Vanity, Perfume & Shaving

Purchasing perfume as a gift can be a bit daunting especially if it is something that you don't do regularly. The good news is that this task can be achieved with a minimum of stress if you follow a few basic rules. I like to think of it as "how to make purchasing perfume as simple as ABC".

Firstly, what is the age (A) of the person you are buying for? This is important because some fragrances are light and flowery and are more suited to the younger lady on the move. Also, at this stage, using a designer brand is sometimes seen as being more important than the actual smell of the perfume or cologne. Some of the brands popular with the younger set at the moment are:- Ralph Lauren, Dolce and Gabbana, Ed Hardy, Britney Spears, Stella McCartney, Diesel, Anais Anais, Escada, Esprit and Jennifer Lopez.

On the other hand, the more mature woman is looking for a combination of everyday fragrances as well as fragrances for more formal occasions. In today's market, there is a multitude of brands that fit this bill. Newer labels, such as Vera Wang and Kenzo and older established brands like Chanel, Nina Ricci, Christian Dior and Estee Lauder are commonly found on the shelves of the mature, discerning woman. The age of the person you are buying for will help determine which brand is more likely to appeal and further enhance the satisfaction of the person receiving your thoughtful package.

(B) stands for budget. There is a true saying in this world and that is "you get what you pay for". If possible, avoid cheaper fake products. While they may smell OK to start with, they usually wear of much quicker than an authentic well known brand. There are many well known brands available that don't require you to sell the ranch to purchase them. In addition to this, many department stores (including on line department stores) sometimes offer fantastic specials throughout the year. Be on the alert for these as there can be significant savings off the normal retail price.

To sum up the budget side of buying perfumes- always look to buy a known brand and try and buy this as cheaply as possible. You will be glad that you went for quality and your recipient will be glad that you did also.

(C) is for celebration. Celebrate life everyday and enjoy the company of those around you. When it is time to purchase a gift for someone you care about, selecting a perfume is a great way to celebrate your relationship. Whether, it is your daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, girlfriend or even a work colleague, a specially chosen bottle of appropriate perfume is not only a joy to give but a joy to receive. Never underestimate the importance of looking and feeling good. Part of feeling good is smelling good and there is nothing better than to have a splash of your favourite perfume on throughout the day. This is why perfume has always been regarded as a beautiful personal gift - a gift worthy of celebrating all of the great things that happen in your life.

Our sense of smell can help us remember some of the special stages of our lives. Who can forget the beautiful smell of an apple pie cooking in the kitchen when you were growing up? Who can forget the unique smell of their grandmother's scent when you were little? What about the first time you went on a date? If you grew up in the 60's there is a fair chance that you would have been wearing an Avon perfume. Can you still remember that fresh young smell of those uncomplicated and innocent days? Our sense of smell delivers one of life's great joys and there is nothing better than to be able to pamper yourself with a daily splash of your favourite perfume.

When you are looking to purchase a gift for someone special in your life, follow these tips and you won't go wrong by investing in quality perfume for your next gift solution.