Start Your Perfume Era Right: A Beginner’s Guide to Scent
I’m calling it now, I think 2024 will be the year of perfume. Maybe I’m saying that because I personally have decided to make 2024 my perfume era and I want everyone to come along and join me, but either way I’m EXCITED about it! I’ve always been a HUGE candle girl (and honestly I should write a blog post about that), and perfume just felt like a very natural extension of the scent family.
Now I’ll be honest, if my sister and mom are reading this, they’re probably thinking I’m so behind because those two have been in their perfume era for the past three years. And when I say they’re in their perfume eras, I truly mean it. Last Christmas I’m pretty sure every gift they received was perfume, and they even visited the perfume capital of the world! But whatever they say about me being late to the game, it’s better to start now than later.
I think it's so easy to go to a department store or stop by your closest Sephora and just get so overwhelmed with all the different options and perfume smells on scent strips. I also think price point is a huge deterrent to perfume, and what if you spend all this money and you don't even like it or it doesn't last? These are real questions I always thought about when trying to find the right type of perfume for me. So instead of just checking out the next time you're trying to find a perfume, I think you can use this as a great introduction to this very good-smelling yet complicated art of fragrances.
Because of that, I wanted to do some research and break it down for you because honestly, what better way to learn about perfumes than from a cheat sheet blog post? So if you're looking for a beginner's guide on scent and how to find the right perfume for you, keep on reading.
Perfume Structure
First things first, we need to break down how these scents actually work. Before doing all my Googling, the only thing I knew about perfume structure was from what I read in the description box on Sephora when casually browsing scents. And honestly, even then I didn’t really care about it (or really know what they were saying). But now I know there’s a LOT more to these structures than I originally thought.
To break it down for you, most perfumes have a pyramid structure made out of three areas and fragrance notes: top notes (also called head notes), heart notes (also called middle notes), and base notes. And look, to better understand these different perfume notes, I made a little graphic for you to visually see what that looks like!
I think that’s honestly all you really need to know about the structure, especially for beginners, but it is helpful when actually looking at scents online. It’ll help you break down what it will smell like on you, especially if you haven’t actually smelled it yet!
Eau deParfum, Cologne, & Toilette
Let’s be honest, who actually knows the differences between these three? Because I didn’t know until about 30 minutes ago. If you shop online, you’ll notice that some scents have three vaguely different versions of itself and they’re usually broken down into these three groups: eau de parfum, eau de cologne, and eau de toilette. They don’t speak to anything other than the concentration of the scent! So here’s a quick look into each.
Parfum is for THOSE moments, like special occasions. It has the highest fragrance concentration, and can last up to 6 hours! People say it’s a more reliable scent since you don’t have to re-apply it as much, which we love. Some classify it as a good night type of scent.
Guess what? Cologne isn’t for guys only! Made up of a low fragrance concentration, anyone can wear this if they want to. It typically lasts up to 2 hours so you may have to apply it more, and it also usually falls lower on the pricing scale which is always great.
And finally toilette. And no, this is not a toilet scent LMAO. It has a mid-tier fragrance concentration and is SUPER popular. It can last from 2 to 3 hours, and people classify it as a good day type of scent.
Finding the Right Fragrance
There's a lot you can find about fragrance wheels blah blah blah, but I honestly don't think you need to know all that because we're not here to become experts in the art of perfumery and scent.
Basically, all you need to know to help you find your favorite scent are these nine different perfume families: gourmand, floral, citrus, fruity, spicy, aquatic, woody, earthy, and fresh. If you don't what some of this stuff means, don't worry! This wouldn't be a perfume guide if we didn't break it down by category and give you some good beginner perfume examples for you to check out!
Gourmand
If you're just starting your journey to find your perfect fragrance, most likely than not your first perfume will be in the gourmand family. These perfumes are just really nice and sweet, with edible smelling notes. These perfumes feels like a grown-up version of something from Bath & Body Works. A lot of my favorite scents are in this family!
