Do you have half-empty – or worse, almost-full – vials of perfume that smelled great before you left the store, but disappointed you after only a few uses? Or, are you ready to try a new scent, but don’t know where to begin?  There are plenty of fragrances in the market to choose from – how’s a girl to choose?  Perfumes can smell differently from person to person – no wonder it can be hard to decide. Consider these tips when opting for the best scent for you.

1. Are you a light fruit or a heavy tree?  Generally, fragrances will be either light and fruity, or rich and woody. Think about your natural tendencies and preferences. Which do you usually lean toward?  If you’re unsure, consult with an expert at the perfume counter at your favorite store.  He or she can offer ways of helping you figure this out. This is also helpful if you’re a perfume wearer looking to change scents. When sampling new possibilities, it’s wise to wear your current and a new option on your skin for a few hours to determine the best fit for you.

2. Take home samples.  Fragrance sample cards are a handy tool to help you identify favorite perfumes, especially if you’re interested in several types of fragrances.  To prevent from overloading your senses by spraying multiple scents on your skin, take sample cards home and test each one out over a few days’ time.

3. No rubbing – just wait. When sampling scents at the fragrance counter, spray a sample either on the inside of your wrist or bend of the elbow – the body’s most ideal locations to get the best sense of the scent.  Allow the fragrance to linger and do not rub it into your skin; doing so will compromise the fragrance. Wait just a few minutes before sniffing. If comparing more than one fragrance, take a break from the perfume counter to clear your senses between sampling.

4. Wait some more.  The chemistry of a fragrance can shift and change as it dries on skin. So, experts suggest waiting for at least 24 hours before deciding on a perfume. This will give you ample time to sample the fragrance and gain a more complete understanding of its lingering scent on your skin.

5. How intense are you?  Think about if you prefer scents that just offer a hint of fragrance and fade somewhat quickly, versus heavy scents that last for longer periods of time. Lighter scents are offer referred to as eau de toilette and have small amounts of perfume concentrate.  In comparison, an eau de parfum option contains large amounts of perfume concentrate and last much longer. In either case, experts also offer this tip: Any scent will last longer if you apply a matching lotion on your skin prior to spraying any perfume. This is particularly helpful for dry skin types.

6. Work with your skin type.  As noted above, dry skin can present challenges with holding on to fragrances, so compensate by always applying body lotion first.  Normal skin types generally will find it easy to wear perfumes. Even so, keeping the skin moist is key to ensuring that scents linger.  For those with oily skin, experts recommend light scents to avoid unpleasant odors that can result from stronger, woody scents that tend to change with oily skin.

So, knowing your preferences, working with your skin type, and giving yourself time to thoroughly sample fragrance options are great beginning steps to selecting a perfume that’s just right for you. And, if in doubt, don’t go it alone – talk with a fragrance counter expert who can help you make the best selection.