Scent plays a big role in attraction, so it’s no wonder people wear fragrances on dates. However, not just any perfume will do. The potency and scent notes impact others’ perceptions of you. As a result, Olympea Solar eau de parfum from Paco Rabanne makes a different impression than Coach’s Dreams EDP.
How can you find a fragrance that puts your best foot forward? These tips can set you on the right track.
Why You Should Wear Fragrance
Scent has physiological and psychological effects:
- Boosts arousal
- Prompts relaxation
- Evokes memories
Wearing a fragrance can assist with all of the above and even help you feel more confident. The one caveat is that everyone responds differently to smells based on their history, body chemistry, etc. How do you know your choice of perfume will check these boxes?
How To Choose the Perfect Scent
There are two factors to consider when looking for a cologne: scent notes and concentration. Scent notes are the ingredients that make up the perfume. Concentration refers to how much oil a fragrance contains, which translates to how strong it smells.
Choose Complementary Scent Notes
Scent note preferences are highly personal. You should always wear a fragrance you genuinely like. For example, if you love sweet smells, Lady Million Prive by Paco Rabanne is an excellent choice.
If you have varied tastes, you can check out scent notes that are popular with your date’s demographic. For example, surveys show women highly rate the following notes:
- Wood
- Leather
- Vanilla
- Mint
In contrast, men rated these notes as highly attractive:
- Jasmine
- Peppermint
- Fruity scents
- Musk
- Citrus
Keep in mind that perfume oils interact with your body chemistry to create a unique scent. Additionally, the top, middle, and base notes fade at different times, so your scent will change throughout the date. For example, lavender, lemon, and vanilla will all have the spotlight at different times when you wear Phantom by Paco Rabanne.
Find the Right Concentration
Scent sensitivity is common (46% of people experience it), so dousing yourself in cologne could set off someone’s allergies or asthma. However, that doesn’t mean you have to skip your favorite fragrance — you just need to be thoughtful about concentration.
The lightest concentrations include eau de cologne with 2% – 4% perfume oil and eau fraiche with 1% – 3% perfume oil. Each lasts around 2 hours, which may be sufficient for a coffee date. However, you can extend the longevity of your perfume with a few tips:
- Apply to pulse points such as your wrists, behind your ear, and at your throat
- Wash your skin and hydrate with unscented moisturizer
- Dab on lightly (no rubbing)
Where To Find Your Favorite Fragrances
How can you build a robust fragrance collection without breaking the bank? You can find Paco Rabanne, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, and more by shopping online. You’ll save money and time, so start your search today.
