Not all florals are created equal
There’s many types of floral. Rose can be fresh and dewy or rich and jammy. Jasmine has depth and slight muskiness. Peony is light and fresh. Tuberose is rich and creamy. Lily and orange blossoms have lots of brightness. If you choose a fragrance based around these different flowers, you’ll get a totally different result for each one.
Think about what you really like
If you can think of a scent you really like in real life. Garden roses, Jasmine tea or Peonies in a vase. This is a quicker way to determine what you like. This is great if you cannot smell the fragrance.
A few names people ask about
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf is a popular sweet floral with a big flamboyant character. 212 VIP Rose is a juicy playful fragrance. Jimmy Choo Floral and Rose Rush are others. All are floral, but would never be confused.
Is it for a Spring wedding or a Tuesday meeting?
You probably won’t want to wear the same fragrance. If it’s for work, go for something fresh and light. If it’s for your wedding or a night out, go for something richer. Choose an amber or vanilla base. If you’re unsure go for an eau de parfum to keep it going throughout the day.
Combining florals
They pair really well with other fragrance families. Add some fruit and they become juicy (Fruity perfumes). Add woods and they become earthy (Woody fragrances). Add amber and they become warm (Amber fragrances).
How much to spray?
Usually 2-3 spritzes onto clean skin. If it’s a rich floral, 1-2 spritzes. You want to dab rather than rub. If layering, apply a fragrance free lotion first. In the summer, go for lighter florals. In the winter, go for richer florals.
Floral perfume as a gift
Florals are the safest choice as so many people love them. If you know what her favorite flower is, go for a fragrance based around that. If not, go for something light and wearable. Take a look at our gift sets or view all women’s perfumes.
Florals and your skin
Your skin chemistry can affect how the floral smells. A rose may smell fresh on one person and almost spicy on another. If you have warmer skin, the sweeter and rounder notes will come through. If you have drier skin, the floral may not last as long. If you love a floral but it doesn’t last, moisturize first and go for an eau de parfum.
How to test a Floral?
Don’t decide on the spot. Spritz a fragrance onto your wrist and go about your day. Then smell it again at lunch time and in the evening. Often florals can start off sharp but become softer. The opposite can also happen. Our travel sprays are great value for money to test.
Myths
They’re outdated. There are plenty of modern and playful florals. Only for women. There are many male and unisex scents with floral notes. Always sweet. Many are green, light or powdery. If you’ve tried one and didn’t like it, try a different type.
Keeping your floral in top condition
Florals are quite fragile so can be more sensitive to heat and light than woods/amber. Store in its box in a cool dark place. Don’t store it in the bathroom. If it starts to smell sharp or dark, it may be past its best.
