I need help choosing a new perfume

[AngsanaFlower]

How on earth do you choose a new perfume? There are loads!!!

In the past I’ve had most of the Chanel ones, and would like something different.

I’m just about to finish Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofini. I like it, but fancy something different. I also like Beautiful by Estée Lauder.

I’m trying to find a signature scent for me though. I dont like flowery scents, or ones that smell like toilet air freshener (some do!) I quite like essential oils.

Any recommendations? Ultimately I’d like to have 2 perfumes to wear depending on my mood, one being serious attitude.

Get a killian sample set

The whole concept of a ‘signature scent’ was just an artificial marketing thing - you don’t have to adhere to it. Because yes, there are thousands - why shouldn’t you try as many as you like the sound of?

Bloom Perfume
Les Senteurs
Perfumer H
4160 Tuesdays
Frederic Malle
Roullier White

and countless other brands and multi-brand stores can provide samples - either ad hoc or as part of a subscription service. And comparing and contrasting is so much fun.

(I’m not saying one should never buy a full size bottle - but it shouldn’t preclude exploring other possibilities too.)

Le labo do some amazing scents

Think of ones you liked in the past and think of some notes the perfume had. For instance, I love Jasmine and sandalwood but also citrus notes. I don't expect all in one perfume but if I hear one has jasmine in, I am interested!

If you live anywhere near a Selfridges they have an amazing perfume hall!

Maybe see what brands appeal to you and buy a sample set/ scent library to try

Many brands give a voucher towards a full bottle as part of the deal.
What's your budget?

Vyrao are a brand that may suit you if you want to base it on 'mood' not sure how true it is but they market their scents on how they are supposed to make you feel. Eg Witchy woo is 'for courage and creativity '. Supposedly. Nice concept anyway and they do sample sets.

I would get one myself had I not spent a fortune recently on a different brand !

Budget up to about £150

If you can stretch a little further I REALLY recommend Byredo, they do a sample library of 24 scents for £180 and that includes a voucher for a full bottle once you have decided. I just got this deal by the way and am loving it as you get loads of samples and the scents are gorgeous.

If that's a little too steep, Maison Margiela do a scent library for around £38 for 10 or 12 samples doesn't include a voucher but you can then buy a bottle for I think around £60 .

And the aforementioned Vyrao do scent samples of various sizes, I think one includes money towards a full bottle. Think the bottles are around £90 for the smaller size.