Perfume Direct has joined forces with Aude Asklöv, a distinguished authority in the world of perfumery, in an exciting new collaboration.
Together, they’re combining their expertise to demystify the process of selecting a perfume or aftershave and have compiled a comprehensive guide for making confident and thoughtful choices when buying fragrance as a gift – whether you’re meticulously planning weeks ahead or shopping for a last-minute Valentine’s gift.
“Over the years, I’ve helped countless individuals uncover their signature scents,” Aude explains. “Now, I want to share my insights to help everyone master this art. With a touch of creativity, the right knowledge and a great selection of fragrances at Perfume Direct, anyone can confidently choose a fragrance that will truly charm the recipient.”
Aude’s approach emphasises personalisation and understanding, steering clear of common pitfalls like relying on packaging, price, or blind guesswork. She has distilled her years of expertise into five essential rules for choosing a fragrance gift:
- Don’t buy blind—do your research and create a fragrance mood board
- Take note of notes
- Embrace modern fragrance application trends
- Don’t judge a fragrance by its bottle
- Don’t assume high price equals high quality
With Aude and Perfume Direct’s expert advice, you’ll be equipped to navigate the world of perfumery with confidence, turning a simple fragrance gift into a deeply personal and unforgettable gesture.
Create a Fragrance Mood Board
“The secret to successful gifting lies in appreciating that choosing a scent is as much about understanding the person as it is about the perfume itself.
“Perfume is deeply personal, tied to routines, memories, and self-expression. To make a meaningful selection, journey into the recipient’s identity to inform your choice.”
Sociologist Joanne Entwistle highlights that fragrance, like fashion, is a form of self-expression and social navigation—a “fragranced sartorial display” that helps us craft and communicate our identity. Similarly, Erving Goffman’s theory of the “front stage” suggests that public spaces require us to perform our identity. Fragrance is a tool in this performance, blending self-expression with social signalling. Recognising this interplay can transform the way we approach gifting perfumes.
“A technique I’ve used successfully, helping clients “find themselves” in a scent, is by creating a fragrance ‘Mood Board’ — curating insight into not just how the person smells but for their overall essence.
This involves immersing yourself in the recipient’s world. Curate on overview of their style, fashion choices, underlying personality traits, routine, activities and lifestyle. Are they drawn to airy floral dresses or minimalist tailored blazers? Are they adventurous, traditional, or artistic? These clues can help uncover their fragrance preferences. These insights can guide you towards fragrance families that suit their essence.
If you’ve left your Valentine’s Gift buying to the last minute, then Aude offers this guide to matching scents to personalities.
The Romantic Dreamer: Opt for floral and sweet notes, such as jasmine, rose, vanilla, or gourmand touches like coconut.
The Minimalist Explorer: Look for fresh citrusy scents with clean musk or woody undertones.
The Beach Lover: aquatic or citrusy notes
The Artsy Free Spirit: Select niche or avant-garde fragrances featuring notes like incense, oud, or amber.
The Classic Gentleman: Choose timeless woody or spicy profiles from trusted heritage brands like Dior or Hermes.
You can even draw inspiration from cultural icons to align fragrances with personas – for example, Audrey Hepburn’s elegance or James Dean’s rebellious charm. This approach can make the process more meaningful, especially if you can’t smell the fragrance in person.
“While online fragrance finders can be helpful, they often miss nuanced details such as age, style, and identity. By focusing on the individual’s unique characteristics, you’ll ensure your gift feels thoughtful and tailored. Yes, pay attention to the fragrances they already use, but pay more attention to how you can guide them to finally finding their perfect partner. They’ll thank you for it.”
Aude emphasises that fragrance is more than just a scent – it’s a language of identity, memory, and emotion. Perfume reflects the wearer’s essence and aspirations, making it a powerful medium of self-expression. Thoughtful gifting requires strategy and connection. By understanding the recipient’s preferences and personality, you can transform the gifting experience into something truly special.
Take Note of Notes
After exploring your recipient’s personality and preferences, take your selection process further by understanding fragrance notes. This deeper insight can refine your choice and help you select a truly fitting scent.
“Understanding fragrance notes is simpler than it seems. Every perfume consists of top, middle, and base notes, which combine to create its overall character.”
- Top Notes: The first impression—fresh, light, and fleeting. These are the scents you notice immediately after application.
- Middle Notes: Often florals or spices, these form the heart of the perfume and define its core personality.
- Base Notes: The long-lasting foundation, including elements like amber, musk, or woods, that provide depth and richness.
When selecting a fragrance, avoid judging it solely by its top notes, as they fade quickly. Take the time to consider the perfume’s full evolution. While online descriptions offer helpful guidance, experiencing the fragrance yourself is ideal. Test it on sample strips or, better yet, directly on your skin to see how it interacts with body chemistry.
Fragrance evolves through these layers, and only the wearer can truly decide if a scent resonates with them.
