Everyone has a personal "scent circle" - approximately an arm's length from the body. No one should be aware of your fragrance unless he or she steps inside your "circle". Fragrance should be one of the most subtle, personal messages you send to those with whom you come in contact.

For a long-lasting effect, fragrance should be layered all over the body, starting with toilet water or eau de parfum, next in strength to perfume, to build the fragrance foundation. Because fragrance rises, spray or smooth fragrance onto skin from the feet to the shoulders. If fragrance is applied only behind the ears, it will eventually rise and disappear.

The wearer's diet can affect the way a fragrance smells and lasts on the skin. If the wearer is on a high fat, spicy diet, for example, fragrances will be more intense. A dramatic change in diet can alter skin chemistry, causing fragrances to smell differently.

Skin type will also affect the way a fragrance smells on a person. Fragrance wearers with oilier skin should remember that fragrances interact with the oils in their skin to create a more intense scent. Dry skin does not retain fragrance as long as oily skin, requiring the wearer to re-apply the fragrance more often.

  
 
 
 
Keep your fragrances safe from extreme cold or heat.
 
 
 

Once a bottle of perfume is opened it should be used. Otherwise it will begin to fade or change its character with time. Long exposure to strong sunlight or extremes in temperature can disturb the delicate balance of the perfume and change its scent.

Perfume, to last, should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct light, preferably in its beautiful box.

 
 
 

Just as books must be read... records played...fragrances must be worn to be enjoyed!
 
 
 

Do make it a rule never to try more than three scents at one time when you are shopping for a new fragrance. Your nose will lose its ability to tell the difference.

Apply fragrance directly to the skin when you are testing new scents. You cannot get a true reaction to the fragrance from the bottle.

Apply a few drops to your wrist. Allow the heat of the body to develop the fragrance on your skin and then sniff.

If you would like to test one or two additional scents, apply one to the other wrist... wait...and then apply the third to the inside bend of the elbow.

If you want to delay your decision while you shop, be sure to write down which fragrance you put where, so you'll be able to refer back to it later on.

 
 
 

Do introduce the enjoyment of fragrance to every young person you know. It is never too soon for them to experience the fun and benefits of fragrance.
 
 
 

Do use fragrance throughout every day. It will increase your feelings of well being...add a special degree of graciousness to daily living...make life for you and those around you infinitely more pleasurable and enjoyable.
 
 
 

Open each bottle with anticipation and pleasure. Enjoy its fragrant contents regularly or you may be disappointed to discover it has spoiled or evaporated before your eyes.
 
 
 

Don't hoard your fragrance.
Open each bottle with anticipation and pleasure. Enjoy its fragrant contents regularly or you may be disappointed to discover it has spoiled or evaporated before your eyes.
 
 
 

Don't put fragrance directly on furs or fabrics. It may stain.
 
 
 

Don't make your final judgements on a new fragrance until at least ten minutes after you have applied it. By that time the alcohol will have evaporated and the blending of the fragrance with your own skin's chemistry will give you a true impression.
 
 
 

Don't choose a fragrance because you like it on someone else.
Fragrance is never the same on different people. Everyone is created equal until they use fragrance. It is your individual body chemistry which makes a fragrance special, unique and flattering for you.
 
 
 

Don't forget fragrances for men.
They have never been more of a basic part of masculine good grooming. Colognes, shaving foams, after-shaving lotions, skin conditioners, soaps, after-shower body rubs, talcs, all add a refreshing and delightful dimension to the masculine living.

 
 
 
 

When choosing a fragrance for your wedding day, wear one of your favorites that he especially likes -- this is no time for surprises!

But, if you're determined to wear something new, be sure to start experimenting at least a month before the wedding so that you are certain it is a scent you'll both enjoy.

Apply the same fragrance in all its many forms and layer it -- starting with the bath and ending with your perfume application to the pulse points (wherever you feel the beat of your heart).

For an especially romantic effect, apply fragrance to the palms of your hands. From the moment he slips the ring on your finger... till the last dance...you'll communicate an exquisite sensory message he'll adore.

If you're wearing fashionable sheer lacy gloves take a cue from Queen Elizabeth I and accent them with fragrance.

Just before you put on your veil, spray fragrance and surround yourself in a halo of scent. Then, spray the same fragrance on your veil to create a magical aura of scented pleasure.

Orchestrate your bridesmaids' scents to complement each other - and you - for perfect harmony. Their scent should be in the same fragrance family as yours - oriental, spicy, floral, floral blend, green, modern blend, citrus.

  
 
  Our sincere thanks to The Fragrance Foundation of New York for allowing us to reprint the above material.