In a city where most people value a one-time sale to a regular customer Eve Ndagire is a breath of fresh air and a rarity.  It just not her old world charm but her vast knowledge of perfumes and scents makes her really outstanding.  Eve runs a cosmetics shop (Number 87)on Charm Towers Jinja Road. ‘I have been in this business for over fifteen years; before I came here, I used to run another cosmetics shop on Diamond Trust Bank building before management evicted us.’  She informs me. And all the experience shows in how she guides a client to make a perfect choice.  ‘I have been in this business long enough to know that if I give you the right product you will not only come back but you will also refer me to a friend.’ She explains.  Most of Eve’s clients are politicians (MPs & ministers) and the upper class corporates who have come to trust her taste and have the money.   Here is her guide to choosing the right perfume.

Every woman should have more than one perfume but most importantly she should have what experts call a signature scent. This a scent that embodies you and best represents who you are.  It’s easy to be drawn in by pretty bottles and celebrity endorsements but choosing the right scent is a very intimate thing.

Remember heavier scents are more appropriate for the outdoors or nighttime, whilst lighter perfumes are better suited for the day and places like work.

Perfume also naturally lasts longer on people with oily skin. So if your skin is very dry, you may want to choose a more concentrated scent or think about purchasing a matching lotion or body wash to make your scent last throughout the day.

A perfume should have scents you enjoy.  From freshly cut grass to flowers and spices, get scents that mean something to you so you can choose a perfume with similar notes.

It should fit your personality. If you usually wear little to no makeup and love the outdoors, opt for a fresh, clean scent versus something spicy or musky. If you love getting dressed up and can’t help but think of yourself as glamorous, choose a scent that lingers and that matches your notice-me outlook on life. The idea is to choose a fragrance that. Perfumes fall under several categories of scent and it can be helpful to know what they are.

Floral

Floral scents are feminine and romantic and are probably the most popular scent option. They contain the scent of either one flower (rose, gardenia, lavender) or a bouquet of several varieties.  If you like floral fragrances, try Very Irresistible Eau de Toilette by Givenchy (Shs 350,00) or Ralph Lauren Romance.

Oriental

These scents tend to be muskier and small rich and slightly spicy with hints of vanilla, cinnamon and clove. If you like Oriental fragrances, try Dior Addict by Dior or Flower by Kenzo (Shs350,000).

Woodsy

This family of perfumes is characterized by an earthy, woodsy scent, with hints of oak, moss and citrus. Try Gucci Rush 2 Perfume by Gucci.

Fruity

Think fresh cut grass, crushed leaves and other fresh, cool scents that bring to mind the outdoors and open spaces. If you like green fragrances try DKNY Be Delicious Green Apple.

Aquatic

These scents are influenced by the sea and evoke being by the ocean (sandy beach, salty air). Oceanic scents are clean, almost-masculine with hints of spice and citrus. If you like oceanic fragrances try Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden or Womanity by Thierry Mugler .  (Shs420,000).

Eve can be reached on mobile number 078 573 028