How to choose a perfume: find a scent that suits you
How to choose a perfume: the main fragrance families, how to test properly, why the dry-down matters and how to build a small scent wardrobe.
The short answer
Start with the fragrance family you like, then test two or three on your skin. Wait at least 30 minutes, ideally a few hours, before deciding.
- Buy a sample or small size first, and stop using any perfume that irritates your skin.
To choose a perfume, start with the fragrance family you already like, such as floral, fresh, woody or oriental, then test two or three on your skin, wait for the dry-down and decide after a few hours. The best perfume is the one that smells good on you after the opening has faded, not the one that smells good on paper.
Step 1: know the fragrance families
| Family | What it smells like | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Floral | Rose, jasmine, peony, orange blossom | Day or evening, romantic moods |
| Fresh (citrus, green, aquatic) | Lemon, bergamot, tea, sea air | Warm weather, the office |
| Woody | Sandalwood, cedar, vetiver | Calm, polished, all year |
| Oriental or amber | Vanilla, amber, spices | Cold weather, evenings |
| Gourmand | Vanilla, caramel, coffee, almond | Cozy, sweet moods |
| Musk | Clean, skin-like | Subtle, everyday |
Step 2: think about when you will wear it
- Everyday and the office: a light, clean fragrance such as fresh, green, soft floral or musk.
- Evenings and cold weather: richer fragrances such as amber, vanilla, woods or spicy florals.
- Warm weather: citrus, green tea, aquatic and light florals.
Step 3: test properly
- Limit yourself to three. More than that and your nose gets tired. Smell coffee beans or your own sleeve between tests.
- Spray on your skin as well as on blotter strips.
- Wait. Judge after 30 minutes and again after a few hours. See perfume notes explained.
- Wear it for a day before buying a full bottle. Ask for samples or a small size.
- Note how it makes you feel and what other people say, but do not choose only on opinions.
Step 4: choose the strength
Eau de parfum lasts longer than eau de toilette. See eau de parfum vs eau de toilette for how to decide.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying after smelling only the opening
- Testing many at once
- Choosing by the bottle or the advertising
- Buying a big bottle of a new fragrance you have only smelled once
- Ignoring skin irritation: if a perfume itches or reddens your skin, stop using it
Build a small scent wardrobe
You do not need a shelf of bottles. Many people are happy with three: one for day, one for evening and one that is cozy. The Signature Scent Edit gives you a scent profile quiz, a testing log, fragrance-family cards and a plan for a three-scent wardrobe. For application and longevity, see how to apply perfume and how to make perfume last longer.
Related guides
- Take the free perfume quiz
- Gourmand perfume: vanilla and sweet scents
- Floral perfume: rose, jasmine and fruity florals
- Green perfume: tea, fig and herbs
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Questions people ask about this
How do I choose a perfume that suits me?
Start with the fragrance family you like, test two or three on your skin, wait for the dry-down and judge after a few hours, not on the first spray.
What are the main fragrance families?
Floral, fresh (citrus, green, aquatic), woody, oriental or amber, gourmand and musk. Many perfumes blend families.
How many perfumes should I test at once?
No more than three. Take breaks, and smell coffee beans or your sleeve to reset your nose.
Should I buy perfume online without smelling it?
It is safer to buy a sample or a travel size first, because fragrance smells different on each person.
