How to choose the perfect perfume for you!

So you’ve heard that it’s a good idea to have a signature scent, and you’re ready to find yours. That’s great! However, if you’re anything like me, trying on perfume in the store can be overwhelming. There are so many scents out there and each one smells different on every person. Plus, it can be hard to find scents that evoke certain emotions or moods. But don’t worry: I’m going to help you through this process with my handy guide for picking the perfect perfume for your personality. Here are some things to consider before making your purchase:

Do you have a signature scent?

You might not have thought about it, but everyone has a signature scent. It’s the perfume you wear regularly and like, but not your favorite perfume.

Signature scents are what you reach for when you want to feel confident and sexy—they’re the perfumes that make us feel good about ourselves. They make us feel like we can take on anything!

How often do you wear perfume?

The first thing to consider when choosing a perfume is how often you plan on wearing it. Some perfumes are more expensive than others, so if you’re going for an expensive scent, you may want to use it sparingly.

If you like having options for how much you wear your perfume, then go with something that has multiple notes and layers. This will allow you to layer your scent by adding a second spray of the same fragrance or wearing another perfume altogether.

However, if cost isn’t an issue and all the perfumes in question are relatively similar in price range, then pick one that has notes that complement your body chemistry (i.e., floral scents will be best suited for spring/summer months).

Where do you plan to wear your perfume?

When choosing your perfume, you’ll want to consider where you plan on wearing it. If you’re going to be in an environment with other people, it’s best to choose a scent that won’t overpower them. However, if the environment is more intimate or quiet, such as at home or at the office, then a stronger scent can be very effective.

What are your favorite scents?

One of the most important steps in choosing a perfume is understanding what scents you like and how they make you feel. If you love floral fragrances, for example, but can’t stand citrusy ones, or if vanilla makes your nose run in terror, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

If you’re stumped about what to try next, think about what else is already in your arsenal. Do you have a favorite candle? Cologne? Lip balm? Write down each one on a piece of paper so that it’s visible throughout this process—you’ll find that certain smells are more closely associated with certain moods or times of day than others.

Are there any scents that you can’t stand?

You may have a favorite scent that you never want to smell again. It could be a strong floral perfume or something that reminds you of your grandmother’s house. Know that these scents will not be for everyone, but if they work for you, use them! Just keep in mind that there are certain smells that people tend to dislike:

• Cigarettes and tobacco

• Cleaners

• Perfume (too much)

• Burned toast

What’s your budget for a new fragrance?

Once you’ve decided what you’re willing to spend on a bottle of perfume, it’s time to narrow down your options. Most stores will allow you to test out the perfumes they carry, so if there are any scents that jump out at you as possibilities, try them on in-store before making a decision.

If narrowing down the list seems too overwhelming at first glance, start with a few basic guidelines:

• If this is going to be an everyday scent for work or school, make sure it’s something clean and professional-smelling.

• If this is going to be your go-to date night scent, choose something floral or fruity.

Do you like fruity fragrances, floral fragrances, woodsy or musky fragrances, or fresh fragrances?

When choosing the right perfume for you, it’s important to consider the type of fragrance you like. Do you prefer fruity fragrances? Floral fragrances? Woodsy or musky fragrances? Or fresh fragrances?

Fragrantica has a great breakdown of different fragrance types, so let’s take a look at each one:

• Fruity: Light and sweet, these scents can be citrusy or floral. They’re great for daytime wear because they’re not overpowering—a good choice if you want something that won’t compete with your outfit or other scents in your home (like air fresheners).

• Floral: These tend to be light and sweet as well, but instead of including citrus notes they often include florals like rose or jasmine. You’ll find many summer perfumes fall into this category because they tend to evoke images of fresh blossoms blooming in the sunlight.

• Woody or Musky: Heavy and woody scents are traditionally masculine and have been linked with power since ancient times—think pine trees! These tend to smell earthy and rich because they often include notes from natural ingredients such as ambergris (a type of whale vomit) as well as mosses like cedarwood.”

It’s smart to have a plan before choosing a new perfume.

It’s a good idea to have a plan before you start shopping. If you know what kind of perfume you want, it will make the process easier and faster. Don’t just buy a perfume because it’s on sale, or because it’s a gift. Try to find out what scents you like and don’t like; this can be difficult if you haven’t tried many different perfumes, but asking for help is always an option! It might seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry—there are plenty of ways for even the most inexperienced people to learn about their options.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a perfume, you can get started on your search. Don’t worry about whether or not it will be perfect for you—just pick something and see how it goes! If the scent isn’t quite right, don’t despair. With so many different scents out there, there’s bound to be one that fits your personal style.