Want To Buy Your Loved One A Fragrance This Holiday Season? Here’s What You Need To Ask Them!

Although the holiday season is about more than gifts and mince pies, for many of us it's the perfect opportunity to take stock and show someone how much we care. Us Brits often struggle to be as open and emotional as we would like, but there's no getting away with it at Christmas time; even the most stony-faced are forced to break a smile, receive a hug and dance to Slade at the office party. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for a partner, family member or friend, one of the most popular presents at this time of year is undoubtedly a bottle of fragrance. It's the little extravagance we often can't justify buying ourselves, but a beautiful bottle and daily moment of luxury is a welcome gift amidst the usual socks and selection boxes; every time they dab the scent onto their neck they'll think of the person that presented it to them, meaning it provides a lasting memory and connection that can be cherished. That all may sound well and good, but realistically stepping into your local perfume outlet can often feel us with dread - there's so much pressure to get it right, because you certainly don't want them returning it come Boxing Day in favour of the same one they've been wearing for years. 

Counter staff can always offer up assistance and are trained to ask you the right questions to make that decision easier, but you're the only person that can make that final choice. There's every chance you'll become overwhelmed and make an impulse decision, but if you equip yourself with as much information as possible the likelihood of getting it wrong is significantly reduced! If you've set your mind on buying that special someone a new scent, then here are the five questions to (subtly) ask them in the run up to the big day so you're sure to get it spot on.

Simple, effective and to the point. Subtly drop into conversation that you caught a whiff of what they're wearing and love it; they'll have no reason to be suspicious, but they'll tell you straight away what it is they've chosen to spritz on. As we tend to like similar scents with corresponding base notes, this will give you a good indication of the kind of things they like - and help you pick out fragrances from the same family.

A great way to understand their personal preferences is to start talking about the latest launch you've seen, gaining their unedited feedback along the way. If they say they'd love to try it then you're half way there to finding a scent that's up their street; it also gives them the perfect opportunity to veto one you had in mind without even realising!

At this time of year the world around us is full of fragrance. It may be the scent of freshly prepped Christmas trees, the whiff of mulled wine, the fragrance of wrapping paper and cards or the sweetness of their favourite hot chocolate - all these can give you clues as to what they may like. If they tell you that the smell of oranges on Christingle fills them with glee, then looking for a scent rich in citrus notes may be one they'll love. 
If you're really stuck and don't have a clue, ask them to come on a shopping trip to help you choose a fragrance for yourself - but really you've got ulterior motives. (Naughty!) Not only is shopping for a new perfume fun, but it can help you draw up a shortlist of scents you know they liked and those that you need to stay clear from. Just make sure they don't buy it for themselves!

Now it's time to get down and dirty. The next time you're in their pad, ask if you can borrow a touch of scent to freshen up; it's the perfect excuse to examine their exisiting collection and take mental notes as to what they've accumalated and love already. Be careful though: make sure you only pay attention to those bottles that have actually been used, and not the ones that remain untouched since Granny Pat bought them a bottle of Eau-De-Old-Lady three years ago.

The fragrance we wear is incredibly personal and a reflection of how we want to be percieved. Although it can be scary buying a bottle of perfume or aftershave, it's about having the confidence to use your existing knowledge about that person to pick out something they'll love. I've got faith in you to pick the perfect partner this Christmas!

Are there any other top tips or sneaky tricks you've got to share that help make the decision easier?