How to choose a perfume Valentines gift for a loved one

Choosing the right perfume for a loved one at Valentines Day can feel like a daunting task. There are so many perfumes on the market; it’s hard to know where to start. Is a bestseller the best bet, or should you try a niche perfume? I’ve written some steps below that I hope will help you in your journey. Good luck!

1. Look on the dressing table, or wherever they keep their fragrances, and see what they already wear. Ask in a speciality perfume shop or look the fragrance up online (e.g. at fragrantica.com) to find what ingredients are in there; this will help you discover what types of ingredients they love in their perfumes, and which “fragrance family” the scent belongs to. If they like the notes in their current perfume, the chances are that they will like them when they are blended in a slightly different way. Go for something including some of the notes, but different!
2. Think about their style and personality. Perfumes have a soul and a style themselves; it is possible to match this to your valentine! If your loved one is male, bold and usually classically-dressed, for example, they may appreciate fragrances with lots of natural essential oils (think lavender, geranium, patchouli and sandalwood oils), with a woody and amber base. On the other hand, a younger female that follows the latest fashions may prefer a fruitier, lighter and fresher scent. While these are generalisations of course, your loved one’s style can help to guide you. If they appreciate quality and something unique that will set them apart from the crowd, then why not get them a fragrance from a niche perfume brand?
3. Be brave! Perfume is so subjective that there is no right answer when it comes to choosing a fragrance. You know your loved one best, so if you have followed steps 1 and 2, then the chances are you will be introducing them to a fragrance that they can appreciate. Sometimes that’s what it takes to launch someone out of their fragrance comfort zone!

Ruth x

A gift of perfume to a loved one is one of the most precious and intimate gifts we can give. Choosing a unique perfume that they love requires a dash of thoughtfulness, a squeeze of love and a hint of bravery.