Do your homework
Before shopping, pinpoint your perfume personality—modern, fresh, exotic or romantic. Need more direction? Think about the times you've been drawn to someone's fragrance, and the notes—vanilla, citrus, sandalwood—you observed. Does the smell of the beach appeal to you? How about a rose garden?
Sniff it out
Your sense of smell is best at midday—prime time to hit perfume counters. To keep your nose sharp, avoid strong foods beforehand. A salesperson who knows her stuff is your best ally; ask her to recommend scents that match your perfume personality. Spray the first onto a fragrance card, wait a minute to let it settle, then take a whiff. Now move on to a second scent and card. Be sure to label them.
Spritz wisely
Once you've narrowed down your favorites, test the fragrances on your skin. Limit yourself to three—widely spaced—on each arm. As the perfume sits on your skin and is exposed to air, its chemistry and aroma change, so wait at least 30 minutes before really assessing it.
Do a road test
Free samples are a good way to figure out if a fragrance mixes well with your body chemistry without making a big investment. If there isn't a prepackaged sample available, some stores will decant a little perfume into a small vial. Be on the lookout for online trial offers, too. Buying the scent as a lotion is an alternative way to try it on the cheap.
Get his input
As the guy who'll be by your side most of the wedding day, your groom deserves a say in how you smell. Avoid overwhelming him by limiting his sampling duties to one fragrance a day. To make it a sensual experience, spritz your pressure points (wrist, collarbone, back of the neck), then let him nose around—he'll be one happy tester.
For some ideas and inspiration, check out some of these Fragrances.
