Buy Perfume and Cologne Online

Before you go on a shopping spree it's important to know a few basics. The perfume and cologne industry's modern marketing methods have made it much easier for the consumer to navigate through the shopping isles when searching for the perfect fragrance. This method of categorizing different scents into a handful of major categories has proved extremely effective, as well as durable. Established at the beginning of the twentieth century, this system has stood the test of time and has managed to survive, and even thrive, in the twenty-first century. Without this system in place, it would be nearly impossible to find the perfect scent over the internet as there would simply be too many options to choose from, with too many potentialities for disappointment. Luckily, by knowing this taxonomy and fully understanding it, you can buy perfume and cologne online without leaving much to chance.

It is important to remember that there are five basic families: Floral, Fougère, Fresh, Oriental and Woody. Right from the start, it is easy to see what perfume or cologne might appeal to you. We have the more rugged Fougère and Woody families, the exotic Oriental family, the pretty Floral family and the more trendy Fresh family. With the exception of Fougère, these families are further split into three or four subgroups for further classification. Fougère is not commonly broken into subgroups because these perfumes and colognes typically take fragrances from every family, mixing them together to make extremely dynamic fragrances. While this is also the case for any fragrance (few colognes or perfumes stay within their main subgroup since there are so many wonderful supporting scents) Fougère takes this to a greater extreme.

Choosing The Right Perfume and Cologne

By narrowing down your search to a few subgroups that match your preferences and personality, you will have a much greater chance of buying the perfect perfume or cologne. Of course, it is important to remember that no perfume or cologne stays entirely within its subgroup, or even its family. Pay attention to every ingredient listed, and consider whether or not that might break the fragrance's overall appeal for you. You might also be better off paying more attention to the intended atmosphere of the fragrance, since specific scents are oftentimes difficult to pick out, let alone identify. I prefer this method, personally, since perfumes and colognes are meant to enhance overall appearances. By looking at a fragrance as your fragrance, and not just a nice smelling fragrance, you might have a different perspective on what truly suits you best.

For example, if others see you as a rugged outdoorsy-type then you should probably get a Wood cologne or perfume to better enhance your personality. Although you may personally prefer the smell of lilacs and roses, they would probably make you seem like a rather confused character. Of course, it peoples' perceptions of you are wrong, then feel free to place emphasis on your true character by choosing that lilac and roses fragrance, but make sure that it matches an aspect of your character or persona that people see every day.

Buy Cologne and Perfume With Some Help

The most important resource to utilize when you buy perfume and cologne online is, obviously, the internet. What this means is that there is a wealth of information at your fingertips. Be sure to read reviews when considering a fragrance, since the actual product might be very different from the advertised product. Reviews are also a good way to see how certain people might interpret the fragrance. We all have different noses, and different memories to match those noses, it's nice to get a sampling of how other people might respond to a given fragrance.

You may be surprised to find out that there are entire sites—online communities, really—centered around perfume and cologne, such as basenotes and sensual perfume and cologne. People on these sites not only keep up databases of the different fragrances available as well as their ingredients, but they review and discuss the specific fragrances as well. Some companies even host such communities on their own website, although this is typically rare and more commonly seen in niche/online companies.

This leads me to the next point I want to make. Buying perfume or cologne is much more fun over the internet, since you will come across companies that would have never existed in the pre-internet, department-store-and-boutique world. There is a lot of creativity out there, and by paying attention to the community you will come across some really exciting things (I'd share some of my favorites but I don't want to ruin all of the surprises.)

Still Having Trouble?

If you find yourself unable to decide, you can always purchase a sample. Most sites allow this, and even encourage it with amazingly low prices. Perfume and cologne samples typically cost between three to five dollars, but can be more or less depending on the brand and website. Such samples can help you save money that might have otherwise been spent on a less than flattering fragrance, and might also let you be pleasantly surprised by perfumes or colognes that you didn't think would work too well.

When you purchase perfume and cologne online, it's best to stay with major sites. Watch out for sites that advertise discount perfume and discount cologne that may or may not be the real deal. By remembering your preferred perfume or cologne family and subgroup, you will be able to navigate sites much faster and zero in on the perfect fragrance. However, if you have some extra time you should definitely explored previously uncharted terrain, since you may find something that will surprise you. Good luck and happy buying.