We spill all our perfume secrets.
Between the to-die-for cutesy bottles and more and more celeb endorsements, the sea of yummy smelling perfumes has become even more irresistible. But just because you love Christina Aguilera and would kill to do ANYTHING to steal her look, doesn't mean her signature scent will work on you. Try one of these techniques to land you your signature scent.
Narrow it Down
Even the perfume counters at Macy's can be a little overwhelming, so if you have a general idea that will help you streamline your search. Of course, ideally, if you have a brand loyalty, a few tries of their latest might lead you to your scent pretty quickly. Also, if you know you like florals, ask salespeople to try the latest floral scents instead of wasting time on a bunch of musks you'd never, ever wear.
Clear the Air
To make sure you're sniffing each scent accurately, spritz onto a testing blotter before spraying all over yourself. Let the alcohol mellow out and then sniff away. Most perfumeries come equipped with a jar of coffee beans, which magically help to clear your scent receptors. Use the java between perfumes to get the full effect.
Patience is a Virtue
Especially during THIS season, it's hard not to want to grab what seems to be okay and move on at warp speed. But when it comes to perfume, you don't want to walk out of there smelling like roses -- only to smell more like mulch hours later. Even if you're insanely busy, make your perfume spot the first stop on your trip. When you find one you think you're digging, spray it on a pulse point and wear it around the mall. By the end of your trip, if it still smells as sweet, purchase it and away you go, smelling fresh as a daisy ... a Marc Jacobs Daisy, that is.
Make it Last
We know you love your newly discovered scent, we love it too -- we just don't want to be able to smell it down the hall. Remember not to douse yourself with it in the morning and also keep in mind that you become desensitized to your own perfume as the days go on -- so resist the urge to reapply! The best spots for perfume are your pulse points, so apply there once in the morning and you're set for the day.
Store Your Scent
Besides not being a hyper-spritzer, keeping your scent in a cool, dark place is the best way to make your new Eau de You last. The worst place for it? Your bathroom. The dampness and brightness will wreak havoc on your fragrance. If you're not going to be wearing a scent for awhile -- like if something is too heavy for the summer -- throw it in the fridge in a plastic bag to keep it good and ready.
Still having a hard time finding YOUR signature scent?
Well, WE can't stop talking about Gwen Stefani's new mini-line of fragrances. Her Harajuku Lovers perfumes (picture above!) come in five different scents -- each with a crazy cute doll on top, representing the scent to the fullest. Get your own for $45 at Urban Outfitters.
