Most women don't feel completely groomed and dressed without the fragrance of a fine perfume. In fact, the right perfume can "make" the look that a woman wishes to achieve; elegant, subtle, exotic, alluring, breezy or natural. The power of scent has always been enticing throughout history from the time of Cleopatra, to the Ruling Queens of Europe, to today's businesswomen and politicians. Fine perfumes are a fashion accessory that most women find essential in their grooming.

Ladies' fine perfumes can be purchased in retail stores, specialty stores that carry only fragrances, on Internet sites, through catalogues, or in duty-free international airports' shops. Every fine perfume is built around "notes," or specific scents; most fine fragrances have upper (the strongest), middle and lower notes all combined to form a single perfume. The top notes may be floral, earthy, musky, grassy, or citrus-based. The great parfumiers of France immortalized top-note fragrances like Chanel #5 by the House of Coco Chanel, Je Reviens from the House of Worth, Shalimar from the House of Guerlain, and Joy from the House of Jean Patou. In fact, Joy is the most expensive fine perfume in the world at $100 USD for half an ounce.

When you purchase fragrances, it helps to understand the difference between perfume and cologne, especially in women's top-quality fine perfumes. Perfume is 100% fragrance-oil based, and very concentrated. Cologne, or eau de cologne, has been diluted with water; it's smell doesn't last nearly as long as perfume. To locate fine perfumes, it's best to shop in a specialty store or on the Internet. Much cheaper colognes are found in drug and discount stores. While a woman may lavishly spray herself with a less-costly cologne, only a small amount of perfume will endure for up to ten hours.

Women should choose a fragrance that matches the event or occasion, the time of day, and the season. Chanel perfumes are perfect for any occasion; the best all-around choice for any well-groomed woman. Shalimar and Joy are heady, exotic fine perfumes that are best for evening formal events; they're a bit too intense for casual daytime wear. Je Reviens is recommended for morning or afternoon events, with its top floral notes that are elegant but airy. Poison from the House of Dior is also an intense fragrance best worn at formal evening events by a winter hearth, but Dior's Hypnotic Poison is much lighter and more breezy for daytime use in the midst of spring and summer flowers. New on the market of fine perfumes is Creed by the House of Imperial Millesime of Paris. Light enough for year-round day wear, but with strong woody top notes, it also makes a perfect evening perfume.

Choosing the right fine perfume for you is easy with an in-store consultant or a very complete on-line description. If you already have established your fine perfume preferences, buying your signature fragrances via the Internet is the most cost effective manner to shop for your own fragrances or special gifts.