Choosing the Right Perfume for Your Body Chemistry: Picking Your Next Signature Scent

PDF download Download Article
Understanding why your friend’s perfume doesn’t smell the same on you
PDF download Download Article

You’ve finally convinced your friend to tell you the name of her signature fragrance, but once you purchase it, you realize it just doesn’t smell as good on you. How is that even possible? Well, it all comes down to something called body chemistry! The way a perfume reacts with your body can transform its scent over time, making it seem like an entirely different fragrance. In this article, we’ll teach you how body chemistry affects perfume so you can choose the perfect scent that suits you.

Things You Should Know

  • When choosing a perfume, look at the different notes to see how the scent changes over time—the base notes give you the best impression of the scent in the long run.
  • Fragrances absorb better on oily skin, so if you have dry skin, apply moisturizer before spraying your perfume.
  • Before purchasing a new fragrance, apply it on your pressure points, and see if you still enjoy the scent after an hour.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

The Breakdown of Scent

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Similar to how musical notes make up a song, perfume notes are different layers of scents that make up a fragrance. When you first spray perfume, the notes are released in the following order: [1]
    • The top notes are what you smell immediately. They’re usually the lightest of all the notes, with scents like citrus, berries, and herbs.
    • The middle notes appear when the top notes evaporate. Also known as the “heart” of the fragrance, they typically introduce a floral, fruity, or spicy scent to deepen the perfume.
    • The base notes make up the perfume once the middle notes wear down. They’re considered the foundation of the fragrance, often associated with woody or musky scents.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the fragrance world, there are 4 scent families: floral, fresh, oriental, and woody. Most of the time, people lean towards one family, so figuring out which scent you prefer can help you choose the right perfume: [2]
    • The floral family is described as powdery or sweet, depending on the particular blooms. They often include notes of carnation, gardenia, jasmine, or rose.
    • The fresh family encompasses clean and aquatic notes like green leaves, ocean breeze, and cucumber—ideal for a light, crisp, and sporty scent.
    • The oriental family is made up of sweet, spicy, and exotic scents, usually with a base note of vanilla or amber.
    • The woody family features aromatic wood and moss notes like oak, cedarwood, and sandalwood, but you can also find patchouli or pine mixed in them.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Perfume comes in many different forms, depending on the concentration of pure perfume oil. In general, higher concentrations are more expensive, intense, and longer lasting, but many people prefer the freshness of a lighter, affordable fragrance. [3]
    • Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oil, between 15-40% perfume extract.
    • Eau de parfum has a lower concentration of fragrance oil than perfume, at about 10-20% perfume extract.
    • Eau de toilette has the lowest concentration of fragrance oil, between 4-15% extract.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

How Body Chemistry Affects Fragrance

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there isn’t enough moisture for fragrance molecules to adhere to, your perfume evaporates quickly (decreasing the lasting power of the fragrance). Oils help fragrance absorb easily into the skin, so perfumes typically last longer on those with oily skin types. [4]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your fragrance smells different when you apply it on hot or humid days, you’re not alone! Since sweat contains bacteria and acids, it can destroy the original scent of your perfume and decrease its wear time. [5]
    • If you sweat a lot, choose a fragrance with a higher perfume oil concentration, such as a parfum or eau de parfum.
    • To preserve the original scent of your fragrance, spray it on your clothes and hair (instead of your skin).
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pheromones are secretions that give each person their unique scent. Since people smell different naturally, this can explain how one fragrance smells good on someone and smells terrible on another. [6]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Testing Your Perfume

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To reveal the true scent of a fragrance, spray it on your pulse points—behind your ear, on your wrist, and inside your elbow. This allows the fragrance notes to intensify, giving you a good impression of what it smells like on you. [7]
    • Make sure you don’t rub your wrists together—rubbing the scent can break up the fragrance molecules and disrupt how the notes naturally develop.
    • If possible, start with samples or mini versions of the perfume for testing, so you don't waste anything.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since the top and middle notes of a perfume evaporate over time, check if you still enjoy the scent after an hour. Sometimes, a floral fragrance can transform into something musky and intense, so you want to make sure the base notes are what you expect. [8]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Know-Which-Perfume-Works-with-Your-Body-Chemistry-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since your surroundings can affect how your perfume smells on you, test your fragrance on 2 different days—during the daytime and evening. [9]
    • Instead of running to the mall multiple times to try a new fragrance, ask for samples at your local department store or Sephora.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you have dry skin, apply moisturizer or Vaseline on your pulse points before spraying your perfume.
        Thanks
      • Use matching body lotions or oils to enhance and prolong the fragrance you're wearing.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      3 Simple Ways to Open and Fill Perfume Travel Bottles
      How to
      Apply Perfume
      How to
      Determine Whether a Perfume Is Authentic
      How to
      Apply Stick Deodorant
      How to
      Use Fragrance Oils
      How to
      Use Aftershave
      How to
      Apply Body Spray
      How to
      Smell Good Without Taking a Bath or Shower
      How to
      Smell Good
      How to
      Spray Yourself With Deodorant
      How to
      Apply Cologne
      How to
      Make Body Spray
      How to
      Make Perfume Last Longer
      Homemade Essential Oil Spray for Rooms, Sleep, & Mood
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.perfume.org/all-about-perfume/what-are-top-notes-heart-notes-and-base-notes-fragrance-notes-explained
      2. ↑ http://www.perfume.org/all-about-perfume/How-to-find-a-perfume-that-is-right-for-you
      3. ↑ https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/03/what-is-the-difference-between-perfume-eau-de-toilette-and-eau-de-cologne.html
      4. ↑ https://colognoisseur.com/perfume-mythbusters-skin-chemistry
      5. ↑ https://medium.com/@beureka/how-body-chemistry-affects-perfume-6248f5f7069a
      6. ↑ https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/article/facts-and-fallacies-about-perfumes-and-body-odours
      7. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/21/smarter-living/how-to-choose-perfume-cologne-fragrance.html
      8. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/21/smarter-living/how-to-choose-perfume-cologne-fragrance.html
      9. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/21/smarter-living/how-to-choose-perfume-cologne-fragrance.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 20,729 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement