On The Right Scent

Posted: Tuesday 19 October 2010 11:27am

Men are worse than women in clinging to a fragrance that raked in the most compliments when they were in their prime.
But if you’re still wearing a fresh, breezy perfume that suited you when you were 25, it really is time to consider trying a new scent – not only to appear more up to date, but to find one that is more suitable for your current lifestyle and is more in keeping with the changes in your skin.
The spring and summer months are the best time to make a switch because the lead-up to Christmas produces a flood-tide of new contenders to help you to express the feelings and the attitudes of the woman you are today:

THE 30s
Most women are more settled in their careers and relationships by their mid-30s, so it’s time to spritz on a fragrance that suggests a sense of emotional calm, rather than the uncomplicated fragrances more suitable to 20somethings. Woody, dry notes such as sandalwood and musk smell more feminine and grown-up. Smart bottlings to try Bulgari BLV Eau d’Ete, Voyage d’Hermes, Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioa, Bobbi Fragrance from Bobbi Brown or Flora by Gucci.

THE 40s
A woman in her 40s is established in her home life and work environment, but still wants to have fun, says Roja Dove, one of the world’s leading perfume authorities. “I always recommend sexy, self-confident fragrances for women in their 40s because they have the poise to carry them off. Understated white florals such as lily should be in the mix to suggest a youthfulness, but there should also be spices and vanilla to add depth”.

Top buys include: Jo Malone Intense Collection in Rose Water and Vanilla, Alberta Ferretti eau de toilette, BOSS Femme, Christian Dior Addict eau de parfum, DKNY PureDKNY, Elizabeth Arden Provocative Woman and Estee Lauder Pleasures Bloom or Very Hollywood Michael Kors eau de parfum.

THE 50s

The children have grown-up and many women are re-establishing their careers on their own terms. They know what they want and what they don’t want. A new assertiveness that is best matched with woody, mossy or chypre-style perfumes. Be adventurous and elegant with Balenciaga Paris, Christian Dior J’adore, Dolce & Gabbana Parfum or Estee Lauder Pleasures Intense. Layering also helps fragrances to linger. New for summer are: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Foaming Shower Gel, Moisturizing Body Lotion and Velvet Body Oil. Spritz on the fragrance, too, if you dare.

THE 60s

Body skin loses much of its moisture following menopause. The aromatics and essential oils in perfume cling to the oils in the skin, so fragrance doesn’t last as long on more mature women. It’s time to go for a deeper, more complex perfume that contains a “fixative” ingredient such as incense or amber. Fragrances with a longer lifespan are: Chloe Eau de Parfum Intense, Calvin Klein Euphoria, Clinique Aromatics Elixir Velvet Sheer or Eau de Toilette and Estee Lauder Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang.

THE 70s-plus

Nostalgia becomes a powerful driver at this age. “Many women pick something that reminds them of a life well-lived” notes Roja Dove. “A scent that evokes another time or an important person in their life. Familiar notes such as rose, gardenia and jasmine are very popular because they are delicate and feminine. Stay fragrant with Crabtree & Evelyn’s beautiful florals from Evelyn Rose to Iris Eau de Toilette or Taylor of London Freesia or Lily of the Valley eau de toilette.

Most prestige fragrances are available from leading department stores, selected pharmacies and The Perfume Connection.

by Elisabeth King

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