How to Choose a Perfume: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Choosing a perfume can feel overwhelming — thousands of fragrances, confusing terminology, and the impossibility of smelling anything online. But choosing a fragrance that genuinely suits you doesn't have to be complicated. This guide covers everything a beginner needs to know.

Step 1: Understand Fragrance Families

Most fragrances fall into broad families: Fresh/Citrus (light, clean, energetic — Dior Sauvage), Floral (feminine and romantic — Good Girl, La Vie Est Belle), Oriental/Warm (rich, spicy, sensual — Baccarat Rouge 540, YSL Black Opium), and Woody/Earthy (sophisticated, masculine — Creed Aventus, Tom Ford Oud Wood). Starting with a family that appeals to you narrows things down quickly.

Step 2: Know Your Concentration Types

Eau de Parfum (EDP) lasts 8-12 hours and is the most versatile option. Eau de Toilette (EDT) lasts 4-6 hours and is lighter. All Leclair & Moreau fragrances are EDP for maximum longevity.

Step 3: Match Fragrance to Occasion

Daily/work wear calls for lighter, fresh fragrances. Evenings and special occasions suit richer, deeper compositions. Matching the intensity of your fragrance to the occasion is the key to wearing perfume well.

Step 4: Sample Before Buying

This is the most important step. Fragrance smells different on skin than in a bottle — and different on your skin versus someone else's. Our Starter Set (3 x 5ml, £14.95) or Discovery Set (7 x 5ml, £24.95) let you try multiple inspired fragrances on your own skin before committing to a full bottle.

Browse our full inspired perfume collection UK to start exploring. Free UK delivery over £19.99.