How to Buy a Fragrance for Someone Else

How to Buy a Fragrance for Someone Else

Fragrance is such a personal preference that it makes an amazing gift for the holidays. Knowing that someone’s personality fits best with a musky wooden scent or floral fragrance shows how well you know the person. But finding a flattering fragrance for a loved one isn’t easy. We sought the help of Patti Kapla, the V.P. of business development at FragranceNet.com, for key questions to keep in mind when buying for the men and women in your life.

Perfume For Women

1. Does she already wear perfume?

The first thing to consider is whether this is her first time dabbling in the fragrance world. “If your intended recipient is a newcomer to the perfume world or if you don’t quite know what she’d enjoy, then pull back on the potency and go for an eau de cologne or eau de toilette,” says Kapla. “These scents are less powerful than eau de perfumes and pure perfume extracts, which generally are favored by those who know exactly what they like.”

If she already wears fragrance, use the scents on her vanity as a guide, whether they be fruity, flowery or musky, and then work from the same family of scents.

2. What’s her intention?

To find the right perfume, you should consider her lifestyle, habits and personality. “Beguiling, mesmerizing orientals may be a hit in the bedroom, but are not always wise for the boardroom where something more sophisticated and tame would be appreciated. Think of what situation she is most likely to wear the perfume, and let this guide your nose.”

3. What size will work best?

If your grandmother’s signature scent has been Chanel No 5 since the 60s, go ahead and buy a big two liter. But if you’re unsure with your choice, Kapla recommends going smaller. “You can then invest the money you’ve saved in a matching perfumed body lotion that she can use to accompany her scent. By layering the two products, it will last longer, or she can choose to wear just the lotion on days when the perfume itself is not needed.”

And remember: “Just because it smells good on you does not necessarily mean it will smell good on her. Furnishing your friend with a fragrance identical to your own is just as bad as wearing the same dress on Oscar night. (Ok, maybe not that bad.) But, use your intuition and nose to make perfume choices that will bring out her best assets.”