How to choose a perfume

Photo: Laura Chouette / Unsplash

How to choose a perfume

By Monika Bogdanova — Guides editor, Verona Cosmetics

Choosing a perfume is personal — but it isn't random. With so many options on the market, a systematic approach saves time and leads you to a scent that truly fits you. This guide is drawn from 31 years of Verona Cosmetics' practice with customers across Bulgaria.

Monika Bogdanova is the editor of the Verona Cosmetics guides — an authorized seller of perfumes and cosmetics in Bulgaria since 1995.

  1. Determine the occasion and intended presence

    For work and everyday wear, pick lighter fresh or citrus scents that don't overwhelm in close contact. For evening events, restaurants, or special occasions — denser, more saturated scents leave an impression and last longer.

  2. Pick a fragrance family

    The five main families are floral, fruity, woody, oriental, and fresh. Florals and fruits are universal — a good entry point for beginners. Woody and oriental scents have more depth and are characteristic of evening fragrances.

  3. Test on skin, not on paper

    A perfume smells different on paper vs. skin — skin warms it and develops the notes. Apply to your wrist or the inner elbow, wait 30 minutes, and smell again. Only then do you experience the middle and base notes that determine how you will actually smell throughout the day.

  4. Consider the season

    Citrus and fresh scents perform best in spring and summer — warm weather evaporates light notes quickly, but freshness lingers. Oriental, woody, and gourmand (sweet) scents suit autumn and winter, when their density develops fully at lower temperatures.

  5. Choose concentration

    Eau de Toilette (EDT) is lighter at 5–15% essence and lasts 3–4 hours. Eau de Parfum (EDP) has 15–20% essence and lasts 6–8 hours. Parfum (Extrait) is the most concentrated at over 20% and lasts all day. Choose EDT for work, EDP or Parfum for evening.

Representatives of the main fragrance families

Live availability and prices. Tap a card to view the perfume, or add it straight to your cart.

Romantic Body Lotion
Victoria's SecretsRomantic Body LotionПарфюмен лосион за тяло
25.05 € / 48.99 лв.
1 Million
Rabanne1 MillionEau de Toilette
122.20 € / 239.00 лв.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a perfume last on the skin?

EDT lasts 3–4 hours, EDP 6–8 hours, and Parfum all day. Longevity also depends on your skin type — dry skin holds scent for a shorter time than oily skin, because skin oils act as a natural fixative.

How do I test a perfume properly?

Apply to the wrist or inner elbow, wait 30 minutes, and smell again. This lets you experience the middle and base notes that determine how you'll smell during the day — not just the initial top notes.

What's the difference between men's and women's perfumes?

The difference is in the combination of fragrance families. Women's perfumes typically have more floral and sweet notes, while men's lean toward woody, spicy, and leathery. But there's no strict rule — many modern perfumes are unisex, and choice is a personal matter of style.

Can perfume expire?

Yes. Standard shelf life is 3–5 years after opening. Store perfume away from direct light, high temperatures, and sudden temperature changes — the original box is the best protection.

How can I recognize an original perfume?

Originals have sealed packaging, a clear barcode and serial number on the bottle base, evenly applied labels, and clean engraving on the cap. Verona Cosmetics has been an authorized seller since 1995 — every perfume we carry comes directly from official brand distributors.

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