If you’ve ever had the displeasure of being trapped on a train with someone cloaked in an overwhelming fragrance, you’ll know that our scent preferences are incredibly personal. It’s something that makes buying a fragrance for somebody else a tricky task. But get it right and perfume is one of the most memorable presents you can give.
Ever noticed a perfume works wonderfully for a friend, but smells awful on you? That’s because fragrances suit certain skin types. “Scents smell differently on everyone, so the best way to evaluate a perfume is to use blotting cards instead of spritzing it on your own wrist,” says Gilbert. “My top tip is to write the perfume name onto each blotting card before you spray it – otherwise, you’ll forget which is which.”
So, you’ve tried a range of scents, but you’re still struggling to decide on the perfect match. Enter the failsafe classics. “When in doubt, there are some safe bets that are easy to wear and the majority of people will like,” reveals Gilbert.