This cologne fragrance may literally be my number one perfume of all time. It's kind of a sweet and spicy scent, with notes of clove oil, chestnut accord, and vanilla accord. My mom thinks this scent is too sweet, but I'm obsessed. It's just a great perfume! I always get compliments on it.
I've really started loving Phlur's different fragrance blends, and this one is no exception. This is vanilla scent is complex with key notes of sugar crystals, cashmere wood, and vanilla. Such a good initial scent if you're just wanting something simple and pretty!
Not only is the bottle so cute and unique, I love the scent. This eau de parfum has different notes of bergamot, red fruits, and patchouli, and is just a great sweet scent.
Floral
I think when you think of classic perfume, you think of this part of this fragrance family. Technically nearly all perfumes have floral notes because duh, but these are some that are primarily floral! I love how you can just walk around smelling like springtime. It's so fresh and flowery!
I love Gucci when it comes to floral scents, I think the just do it right. This eau de parfum has notes of rangoon creeper, jasmine bud, and tuberose. People also say it lasts a long time, so great for personal use when you're going out and about!
This is the definition of a clean floral scent that is just perfect for every day. It has notes of blackcurrant, peony, and white amber, and it just smells SO GOOD. I don't know how else to describe it. I just love smelling like a flower garden!
It wouldn't be a list of floral fragrances if I didn't include something from Daisy! I love this one so much. It has notes of yuzu, kumquat, and pamplewood. It just feels crisp, and generally, Marc Jacobs just makes really solid perfumes.
Citrus
I have always loved good citrus scents. There's something just so fresh and bright about these scents, and I love how they're often not that overwhelming. I tend to gravitate towards scents like this for the office!
This is an eau de toilette unisex fragrance that has a nice blend of kalamansi lime, green tea, citrus, and soft musk. I am a huge fan of this perfume brand in general, I think they actually last and always smell so good. Some of the best perfumes (personal opinion) come from them!
This cologne has notes of mandarin, basil, and amberwood, making it a really distinct mixture of scents with citrus really leading the pack! I think this one is a really good everyday scent if that's what you're looking for.
I'm not going to lie to you, the price scares me on this one. But I also can't keep my hands off a citrus scent and this one is a favorite! People describe this one as a complex scent with pomelo, yuzu, and black currant.
Fruity
I always love a fruity scent, and it's always a good idea, especially around summertime. These scents just always feel really playful, fun, and easy! Spray some own for your next vacation or outing with the girls, I promise you'll get compliments.
I literally love this scent so much. It's definitely a fruit floral scent, and it has notes of dark berries, jasmine, musk, and amber. In layman's terms, it's like a fancy strawberry. Such a perfect perfume if you love the fruity fresh scent.
I'm a big fan of NEST New York, and this scent is a good one. It has scents of rose absolute, lychee, and effervescent pink champagne, and I love how it smells and stays on your skin.
This scent cracks me up because one of the main notes in the perfume is literally fruit gummies. Like what do you mean fruit gummies? Perfume is just so fun and silly, and this one is a great option. Besides the fruit gummies, there are notes of orange flower and glazed musk.
Spicy
Spicy has really been making a comeback in perfumes, and I often feel like this is the definition of a cool girl fragrance family. Think night on the town, New York City, sexy perfumes. Here are some of my favorites for this beginner's guide!
I'm not going to lie, you either love this perfume or hate this perfume. Personally, I love it! It is incredibly black pepper forward, with other notes of bergamot and tobacco leaf.
This eau de parfum has really nice notes of bergamot, violet, and white birch, and I love this unisex scent! It's a complex scent that's not too overwhelming, and I think it's kind of a unique one.
I mean, can you tell by now that bergamot is a popular note for spicy scents? This one has notes of bergamot, green tea, and vanilla beans. People who use it say that it has a really unique fragrance blend, and it's hard to pinpoint (in a good way).
Aquatic
When I think of aquatic I think of sea creatures and the ocean, and honestly, I'm not off with that. I describe it as the equivalent of a sea breeze. Kind of light, clean, but also salty! I mean, can you tell by now that things aren't typically that specific lol. Don't worry though, here are some examples.
