I am a self proclaimed perfume addict. I j’adore a fine Eau de Parfum. Here are some tips on finding the right one for you from my friends at the Barneys perfume counter. Remember to spritz away just don’t over do it. No one wants to be in a room with a skunk.

Perfumes contain layers of scents to create their unique bouquet. These layers are referred to as notes. Initially you may only notice lilac or vanilla in a perfume but overtime you’ll pick up on different notes. 

• Top notes: This is what you smell immediately upon applying your perfume. It’s the scent that first hits your nose, but evaporates quickly.
• Middle notes: The middle notes emerge as the top notes and make up the majority of the scent.
• Base notes: These notes are richer and are not often detected until you’ve been wearing a scent for at least 20 to 30 minutes. These notes provide depth and back up the middle notes to create the overriding theme of the scent.

Make a list of your favorite smells. From clean laundry, to cut grass, lily of the valley, coffee, or smoke. Take note of it even if you think it’s odd. You’re wearing it so it must be meaningful to you.

What’s your personality?

If you usually wear little to no makeup and love the outdoors, opt for a fresh, clean scent versus something spicy or musky. If you love getting dressed up and can’t help but think of yourself as glamorous, choose a scent that lingers and that matches your notice-me outlook on life. The idea is to choose a fragrance that best represents who you are.

Test perfumes before buying.

You can’t tell much from the scent strips in magazines or fragrance testers at department stores; plus, perfume smells different after you’ve worn it for a few hours. Ask for a larger sample and try your potential new fragrance for a few days before you commit.

Ask opinions.

Ask friends and family what they think. Is it offensive? Does it linger to long? Remember you’re wearing it and must J’adore your perfume.