When I first delved into the world of fragrances, I quickly realized that high-end perfumes tend to steal the spotlight. But as someone who wanted to smell fabulous without overspending, I made it my mission to find scents that worked for me, like Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle and Bath & Body Works’ Into The Night, without breaking the bank.
Here are some tried-and-tested strategies I’ve discovered to keep smelling great without splurging on every bottle.
#1: DO YOUR RESEARCH
Before splashing out on a new fragrance, it is important to understand your skin type, as this directly affects how long a scent will last. Dry skin tends to absorb fragrance more quickly, leading to a shorter wear time. In contrast, oily skin holds onto fragrance longer because of its natural oils. By knowing whether your skin leans dry, oily, or somewhere in between, you will be better equipped to choose a perfume that lasts.
Once you understand your skin type, focus on finding scents that complement it. For dry skin, stronger, more concentrated fragrances like eau de parfum or parfum tend to have better staying power. If your skin is oily, lighter scents such as fresh bergamot or fruity perfumes may linger longer without being overpowering. Experimenting with different types will help you discover what works best for you.
#2: MASTER THE APPLICATION
Applying perfume correctly can make all the difference. To get the most out of your fragrance, focus on pulse points like the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, where heat helps diffuse the scent. Layering your fragrance with complementary lotions or oils can also enhance its depth and longevity, leaving you smelling delightful all day.
#3: EXPLORE LOCAL BRANDS
You do not always need to turn to luxury brands for quality scents. Local brands like BestPerfume.Store and Singapore Memories offer affordable alternatives that are just as impressive.
BestPerfume.Store specializes in affordable reimagining of high-end perfumes, with options like J’Adore by Dior, Eros by Versace, and Afternoon Swim by Louis Vuitton. Their 100ml bottles start at just S$59, often on sale for S$53. They are committed to high-quality, cruelty-free production, with all their processes being HSA-compliant.
Image Credits: singapore-memories.com
Singapore Memories also offers a variety of affordable scents inspired by local culture. Their Aranda 1965 blends bergamot and citrus with Tibetan amber, while Singapore Girl features soft citrus notes balanced by lotus and teakwood. Their perfumes start at S$28 for an 18ml EDT bottle and S$38 for a 10ml EDP bottle. Don’t get me started with its eye-catching packaging!
#4: CREATE YOUR SCENT
Feeling adventurous? Try creating your own fragrance. In Singapore, there are several workshops where you can craft a personalized scent. The Perfumery Workshop by Nefertum Fragrances offers sessions for S$59.90, while Perfume Play’s Fragrance Making Workshop is priced at S$60.
During these workshops, you will learn about fragrance accords, types of notes, and other fragrance facts. Plus, you will get hands-on experience blending scents to match your style. It is a fun, affordable way to design a one-of-a-kind perfume.
#5: STORE FRAGRANCES WISELY
How you store your perfumes plays an important role in maintaining their quality. To preserve their potency, keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Avoid storing them in the bathroom, where fluctuating temperature and humidity can break down the fragrance molecules, causing them to degrade faster.
#6: BUY YOUR FAVORITES
To avoid buying fragrances you will not use, focus on scents that feature the notes you love. For me, those are jasmine, bergamot, sandalwood, amber, and vanilla. Knowing what works for your body chemistry and personal taste will help narrow your choices and prevent wasteful spending.
If you are unsure about a scent, start small by purchasing travel sizes or rollerballs. You can also test them in-store to see how they wear on your skin before committing to a full bottle.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
With a bit of research and savvy shopping, you will be smelling amazing while keeping your budget intact!
