Fragrance is a wonderful thing.  It can make you feel beautiful, turn a man’s head, and enhance a first impression.  Many years ago, I learned to layer fragrance so it will last all day.  Layering your scent is easy, but it is slightly more expensive.  Instead of only purchasing the eau de toilette perfume, look for a fragrance that also offers shower or bath gel and body lotion.  This practice works very well for me because I have dry skin, so applying scented body lotion his a double benefit.  Keep in mind that if you choose to layer fragrances, you will most likely need to use less perfume.  I find that perfumes with high concentrations of alcohol in the ingredients can “change” over time, so purchase the smallest size perfume available.  This also helps offset the cost of buying the shower gel and body lotion in addition to the perfume. 

I recommend having two fragrances to be worn at different times.  I have my “special occasion” fragrance that I splurge on, and a more economical, very lightweight, water based body spray fragrance that I use as an “everyday” fragrance.  The Special Occasion fragrance is reserved for Holidays, date nights with my hubby, evening events, days when I need a little pick me up, and for Sundays.  (I picked up the habit of wearing my “best” fragrance on Sundays from my sweet mother.)

Be careful about wearing too much fragrance – the rule of thumb is that your fragrance should not enter the room before you do, or linger in the room after you are gone.  When your perfume is overpowering, it may be difficult to get people to take you seriously, or concentrate on what you have to say.  Remember, it’s easy to apply more if needed, but hard to dilute a fragrance if you’ve applied too much.  After repeated exposure to a fragrance, we tend to notice it less than others will.  I’ve heard many people with allergies complain that someone’s fragrance was bothering them.  At the start of your day, take into account who you will be around, and the setting you will be in.  For example, if you are flying or carpooling, it would be smart to wear a very light fragrance, if any at all.

According to Amazon, the 5 most popular women’s fragrances right now are:

Shown above from left to right:

1.  Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana – Price: $27.73 – $110.53

2.  Burberry Brit Eau de Toilette by Burberry – Price: $20.63 – $88.00

3.  Eternity By Calvin Klein For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 Oz. by Calvin Klein – Price: $34.11 – $62.00

4.  Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum by Juicy Couture – Price: $17.00 – $250.00

5.  Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker Eau de Parfum Spray by Sarah Jessica Parker – Price: $14.95 – $80.35

In case you are wondering, my two “signature scents” are:  Special Occasions: Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker and Everyday: Moonlight Path Path from Bath & Body Works.

What is your signature scent?  Do you have any tips for wearing fragrance?