Buying perfume seems straightforward, until you have to choose between women’s perfume, men’s perfume, unisex perfume, eau de parfum and eau de cologne. Online, you’ll mostly see beautiful bottles and promises of long-lasting wear. But these don’t always tell you enough about the fragrance you’ll actually wear.
So look out for these three common pitfalls:
Look beyond a perfume’s name and check the notes listed. These might include:
According to the product information, a Victoria's Secret perfume such as Berry Santal combines almond, sandalwood, espresso and blackberry. This gives it a fruity, woody profile with a soft, spicy and aromatic character. Ginger Apple Jewel, by contrast, focuses on ginger, apple, cranberry and musk.
Eau de parfum is generally chosen for a more noticeable scent. Eau de cologne is often positioned as lighter and fresher. These terms are a useful first indication, but they don’t guarantee a set number of hours.
Also consider when the fragrance is recommended for wear. A fresh citrus profile, such as Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin, can work well during the day or in warmer weather. A sweet perfume with vanilla, caramel or chocolate often suits cooler days or an evening out. It’s a matter of personal preference, not a hard-and-fast rule.
Check the size before ordering perfume online. Common sizes in the range include 30 ml, 50 ml, 75 ml, 100 ml and 250 ml.
A smaller size is handy when you’re trying a fragrance for the first time or want to carry it in a bag. A larger bottle can suit everyday use, but only if you already know the scent profile.
Also read the ingredients list and safety information on the product page and packaging. Perfume is generally for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, keep the bottle away from heat and naked flames, and stop using it if irritation occurs. Ingredients may change, so always check the current packaging.
Men’s perfume, women’s perfume and unisex perfume can be useful search categories, but the fragrance itself matters more than the label. A woody perfume, for example, can work with both a formal outfit and everyday wear. A fruity fragrance can feel light and fresh, or warm and sweet.
When comparing fragrances, consider:
Why it suits this profile: The 30 ml size keeps the initial outlay down. The fragrance combines marshmallow, chocolate, vanilla, coconut milk and musk for anyone looking for a distinctly sweet perfume.
You don’t have to buy a large bottle straight away if you’re not yet sure about gourmand fragrances.
30 ml; floral-fruity gourmand profile; notes of vanilla, chocolate and marshmallow.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of lime, mandarin, bergamot, basil and thyme is a good choice if you’re looking for a refined unisex perfume with a fresh, green character.
The fragrance notes are clearly described, so you don’t have to judge it by the bottle alone.
100 ml; citrus-aromatic profile; ideal for those who appreciate basil and woody base notes.
Why it suits this profile: The 100 ml bottle is well suited to frequent use. Its profile centres on caramel, milk, sugar, honey, vanilla, praline and musk.
The product information describes a long-lasting scent, but you can control how much you apply with a light spray.
100 ml; sweet vanilla and gourmand profile; described as long-lasting in the product information.
Why it suits this profile: Green and aquatic notes are combined with mint, ginger, coconut, fig, tonka bean and sandalwood. It’s a good match if you’re looking for a tropical, sweet and woody men’s fragrance.
The full list of notes makes it clear this isn’t a simple fresh citrus fragrance: it also features coconut, sweetness and woody notes.
75 ml; green, aquatic and woody notes; also available in a 125 ml size.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety requirements.
Eau de parfum is usually chosen for a more noticeable scent, while eau de cologne is often positioned as lighter and fresher. Always check the product information, as your experience will also depend on the fragrance composition, your skin and how much you spray.
Keep perfume somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. Close the bottle securely after use and check the information on the packaging. Heat, light and air can change the scent over time.
Start with a light spray on your wrists, neck or behind your ears. Let the perfume dry naturally and don’t rub it into your skin. With a powerful sweet or woody fragrance, less is often enough; you can always spray more later if you wish.