Advice to keep your fashion scents fresh

Imagine this: you’re sitting in class taking notes when the person seated next to you drops… Imagine this: you’re sitting in class taking notes when the person seated next to you drops her pencil right by your foot. As she leans toward you to pick up her belongings, it immediately hits you – the incredible aroma of the perfect scent.

Since as early as 1085 B.C., women and men have used scented oils and perfumes to enhance the feel of their skin and provide the perfect instant message: You’ve never smelled anything more attractive.

As we make our transition into the autumn season, it’s crucial that we set aside summer scents and forge toward the fall/winter scents. So, as we make the inevitable transition, I have two crucial questions for you: Are you prepared? Do you know the difference between perfume, eau de toilette and body spray?

There’s no doubt that perfume can be confusing. An abundance of fragrances have been introduced without a guide to help navigate them. But, with a little bit of help and an open mind, you’ll be styling in no time.

Let’s begin with the strongest, most envied type of fragrance: perfume. Now, most of you are probably asking what makes perfume so special, because you most likely have many perfumes at home. The common misconception people have is that all fragrances are the same. But, while fragrances may create the same effects – that of reliving emotions and forgotten memories – they are undoubtedly different.

Perfume is the most expensive form of fragrance, and contains 20 to 40 percent fragranced oils. Because perfume is highly concentrated, it can last up to 24 hours. How’s that for making a lasting impression? When applying perfume, you’ll want to dab it on your skin, as opposed to spraying or pouring. Sadly, there are some of us who turn our fragrances into a second bath – don’t act surprised, you know who you are.

The key to purchasing perfume is to make sure it coincides with your body’s chemistry. Just because it may smell nice in a bottle doesn’t mean it will smell the same on your skin. I assure you, you don’t want to be the one turning heads for all the wrong reasons. Or do you?

Next, we come to the most popular form of a fragrance, eau de toilette – often compared to (only in my mother’s generation) – “toilet water.” Toilet water, the substance with low concentration, has a significantly lesser longevity, but approximately 30 percent will still prevail after 24 hours. So why do people love it? It’s cheap and it gets the job done. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it isn’t your natural scent – it’s that 30 percent still going strong.

The fact is that eau de toilette is the inexpensive fragrance sitting on your dresser as we speak. Ha, and you thought you were wearing perfume.

And then there’s the – God help me – body splash that always seems to pop up in random gift baskets that either have an annoying, fruity scent or a horrid, unisex musk scent. Let’s face it: Body spray is so high school. Sure, Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret come out with new scents as often as we change our majors, but who wants a fragrance that lasts for less time than the run of a reality television show?

And about that musk scent – forget about it!

But really, cracking the fragrances code isn’t too dreadful. As long as you figure out what type you want and the scent you want to project, you’re good to go. Quick tip: When administering your special scents, don’t spray your clothing – fragrances react to the chemicals on your skin, not the cotton in your shirt.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t provide you with the top men’s and women’s fall fragrances. Of course, I didn’t forget about you. What kind of columnist do you think I am? Enjoy.

For the Ladies: Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Lovely,” “Thierry Mugler Alien” by Groupe Clarins, Tommy Hilfiger’s “True Star” (launching in December) and “Valentino V Absolu” by P’G Prestige Products, Inc.

For the Fellas: “Azzaro Pour Homme Onyx” by Groupe Clarins (launching in October), John Varvatos’ “Pewter Bottle” (limited edition, so act fast) and “Black Code” by Giorgio Armani.

Whose name is on Deena’s wrist? If you can guess her signature scent, e-mail her at dmc18@pitt.edu.