Jonny Webber from Perfume Direct agrees with Aude: “If testing the perfume in person isn’t an option, detailed descriptions and relatable archetypes can help guide your choice. Match the fragrance to a favourite actor, influencer, or fictional character for a creative and personalised touch. This imaginative approach enhances the gifting experience and ensures it feels thoughtful and meaningful.”
By taking it note by note, you’ll create a deeper connection between the fragrance and the recipient, making your gift truly special.
Tap into Current Fragrance Application Trends
- Fragrance wardrobes are ‘in’
- One signature scent is ‘out’
- Fragrance layering is the new trend
“One of the most exciting trends I’ve observed in recent years is how people are using multiple perfumes to complement different moments and moods in their day. This trend opens up the opportunity to gift not just a single fragrance, but a personalised narrative.”
Today’s fragrance enthusiasts curate collections tailored to their daily lives: a zesty citrus for energising mornings, a romantic floral for an afternoon outing, and a warm woody scent for evening sophistication. By gifting complementary scents—such as discovery sets or smaller bottles—you enable recipients to craft their own daily scent journey.
This also ties into the rising trend of fragrance layering.
Layering fragrances is another popular tactic, allowing individuals to build complex, personalised scent profiles. For instance, a light citrus perfume can start the morning fresh, transition to a floral for daytime elegance, and finish with a seductive woody note for evening.
When gifting, consider pairing two or three versatile fragrances in smaller formats (30ml-50ml bottles or miniatures). This approach offers recipients the chance to explore and create their own dynamic scent story.
Aude explains, “Fragrance gifting is no longer about finding that one ‘signature’ scent. Think of perfumes as a wardrobe—different options for different occasions.” Discovery sets or collections of complementary scents are ideal for this purpose, offering variety while maintaining harmony within a brand or fragrance family.
And think about a few ‘thoughtful additions. “For someone who already has a favourite perfume, complementary products such as hair mists, body lotions, or travel-friendly sets can make thoughtful gifts. These options extend their signature scent in creative, practical ways.
“Whether it’s a discovery set, miniature collection, or layering-friendly options, gifting a fragrance wardrobe reflects the growing trend of versatility, self-expression, and personalisation in the world of scent.”
Think Beyond the Bottle
When it comes to selecting a fragrance, Aude cautions against letting price or packaging sway your decision.
“Treat the bottle as a separate experience and focus on the fragrance itself—it’s what truly matters. Let your nose, not your eyes, guide your choice.”
Beautiful packaging can be tempting, but it’s the scent inside that will create memories and resonate with the recipient. Some of the most luxurious, timeless fragrances are housed in simple, understated bottles. Their true value lies in their expertly crafted composition, not their external design.
Jonny agrees: “When evaluating a fragrance, go beyond appearances and explore its composition. Focus on the interplay of top, middle, and base notes, which define the scent’s personality and how it unfolds over time. Online shoppers can dive into detailed scent descriptions and reviews to better understand the composition and feel of the fragrance.”
Don’t Assume a High Price Means It’s The Best
Like with bottle appearance, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Trust your new-found knowledge of what makes a great perfume for your recipient rather than the price tag.
High price tags and extravagant bottles often suggest luxury, but they don’t always reflect the quality of the scent itself. Instead, focus on the craftsmanship behind the fragrance—many niche or lesser-known brands deliver stunning scents without relying on flashy designs or high-profile marketing. Similarly, some commercial fragrances may invest heavily in packaging, leaving the formula itself less inspired.
Fragrance gifting is more than the act of choosing a scent; it is about crafting a story, evoking memories, and celebrating identity.
As Aude beautifully summarises, “Perfume is more than what’s in the bottle—it’s about the story it tells and the memories it creates.” By observing, understanding, and tailoring your choice, you can transform a simple gesture into a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.
“Drawing on insights from scholars like Entwistle, Russell, and Belk, it’s clear that possessions, including fragrances, play a vital role in shaping identity. Russell W. Belk’s concept of the “extended self” reminds us that items like perfumes become an integral part of who we are, reflecting our personality and aspirations. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of Chanel No. 5 or the daring allure of a niche oud perfume, each scent is a declaration of individuality and belonging.
“Gifting a fragrance is not just about its physical presence but about recognising and reflecting the recipient’s essence. This connection can be made even more meaningful by adding a personal touch, such as a heartfelt note explaining why you chose that particular scent. Such gestures create lasting emotional impact, ensuring your gift is remembered long after the bottle is opened.
“Unlike other gifts, perfumes have a unique power to linger, weaving their way into the recipient’s life by sparking memories and emotions over time. A well-chosen fragrance not only enhances their sense of self but also demonstrates your thoughtfulness and care.
“By combining keen observations of personality with expert knowledge of fragrance composition, you can elevate the art of giving into something transformative—an experience that goes beyond the bottle and creates lasting connections.”
Visit PerfumeDirect.com to find your perfect Valentine’s Day Gift.
