Thinking about Christmas gifts already? Yes, it’s that time of the year. We have survived another year, a time to hint in the most subtle way and to spoil your loved ones with something that does not scream last minute frenzy! It might be thinking inside the box, but perfume is still the safest bet and the least likely gift to be “re-gifted”.
Beauty products are generally among the top four presents that people keep at Christmas. Perfume is the equivalent of the little black dress – you can never go wrong with a much loved favourite. People no longer have just one fragrance on their dresser. They’re changing their fragrance every few months. Women might start with a sweet, fruity note while they’re young and venture into something more sophisticated as they mature.
Fragrances can be bewitching. There are variables though. One man’s love potion can be another man’s mood killer; smell is closely tied to memory and emotion. So, your reaction to fragrance is mediated by your experience with it: the perfume of your first love, the aroma of your mother’s apple pie… Are we being doused with science or a marketing hype?
New research has found that women’s faces become more attractive if a pleasant smell is present. Women hoping to find a partner would be better off investing in a good bottle of perfume rather than spending money on an expensive dress. The truth is perfume is magic, it’s a mystery. Fragrance is about wearing a perspective on your skin. There are numerous reasons why people wear perfumes, but ultimately it boils down to the fact that they make us feel happy. The reasons why we feel happy is heavily dependent on the individual, but can range from the presence of pheromones, memories the scent evokes, a feeling of escape, and the ability to show your individuality.
The best way to choose fragrance as a gift is to find out what someone currently wears and then find one that is similar. Or, if you’re stuck there’s nothing wrong with buying someone a fragrance you know they already love.
When picking a fragrance for yourself you could either let the spray-happy lady at the fragrance counter have her way with you or you could be sensible about it:
- Perfume shouldn’t be an impulse buy. Let samples dry on your skin before smelling, otherwise you will just inhale alcohol.
- Don’t apply it to your wrists when wearing a metal watch or jewellery. Metal mixed with sweat, alters the chemistry of fragrance. Spray the inside of your forearm, the skin there is just as warm as your pulse points.
- The more hydrated your skin is the more likely it will hold onto perfume. Dry skin is no friend of fragrance.
- Perfume needs to move you. Don’t be seduced by big names or pretty boxes. There should be an emotional connection between you and your fragrance.
- Reapply with caution. Trust that a scent will last at least 5 hours. If you crave the hits of fragrance more often, spray a little onto your hair in the morning. Hair is porous and will hold scent.
- Don’t spritz your wrists and then rub them together. You’re crushing the sparkle of the top notes. It’s like missing the start of a movie.
Fragrance has the ability to make us feel like desired human beings, boost positivity and increase vitality. Find the fragrance that makes you happy and reap the benefits thereafter! In the words of Coco Chanel: “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future”.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and the treatment thereof. This information is not advice and should not be treated as such. Never delay seeking medical advice or discontinue treatment because of information in this article.
Source: www.smh.com.au, psychologytoday.com, www.telegraph.co.uk, www.fragrancesoftheworld.com, www.streetdirectory.com, www.sirc.org, www.nytimes.com, www.womanshealthmag.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
