Expert-approved Tips To Gift The Perfect Fragrance

Expert-approved Tips To Gift The Perfect Fragrance

By Trisha Chawla

Individual memories have a big influence on our affinity for fragrances. While finding the correct perfume for yourself is simple, finding the ideal one for someone else can be a Herculean task. To ensure that your present is met with a firm eau de yes, we enlisted the help of Abdulla Ajmal, perfumer and business mentor of Ajmal Perfumes. All you need, it turns out, is a combination of fragrance and sentimentality.

HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE? 
Picture this: you’re invited to a friend’s house for the first time. Gifts like a cheese platter or desserts are a safe bet (because who doesn’t like chocolate and cheese?). But fragrances? Not so much. “Fragrances are very personal to each individual, which makes them a tricky gifting choice. You should steer clear of gifting them to someone you’ve just met or don’t know well enough,” says Ajmal.

WHO’S HER FASHION ICON? 
On the other hand, if she’s someone you know well enough, you can start by observing her sartorial choices. Does she love to be the centre of attention at a party like Lady Gaga, or does she keep it soft and feminine like Alia Bhatt? Ajmal says, “If she loves bold, abstract prints or glitter, she will naturally be inclined towards bold oriental, woody, and spicy notes that demand attention. Similarly, if she is fond of floral prints, whimsical floral notes are more likely to be easy on her nose. If she plays it safe with pastels and classic silhouettes, she may prefer elegant, feminine fragrances with musk and powdery notes in the base.”

WHAT’S HER FLAVOUR? 
Never buy a fragrance for a woman just because it smells good on you, your sister, or your mum. "Think about her personality; if she is decisive and analytical in her mindset, it is possible that she may not like a dreamy, romantic perfume that’s laden with roses. A structured oriental perfume or clean aromatic scents will appeal more to her. If she’s sporty or loves her fitness routine, she will veer towards citrus or marine notes," says Ajmal. While these rules are not set in stone, they’re helpful in trying to gauge a person’s inclinations. 
 
WAIT, YOU CAN TRY SEARCH ENGINES TOO! 
When you’re shopping for fragrances online, it’s best to put yourself in the driver’s seat and do your research. "If you already know what fragrances she wears, run a search on her top three choices and narrow it down to the fragrance family [like fruity florals or citrus notes]. Then look for either new or classic fragrances within that family for a fail-proof choice," advises Ajmal. Who knows, you may even be able to move her with her signature scent.