perfumes are built with three layers of notes: top, middle-or heart-and base. The top notes are what you smell first but evaporate quickly. The middle notes develop next and create the core character of the fragrance. The base notes are the longest-lasting and leave the final impression. Knowing this structure can help you interpret online descriptions. If you see that a fragrance's top notes are composed of citrus, middle of floral, and base of musk, for instance, you would know that the scent opens fresh into a soft floral heart before settling to a soft earthy musk close.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Online reviews can be quite enlightening when perfume shopping. Many customers will comment on how the fragrance makes them feel, how long it lasts, and how it morphs throughout the day. Take note of repeated comments-if several people describe a perfume as light and fresh, or warm and sensual, then it probably is. Just remember that fragrance is a very subjective sense, and use reviews as a general guide rather than absolute truth.
Compare to Similar Scents
Most online retailers have "if you like," suggestions for perfumes and fragrances that are similar to the one you like. If you have one in mind, this feature will help you find others that you might like more. You can also search out "dupes" - less expensive versions of high-end fragrances you covet but are out of your budget.
Consider Sample Sets or Travel Sizes
Most brands and retailers offer sample sets or travel-sized bottles, and these are great to try before you buy. These mini versions will let you test a scent on your skin and how it will progress throughout the day. Once you find one that you like, you can confidently make a purchase of the bigger size.
Trust Reputable Retailers
Buy fragrances from online shops that enjoy good reputations or directly from the official website of the brand; in this way, you will ensure that you get an authentic product and lower the risk of purchasing a fake scented fragrance. Genuine websites will give you all the information about the composition of perfume and its notes. That helps you in choosing easily.
Use Return Policies When Available
Many online retailers will even have return policies for fragrances, provided the bottle is only lightly used. If you're really skeptical about committing to a scent, check the return policy of the store before making a purchase. This will be your safety net for trying a perfume with no risk attached, knowing you can always return it if it doesn't appeal to your senses.
Shopping for perfume online requires a bit more effort than an in-store purchase, but it's far from impossible. Knowing fragrance families, analyzing your favorite scents, and using samples and reviews will make for an educated purchase in which you will find a perfume that suits your style. You might even find a new favorite fragrance, sitting in the comfort of your home, with a little patience and research.
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