There are many ways to categorize perfumes but often the best way to do it is by grouping them according to 3 factors.

1) Its concentration level.
2) The family group it belongs to
3) The notes of the scent

We group them by these factors because these 3 affects the overall fragrance of the perfume you are using.

The properties of a perfume, is determined by its aromatic compounds (which contains the 3 factors). The percentage of the aromatic compounds is important, because it determines the intensity and duration of the fragrance.

There are therefore 4 types of "perfume", commonly labeled on the packaging.

1. Perfume Extracts contain 20-40% aromatic compound.
2. Eau de Parfum contain 10-30% aromatic compound.
3. Eau de Toilette contain 5-20% aromatic compound.
4. Eau de Cologne has 2-5% aromatic compound.

People commonly miss out on this. Sometimes they prefer longer duration, but ended up buying Eau de Toilette. Make sure you are aware of this before going on your next perfume shopping trip.

Before choosing a perfume, it is very important to realize this: You have your own unique scent. When you use the exact same perfume your neighbor uses, the fragrance on you becomes different from the fragrance on your neighbor. This is important because a perfume that is right for your neighbor may not be right for you. Therefore looking for a perfume that suits you is a challenge enough, buying a perfume someone else is worse!

Before buying a perfume, be it for yourself or as a gift to others, consider first your daily lifestyle and the activities you do. Consider also the type of person using the perfume. If you are hip and fun kind of person, you don't want to smell sexy and slutty. There is nothing wrong with sexy and slutty, it's just not you! Consider also the climate of where you are living. Heat often evaporates perfume faster and cold temperature or humid conditions strengthen it.

When shopping for perfumes, do yourself a favor. Do not try too many samples. It can confuse you which is which. Many suggested using coffee beans to "reset" your nose.

Do not spray too much samples on you. Use a "tester paper". If you like it, then spray it on your pulse point. Be sure not to rub it or you will spoil its composition. Leave it for an hour and see if you still like it. This is important because perfumes changes their fragrance over time. The Top note (the immediate scent) is different from the middle note (the scent 2-30 mins after application) which is also different to the base not (the scent after 30 mins of application). It is important that you like the fragrance of the perfume throughout its life.

Applying your perfume correctly is just as important as choosing the right perfume. The general rule to applying perfume is not use too much. Wayyy too many people use too much, but I seldom see one who use too little. The real art of applying perfume is to find the right amount such that there is a clue of fragrance, and not obvious smell.

You can do this by first spraying a small amount on your wrist. With the perfume on your wrist, dab it on your other pulse points, such as the one on your neck, behind your knees, between breasts and of course, your wrist itself.

These pulse points are where blood vessels are closest to your skin and therefore are warmer. What this means to you is that these pulse points will "transmit" the fragrance for you. Be sure not to miss the pulse point behind your knee because fragrances rise.

Remember never to spray perfume directly on your clothings because it will leave a stain and difficult to remove. Therefore always apply your fragrance before you dress.