How to Choose a Perfume, Plus Fragrance Gift Ideas

Many of us spend years looking for a signature fragrance, the one perfume that feels like "us". But the scent you love on a slow weekend morning may not be the one you want for a work lunch or a night out, and wearing the same perfume every day can make it fade into the background until you barely notice it. Having two or three fragrances to choose from lets you match your scent to the occasion. Whether you're choosing for yourself or for someone else, here's how to find a perfume you'll love.

Understanding Fragrance Families

Perfumes are grouped into families based on their main notes. Knowing the families is the easiest way to narrow down what you'll enjoy, even before you smell a new scent.

• Fresh and citrus: bergamot, lemon, mandarin and orange. Bright, clean and easy to wear in the daytime.
• Floral: rose, jasmine, freesia and orchid. Soft and feminine, from light and airy to rich and heady.
• Warm and sweet: vanilla, tonka bean and caramel. Comforting, cosy and a little indulgent.
• Woody and musky: patchouli, musk and woods. Deep and long-lasting, often used as base notes.

Think about the scents you already enjoy in everyday life, such as fresh oranges, a garden rose or vanilla baking. They're a good clue to the family you'll like in a perfume.

Top, Heart and Base Notes Explained

A perfume develops in stages once it's on your skin. The top notes are what you smell first, usually fresh citrus that fades within the first half hour or so. The heart notes, often florals, come through next and form the main character of the fragrance. The base notes, such as vanilla, musk and patchouli, are the last to appear and the longest to linger.

That's why it's worth wearing a new perfume for a few hours before you decide. A scent that seems too sharp in the first minute can soften into something you love.

Matching a Perfume to the Occasion

• Daytime and work: many women reach for fresh, citrus-led scents that feel light and clean.
• A date or a wedding: soft florals such as rose and jasmine are a classic romantic choice.
• Evenings and special occasions: rich florals with patchouli, musk or caramel have more depth.
• Quiet nights in: warm vanilla and tonka bean notes feel soft and comforting.

There are no rules, though. Wear what you enjoy, and let your own taste be your guide.

Fragrance Gift Ideas

Perfume makes a lovely gift, but choosing a scent for someone else can feel like a gamble. These ideas make it easier:

• If you're not sure what she likes: choose a set of minis so she can try several scents and find her favourite.
• If she already has a favourite family: pick a full-size bottle from the same family, such as a floral for a floral lover.
• For someone who travels or is always on the go: mini bottles slip easily into a handbag or carry-on.
• For couples: a mixed set with both women's and men's fragrances means there's something for each of them.
• If you'd rather she chose: a Thin Lizzy Gift Card lets her pick her own scent.

Our Picks

How to Apply Perfume So It Lasts

1. Start with moisturised skin: smooth on an unscented lotion first. Hydrated skin holds on to fragrance for longer.
2. Target your pulse points: spritz the sides of your neck, your wrists, the tops of your ears and the creases of your elbows and knees, where body warmth helps the scent develop.
3. Spray lightly: one or two spritzes is plenty. You can always add more later.
4. Don't rub your wrists together: rubbing breaks the fragrance down so it fades faster. Let it sink in on its own.
5. Top up after hand-washing: if you wear perfume on your wrists, reapply after washing your hands often.
6. Store it well: keep bottles in a cool, dry place away from windows, as heat, light and humidity break fragrance down over time.

For more ways to feel good from head to toe, see our guides to the perfect shower routine for glowing skin and glow makeup for dry skin.

What Customers Say

"Purchased as a gift. They loved the perfumes, so I purchased some for myself. Lovely."
Anne G., verified customer (You Can Be fragrances)

"Would highly recommend this set beautiful fragrances really good size"
Susan G., verified customer (You Can Be fragrances)

"Love your perfumes they have great staying power"
Coral B., verified customer (You Can Be fragrances)

Read all You Can Be fragrance reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a perfume I'll actually love?

Start with the fragrance family you already enjoy, try the perfume on your skin rather than a paper strip, and wear it for a few hours so you can smell the heart and base notes before deciding.

What is the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette?

Eau de parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance oils than eau de toilette, so it usually smells richer and lasts longer on the skin.

What perfume should I buy as a gift?

If you know the scents she already wears, choose something from the same fragrance family. If you're not sure, a mini fragrance set lets her try several and pick a favourite.

How can I make my perfume last longer?

Apply it to moisturised skin, spritz lightly onto pulse points, avoid rubbing it in and store the bottle in a cool, dry place out of direct light.

Can I buy Thin Lizzy fragrance in stores?

Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a perfume is easier when you know which fragrance families you enjoy and give a new scent time to settle on your skin. Keep a couple of favourites for different occasions, and when you're shopping for someone else, a set of minis takes the guesswork out of gifting.

Shop the Mini Fragrance Collection →