This eau de parfum is the perfect cooling, lakeside scent with notes of marine, ginger, and sandalwood. People do describe it as a masculine scent, but sometimes that's what's up.
This is such a nice fresh scent that reminds me of the ocean (in a really calming and nice way). It has notes of aquatic accord, coriander, and red seaweed essence. I really do love this one!
Again, another pricier one, but this one I think is worth it. The key notes are jasmine, gardenia, and warm woods, and I think off the description you wouldn't think it's aquatic, but it's inspired by the Mediterranean coast.
Woody
Some people say woody is a more masculine part of the fragrance family, but I highly disagree. I think woody perfumes have a really distinctive scent, and typically are strong! I love these though, and I think you will too.
No lie, one time I wore this in an Uber and my driver asked me what it was. When I told her, she immediately pulled up Sephora and bought it. This perfume is just that good! It has notes of pink pepper, iris, and ambrox!
People LOVE this one for date nights and special occasions. It has notes of pink pepper, rum absolute, and tobacco leaf absolute. This scent was inspired by Brooklyn jazz clubs, and I think it captures that really well.
This one may be a controversial pick because some people are obsessed, and then some people think it smells like cucumbers. With notes of black violet, saffron, and juniper berries, you should make a decision for yourself and see which side you're on!
Earthy
These are perfumes I imagine Hozier may smell like. I love how green or outdoorsy these scents can smell like! People often confuse this one with fresh, but trust me, there's a difference.
'm not going to lie, when I read the notes on this scent I was like ... what. The description includes iso e super, bergamot, and petitgrain, and I don't even know what 2/3 of those things are. But people say it makes you smell like a woodland fairy, which is enough to convince me.
If something has moss in it, I immediately clock it as an earthy scent. This one has notes of cypress, grapevine, and moss, and I love it. People love it for the fall and winter!
This is the definition of a great crossover scent. It is heavier on the earth side, but it has nice citrus notes too! With notes of tomato leaf accord, green mandarin essence, and patchouli heart, this newer Maison Margiela scent is quickly gaining traction.
Fresh
When I think fresh scents, I immediately think clean girl vibes. Sometimes you don't want something too overwhelming or something that makes too much of a lasting impression, so fresh scents are perfect for you. The highest complement is when people just think I naturally smell like one of these perfumes.
Is it really a perfume list if I don't include something form Juliette Has a Gun? Another cult favorite brand, I LOVE this scent, with its notes of Green pear accord, ambroxan, and musks. People say it's a bold fresh scent, and I wouldn't disagree!
I absolutely had to include this perfume, just because of sentimental value! My mom always wore this growing up, and I loved it. This clean scent has citrus, apple, and bamboo notes, and is perfect for just a day our or a walk around the neighborhood.
This one just FEELS good. I love the notes it has (coconut milk, tiger lily, and mango), and apparently, a cult favorite among perfume enthusiasts!
How to Apply Perfume
Okay, so now you know everything about the perfume and which ones may be the best fit for you, but do you know how to put it on? I genuinely had no idea there was a RIGHT way to put on perfume until I saw my sister apply it one day. And because this isn’t something that is inherently known, I thought I would share what I’ve learned!
Apparently, scents love heat. I think the warmth helps develop some of the notes in the scent, and makes the fragrance open up more (lol I feel like I’m talking about wine or something I feel so fancy). So make sure to spray your scent on your pulse points like your wrists, inner forearms, and neck! You can kind of crazy after that if you want, but those are definitely key.
Here’s something to note: don’t rub the perfume into your skin!! This is apparently a huge no no. I don’t know why, but I just know not to do it.
Final Thoughts
After this good introduction, it’s time to let you loose into the world with this new knowledge, and go get yourself a new scent to kick off the year! If you're feeling still a little overwhelmed on what to try out, I definitely recommend getting a traveler-sized perfume to try out or a sampler kit. Everyone really does have their personal preference when it comes to fragrances, so I'm excited for you to find out your own signature scent! I hope this helps you with your perfume era, because I know it’s helping mine. Happy smelling!