Help! I know nothing about choosing a fragrance. How can I tell what’s the best perfume for me?

You’re confronted with it from all angles: Practically every celeb alive now boasts her own signature perfume, and it seems like every store in the mall is spritzing some new scent in the air. So how to choose the best for you? Once you learn the basics, you’ll be quickly on your way to being scent-savvy.

Key Notes
Every fragrance is composed of mingling scents, known as notes. There are three levels of notes, each of which is noticeable at different times. Thus, after applying, your perfume may smell different after three hours then it did at first spritz. The top notes are the most noticeable, but they quickly dissipate. The middle notes make up the main body of the scent, while the base notes add depth to the fragrance, appearing last.

Seasonal Scents
It goes without saying that you wouldn’t wear a heavy sweater in the summer months, so why wear a heavy perfume? Warmer weather intensifies scents, so stick to lighter florals, citruses or beachy fragrances that work well in the heat. In the winter, it’s okay to embrace headier elements like vanilla, spices, sandalwood and cedar.

All About Options
No one said you had to choose just one. Try different fragrances not only for different seasons, but for different events. While perfume is generally too much for school, it’s definitely okay to use a light body spray that won’t overpower your classmates. Date night? Give your crush a whiff of a romantic floral fragrance. Party with the girls? Try a sweet and fun citrus-y scent. Or if you’re feeling creative, try picking up a few essential oils and layering them to create your own unique perfume.

Keep reading to spy our faves...

For everyday:

For weekends: