Finding Your Signature Scent - Dos and Don'ts

Still looking for that one-of-a-kind perfume?

It takes a while to find a signature scent that matches your unique personality. There is no one else like you, so you need a signature perfume that smells like no one else but you.

You have a lot of choices for a signature scent. Nowadays, even reality stars have their own perfume. (And I feel disturbingly curious about what Snooki smells like.) The perfume market is (literally) diluted, so it's hard to find something unique.

Need a personal fragrance finder? Read on for Dos and Don'ts of finding your signature scent.

Do: Revert to Classics

Like classic movies, classic perfume have won the test of time. Women adore them for two reasons -- they smell beautiful, and make women feel beautiful as well.

Estee Lauder Pleasures - a classic love of mine.

Don't: Try on Old Perfume

When you test perfume at stores, ask the sales person for the expiration date on the bottle. Expired products smell different.

Do: Get Perfume Samples, Perfume Minis, or Perfume Sets

Although you don't get your money's worth with perfume samples, minis and sets, at least you are not stuck with large quantities of something that stinks.

One of the few samples from a Chanel haul.

Don't: Buy Perfume in a Huge Bottle

Even if you like a perfume, getting an economy-sized bottle is not worth the money. Perfume isn't mouthwash. You don't need a cap full each time. A 1.7 Fl. Oz bottle should last at least one year. Even if you wear it everyday.

Do: Test Products. One at a Time. And Wait.

When you zone in on a potential buy, spray on a test run. Then walk around for a while, or even wait for a day. 

Why? Formulas smell different on each person's skin. Test to see how it smells on yours. 

Waiting lets you find out how long the perfume lasts.

One of my biggest regrets :O( I did not test well, and got stuck with this huge box.

Don't: Test Multiple Products at the Same Time

All those smells mixed together just sounds stinky.

Do: Use a Fragrance Finder Tool

Fragrance finders or quizzes online narrow down your choices by analyzing your personality.

Here is one I recommend: Total Beauty Fragrance Quiz

Don't: Ask Your Dad

Or your kid brother.

Signature Scents -- What is yours and do you have any tips to share?