After nearly a year of lockdown, perfume has probably slipped down the priority list – I mean, who’s going to notice from 2 metres away?

But now things are changing – the vaccination programme’s steaming ahead and we have a Roadmap back to social contact, and dare I say, hugs. So maybe it’s time to start dusting off those forgotten bottles from the back of the bathroom cabinet?

Or how about treating yourself? Cheer the spirit with a fresh new fragrance. And Mother’s Day is on 14^th March too, so don’t forget Mum.

But what to buy? After a year of smelling of hand sanitiser we may need some help.

I found the Fragrance Wheel and Fragrance Strength Guide on the Perfume Direct Website really useful. The Fragrance Wheel explains all those perfume categories – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc – just choose the scent you like then search Perfume Direct by that category. The Strength Guide tells us how long each perfume will last – from eight hours for an Eau de Parfum to two hours for a lighter Eau Fraiche.

Perfume Direct are a UK company who have built an extensive network of suppliers to source the best price for their customers. They’re real experts and Perfume Direct’s Jonny Webber has shared some useful top tips with Frost Magazine. Did you know that:

Spring and summer scents tend to be fruity, lighter and ‘less volatile’ meaning they last longer and are less overwhelming.

Perfumers use the volatility of the molecules to control the nature and evolution of the scent. Different perfume notes are combined to hit the air at different times, hence the top notes, middle and base notes used in perfume descriptions.

Lighter weight molecules, such as citrus, pepper, herbs and fruity notes come out first, while heavier notes such as amber, woody and musk, linger on skin longer.

In warm weather, perfumes will evaporate quicker. So, citrus, crisp green and floral scents are perfect. White flowers in particular – jasmine, tuberose, frangipani – are known to “bloom” in hot weather.

Perfumes associated with winter tend to be heavier and can be overwhelming if they evaporate quickly in the summer heat.

One of their perfumes which caught my eye was Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb  EDP Spray – tea, fresh lime, jasmine, rose, freesia and Cattleya orchid on a lingering base of musk and patchouli. Or put another way, it smells just great – think tropical nights, al fresco dining for two, I loved it.

So for Mother’s Day, a personal end of lockdown treat, or the man in your life (they have a great range of After Shaves too) I recommend Perfume Direct.

By Dr K Thompson, award winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.