The new year is here and many of us may be considering starting a new hobby or starting some sort of collection. If you've ever thought about starting a perfume collection, 2024 is the perfect time to begin.
Before we get started you’re probably thinking why would one want to start a fragrance collection? It's a confidence booster when you smell good, it literally can put you in a better mood. I know many that love the aesthetics of having their collection, it can turn out as beautiful decorations. Last, they make great gifts to receive and to give! Once you become a collector the ones close to you will never have to ask what to get you for your birthday, Valentine's Day, any other gift giving holiday again!
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Research Perfume Brands: Research different perfume brands to understand their scents, ingredients, and reputations. Look for niche and boutique brands for unique and rare fragrances. There are so many fragrance communities to join online communities, Facebook groups, and following hashtags on TikTok will give you good knowledge on where to start for your collection.
Learn About Fragrance Notes: Familiarize yourself with fragrance notes such as floral, oriental, woody, citrus, and gourmand. Understanding these notes will help you appreciate the complexity of different perfumes.
Sample Perfumes: Visit perfume boutiques, department stores, and online retailers to sample a variety of perfumes. Many retailers offer sample sets that allow you to explore different scents before committing to a full bottle.
I love going into Ulta just to see what scent I should purchase next. Ulta, Nordstrom, and Sephora have great fragrance stations and carry great discovery set that will have anywhere fro 10 to 20 different samples of perfume!
When you're just starting your collection it's fine to just start with travel sprays. I love travel sprays, not only because they're cheaper (LOL), but they are great to store in my purse and I don't feel compelled to take my big bottles with me traveling, and I can take more with me which means I can have more options!
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Start with Classics: Consider adding classic fragrances to your collection, such as YSL Libre, Dior J'adore, or Guerlain Shalimar. These timeless scents are often a great starting point for a perfume collection.
Consider Different Concentrations: Explore different concentrations of perfume, such as eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and extrait de parfum. Each concentration offers a different intensity and longevity of the scent.
Extrait de parfum- Parfum, also known as extrait de parfum or pure perfume, has the highest fragrance concentration. Parfum will contain anywhere from 15% to 40% fragrance however concentration is generally between 20% to 30% for most parfums. Of all scents, parfums last the longest; usually six to eight hours. Parfum generally also commands the highest price of all the fragrance types due to the high concentration of fragrance. People with sensitive skin may do better with parfums as they have far less alcohol than other fragrance types and therefore are not as likely to dry out the skin.
Eau de Parfum- After parfum, eau de parfum (EDP) has the next highest concentration of fragrance. Eau de parfum generally has a fragrance concentration of between 15% and 20%. On average, eau de parfum will last for four to five hours. It is also generally less expensive that parfum and while it does have a higher concentration of alcohol than parfum, it is better for sensitive skin than other fragrance types. It's one of the most common fragrance types and is suitable for everyday wear.
Eau de Toilette- Eau de toilette (EDT) has a fragrance concentration of between 5% and 15%. It is cheaper than eau de parfum and is one of the most popular types of fragrance available. EDT fragrance will normally last for two to three hours. Eau de toilette is considered by some to be for daywear while eau de parfum is considered nightwear. The term eau de toilette came from the French term “faire sa toilette” which means getting ready.
Attend Perfume Events: Look for perfume events, workshops, and fragrance expos in your area. These events can provide valuable information, allow you to connect with other perfume enthusiasts and get free samples or discounted prices.
Consider Storage: Since you’re starting your collection you can’t forget how you’re going to store it! Invest in proper storage options for your perfume collection, such as a cool, dark space to preserve the fragrances' quality and longevity. Below are some suggestions on how to set up your new fragrance collection!
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Collect Limited Editions: Keep an eye out for limited edition and special release perfumes from your favorite brands. These unique scents can add a special touch to your collection.
Have Fun Exploring: Most importantly, have fun exploring the world of fragrance and allow your collection to evolve over time based on your personal preferences and tastes.
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Starting a perfume collection is a personal journey, and there are no strict rules. Let your collection reflect your individuality and enjoy the experience of discovering new and delightful scents. Embark on this aromatic journey and let your perfume collection be a reflection of your personal style and olfactory preferences.
To keep up to date with the latest trends and inspiration for your perfume collection, consider following hashtags such as #perfumecollection, #fragranceenthusiast, and #perfumeaddict on social media. Also follow @sisyousmellgood and @blackgirlsandfragrance on Instagram!
Need more fragrance tips? Be sure to catch up on our previous post Sis, You Smell Good: Fragrance 101 be clicking the link below!
-JL
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