The fragrance must suit the personality
The essential oils of a perfume react differently with each different person.
Some perfumes are more suited to some personalities than others,
and some perfumes are gregarious, others are more reserved.
Your choice needs to suit the wearer's attitude as well as demeanour,
as well as reflect the status of your relationship with the wearer.
For example, you wouldn't buy the same fragrance for your mother
as you would for a recently acquired girlfriend.
There are six different categories of scent that express different moods.
If you know the favourite brand of the person you are buying for, a scent
in the same family, or one in a complimentary family will be a reasonably safe purchase.
Floral.
This is the largest and most popular category and is created mainly from
flowers, including rose, carnation, orange blossom, gardenia and jasmine.
These are often blended together to produce a distinctive floral bouquet.
Some popular examples in this category include
Clinique Aromatics Elixir,
Ralph Lauren Romance and
Yves St. Laurent Paris.
Citrus.
Fragrances in this group come from citrus fruits such as lime, lemon, tangerine and mandarin.
These fragrances project a sharp, tangy aura, which are naturally refreshing and uplifting.
Citrus blends are among the oldest known scents. They were first worn by men and are now
popular with women as well. Some popular examples include
Calvin Klein CK One,
Gucci Gucci and
Jessica McClintock Jess.
Chypre (Cyprus).
This is a woody fragrance created by French perfumer Francois Coty,
based on his impression of the island of Cyprus. The fragrance is dominated by
pine aromas with hints of bergamot, oak moss, citrus and patchouli providing an
earthy suite of aromas. Some popular examples include
Dior Miss Dior,
Hermes Caleche,
and
Cindy Adams Gossip.
Oriental.
Oriental fragrances are a heady mix of spices, amber, balsams
and resins suggesting warmth and exotic sensuality, and are popular
for evening wear. Some examples include Calvin Klein Obsession,
Yves St. Laurent Opium and
Five Star Royal Secret.
Green.
Green fragrances are fresh and alive aromas, with a hint of sharpness from
young grassy scents blended with pine, juniper, leaves and herbs to create
memorable perfumes. They reflect sporty personalities and most suited to daytime wear.
Popular examples include
Cartier So Pretty,
Ralph Lauren Safari and
Hanae Mori Haute Couture.
Fougere.
This sixth category is a combination of fresh herbs and mossy
ferns blended in to produce a sophisticated urban style, with earthy overtures.
Some popular examples include
Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass,
Perry Ellis Reserve, and
Davidoff Cool Water.