How to Choose a Perfume Online: A Fragrance Expert's Guide

Choosing a perfume without smelling it feels impossible — but with the right knowledge, you can shop confidently online. Here's what our in-house fragrance consultant recommends.

Understand the Fragrance Families

Floral: Rose, jasmine, peony — romantic, feminine, classic. Best for: day wear, gifting.

Oriental / Oud: Resinous, spiced, warm. Long-lasting. Best for: evenings, cooler climates.

Fresh / Citrus: Light, clean, energising. Best for: office wear, hot climates, everyday.

Woody / Earthy: Vetiver, sandalwood, cedar. Unisex appeal. Best for: casual confidence.

Concentration Guide

• Parfum (EDP): 15–30% concentration. 8–12+ hours. Best value per spray.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5–15% concentration. 4–6 hours. Lighter, more casual.

How to Read Notes

Top notes hit immediately (first 30 minutes), heart notes are the soul of the fragrance (1–4 hours), base notes are what lingers (4+ hours). When shopping online, focus on the base notes — that's what you'll smell the most.

Pro Tips for Online Shopping

• Order a sample or smallest size first for unfamiliar houses
• Read 20+ reviews and focus on reviewers with similar skin types to yours
• Oily skin holds fragrance longer; dry skin benefits from EDP concentration