Mothers. Mostly we adore them, but sometimes they make us want climb up the walls relying on nothing but finger strength.  But since the one day of the year that’s dedicated to them is coming up, it’s time to shower them with affection and appreciation, to the point where we can say that they have officially been spoiled.

This year, instead of the usual chocolates and flowers and spa gift certificates, express your affection with something with a touch of class, glamour, and flair to excite the senses .  And for this, fragrances go a long way.

Before anything, an overview on perfume, to help you choose the right one for the special lady.

Perfume 101

Choose the perfume according to how strong you want it to be. The more essential oils, the longer the scent will last.

  • Perfume – 22% of it is made of essential oils, while the remaining percentage is made of denatured ethyl alcohol

  • Eau de Parfum – 16 to 22% of it is made of essential oils, while the remaining percentage is made of denatured ethyl alcohol

  • Eau de Toilette – 8 to 15% of it is made of essential oils, while the remaining percentage is made of denatured ethyl alcohol

  • Eau de Cologne – 4% of it is made of essential oils, while the remaining percentage is made of denatured ethyl alcohol

Things to Consider

  • Price

    Some designer perfumes go as high as a few thousand pesos per bottle.  But if you want a dose of luxury without the price that goes with it, you can try buying a smaller bottle for a few hundred pesos. There are also a lot of kiosks in malls selling the same perfume in smaller amounts, thus allowing you to spend only about P100.

  • Shelf Life

    If stored properly, perfume can last indefinitely. Make sure the bottle is kept at room temperature and away from sunlight. This way your mom can get the most of your gift.

  • Body Chemistry

    What smells good on you may not smell the same way on your mom, even if you are of the same flesh and blood. If you’re shopping with her, you can have her spritz a sample on her wrist and have her assess the smell after about ten minutes with it. If she likes it enough, buy it!

  • Personality

    Some scents are sexy, some are fun. What kind of person is your mom? Would she feel better with a fruity scent? A mild one? A musky one?  Choose wisely.

    • Some Suggestions

    • Warm Vanilla Sugar by Bath and Body Works is just right for the mommy who likes following traditions and sticking to things she knows. The scent is as comforting as the smell of the kitchen after her many baking sessions.

      Photo courtesy of eCrater

      Warm Vanilla Sugar conjures up images of home. Price: 1,300 (75ml)

    • Cool Water by Davidoff is perfect for the mom who likes to hit the gym. A refreshing spritz after sweating it out on the treadmill, it is reminiscent of a dip in the sea. Citrus, honeydew melon, and pineapple are some of its top notes.

      Photo by Annia316 under the Creative Commons License

      Cool Water is great during the summer too. Price: 1,400 (30ml)

    • Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci agrees with the hardworking mama. Oozing with confidence, she leaves a trail of scent as her heels click on the office floor. The spray is sweet but strong, infused with Indian tuberose, bergamot, and rhubarb.

      Photo courtesy of Perfumeshrine

      Ricci Ricci’s bottle is a gorgeous purple-pink with a glass bow on top. Price: P2,500 (50ml)

    • Omnia by Bvlgari matches the jet-setting momma like her monogrammed suitcases do. An oriental aroma laced with spices such as ginger, saffron, and cinnamon, it leaves her skin as delicious as a dish.

      • Photo courtesy of eCrater