Have you ever found yourself in the middle of Store, frantically trying to pick out a new perfume? Perhaps you’ve already tried fragrances that smell great on your best friend, but they do nothing for you. You’re left standing there, smelling like an entire department store, unable to make up your mind or choose the right scent. Instead of reaching out to friends, let our perfume picker’s guide help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect perfume for your skin type!
How do you know if you have dry, oily, or combination skin?
There are a few ways you can tell. Oily skin is usually shinier than other types of skin, which can make it appear very shiny in general. Additionally, oily skin tends to develop oil-based spots (called sebum), and you may also experience blackheads on your face or body as a result of your pores clogging up with excess oil. You might find that if you put makeup on after washing your face, it will look like it’s slipping off because there’s so much grease on your face!
What do I do if I have oily skin?
The last thing you want is a perfume that makes your skin oily. Fortunately, there are options. Check out our list of best perfumes for oily skin and choose accordingly. If you’re unsure about what type of scent you want, read on for further details on how to pick your next signature scent based on your skin type.
Which smell should I pick if I have combination skin?
If you have combination skin, it’s likely that your skin produces excess oil in some places, yet can get dry and flaky in others. This type of skin is susceptible to acne breakouts since oil clogs pores. Selecting a scent with notes of citrus can help fight these blemishes. Citrus scents are also uplifting and energizing, making them ideal for both morning and nighttime wear. On top of being good at regulating oily skin, they can also brighten dull complexions and give them an overall healthy glow. So if you have combination skin (with an occasional flair-up), grab a citrus-based perfume and enjoy your sweet-smelling day!
What type of fragrance fits best if I have dry skin?
If you have sensitive skin, choose fragrances that are alcohol-free. If your skin is on the dry side, stick with water-based fragrances. If you’re acne-prone, it may be best to use a roll-on perfume or no fragrance at all as many oils can clog pores and exacerbate acne breakouts. Also, consider trying scented body lotions rather than perfumes that can be too heavy. Another way to find out if a scent will work for you is by sampling some of it on a small patch of skin behind your ear before buying a full bottle; don’t worry about rinsing off any residue since so little goes such a long way!
Tips on how to choose the right kind of fragrance when you have mature, sensitive, and/or acne-prone skin
Fragrance usually comes in a bottle with three letters: EDP, EDT, or EDC. This refers to how long you can expect a fragrance will last on your skin, and it’s also an indicator of its strength.
For example, an EDP means it’ll last about six hours, whereas an EDT lasts about four hours and an EDC lasts around two hours. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne breakouts, avoid fragrances that feature synthetic musks and notes like vanilla—particularly if you know your skin will react badly.