I have seen amazing perfume collections online. Those who make reviews have collections that they will never finish in their lifetime, okay maybe a bit exaggerated but you get the point. Which leads many to think that they need more than 10 perfumes and always need to have more and more. This couldn’t be less true. In this post I tell you how many perfumes you should have and the logic behind that number. I will also explain why you shouldn’t buy perfumes just watching reviews.
You don’t need so many perfumes
If you have come across perfume reviews and short videos on the web, you will see how these people have a collection of perfumes that they could very well turn into a store. Maybe if you are new to this world of perfumes this seems incredible to you and you think that every time a new perfume comes out you should have it or that your collection must be like theirs, this is not the case. The reality is that most people do not even use perfume, so the simple fact that you use it already differentiates you from the majority. For reference, it is estimated that in the United States, 40% of women use perfume and only 20% of men.
The season will dictate the type of perfume
When I was just starting out in this world of fragrances, I learned that there are types of perfumes that are more suitable depending on the seasons of the year. For example, in winter, strong and sweet perfumes may be more appropriate and in summer fresh and citrusy ones are ideal. Why is this? The fragrance notes stand out more according to the weather and are more appropriate according to the weather as well. For example, on a hot summer night, bringing a “sweet” perfume may be inappropriate. On the other hand, if you wear a more fresh fragrance you will smell fresh and pleasant.
The situation will also dictate the type of perfume
The situation matters too! Wearing perfume to go to the office is not the same as going out with a friend or having a date. There are smells that are a little more “seductive” than others or more “elegant” or “serious”. In the same way, there are aromas that would be unsuitable for the office. You acquire this type of knowledge over time, but here is a brief summary of the best types of perfume for each season of the year.
Best types of perfume according to the season
- Summer or Hot weather: Citrus, aquatic, fresh, light, slight fruity touch
Recommendation/Example: Dolce & Gabanna light blue for men EDT
- Winter or Cold: Amber, intense, spicy, sweet, leather, tobacco
Recommendation/Example: Stronger with you intensely EDP
- Spring (last months): Fresh, floral, green, citric
Recommendation/Example: Prada Luna Rosa Parfum
- Autumn (last months): Woody, warm, spicy
Recommendation/Example: YSL MYSLF EDP
Related: The Difference Between EDP EDT and Parfum
Exceptions
Of course, there are exceptions, if you go on a date in winter you can wear something more intense, if you go on a date in summer maybe something fresh is more appropriate. The important thing is that you understand these concepts of what perfume to use depending on the weather and the seasons because this way you will be able to choose better in the long run. I still recommend having a maximum of 5 perfumes, I don’t think you need more than that (although you definitely can).
How many perfumes do you need
In my opinion, 5 is the maximum and 4 is the ideal and thus the ordinary.
- For summer, a versatile perfume that you can use daily at work or any day of the week.
- For summer, a perfume for going out at night or having dates
- For winter, a versatile perfume that you can use daily at work/school or any day of the week.
- For winter, a perfume for going out at night or having dates
- Optional, one for special occasions, elegant and sophisticated.
Maybe I don’t look as cool as people who have huge collections, but these recommendations are for normal people, even if you only have one perfume and you feel comfortable with it that’s fine, these are just my recommendations and what I think is ideal.
Also perfumes have an “expiration” date, after about two years they begin to deteriorate naturally (once opened) and it would be a shame if perfumes that you never used were “expired”. If you have more than 5 perfumes, unless you overspray (which is not ideal) it is likely that your perfumes will gradually lose their quality over time and ultimately a waste of money.
Never buy only based on reviews or recommendations
How many times people recommended a series or movie that they have seen and you end up not liking it. Well then don’t be surprised when you don’t like the perfume you saw was the best on tik tok. Never buy only based on reviews or recommendations. Perfumes are a matter of preference and there is too much variety to not try them. Go to your nearby department store and smell them. And very important, see how it smells on your skin.
If this is not possible, buy decants online. I’ve already made this mistake and I wouldn’t want more people to buy perfumes that they think smell bad just due to a review. So always try the perfume before buying it no matter how many times you have heard good things about it. Even the best-selling one can smell off to you or in your skin.
Cheaper perfume options
Taking into consideration the prices of designer perfumes, even 5 perfumes can be quite expensive. So, don’t be discouraged, there are cheaper options. One of the most viable options are Arabic perfumes, which are of great quality but just like everything else you need to see them and try them on your skin first. Don’t just see a review and order the perfume just like that. Even among designer perfumes, there are some that are more expensive than others. For example, creed Aventus is known for being expensive (and its smell doesn’t make up for it).
How many milliliters should I buy?
It has happened to me that I buy the 150 ml version and it ends up lasting too long. To protect the longevity, quality and promote a bit of variety, the 100ml version is more than enough. It will last you a long time so you can have variety in your perfumes. This will also make you use it before the two years that perfumes usually last at their peak quality.