Choosing the right perfume can feel like an impossible task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Not only do you have to figure out what fragrances you like, a different scent may smell amazing on your best friend but overpowering on you.

But there are tons of factors that affect the outcome of any perfume, making it even more confusing to find one that fits your needs and personality perfectly. Choosing the right fragrance can be tricky, which is why Perfume club might help you determine it as we also listed 8 steps on how to choose the best perfume for you.

Step 1: Know your body type

Are you tall and thin, short and voluptuous, or something in between? Your body type determines how fragrances will mix with your natural pheromones and how they’ll come across to others. For example, a perfume that could work well on one woman may turn out completely differently if worn by another.

If you want tips on which fragrances will look best based on your shape, read The Business of Fashion’s guide to pairing perfumes with body types. They cover everything from petite women to athletic men. And while it is not comprehensive, there are some helpful tips here as well as links to more information.

Step 2: Know your budget

Even if you aren’t making money yet, you’ll want to be smart about spending it. So before diving into a perfume club subscription, decide how much you can spend and stick with it. It’s a good idea to set a budget to make sure that your perfumes will be affordable.

Ideally, choose brands that are in your price range so you don’t overspend or feel uncomfortable picking up something more expensive than what you are used to buying yourself.

Step 3: Do a Sensitivity Test

The first thing you want to do is grab a pack of Kleenex and dab some perfume onto a tissue. Then take that tissue and inhale through your nose. If you experience an allergic reaction, that’s a sign that there’s something wrong with the perfume.

Some people are sensitive or allergic to certain types of chemicals that are found in perfumes. If you’re unsure if you have any allergies, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Step 4: Try Some Samples

The best way to determine whether or not you like a fragrance is by smelling it in person. That’s why perfume clubs (and even department stores) often allow you to sample scents for free before purchasing a full-sized bottle.

No, you won’t smell exactly like someone else wearing that scent, but it’s a good way to narrow down your options and decide what will be your signature scent. Plus, once you figure out which smells are best suited for your body chemistry, it’ll make shopping easier in the future.

Step 5: Go for Light Scents First

Select light, airy scents as your first foray into perfume buying. This way, you won’t end up with a full-size bottle of something that clashes with your natural scent or isn’t right for your day-to-day life.

The best places to start are at department stores, where fragrance consultants can help you narrow down choices based on your taste and lifestyle. No matter what you decide, remember: Less is more when it comes to perfume. A little goes a long way!

Step 6: Ask for Advice

Talk to friends, family, and/or coworkers about what you’re looking for in a perfume. See what kinds of things they like or dislike about their favorite scents. Let them know you’re looking to try new things and that you’re open-minded (and ask them not to give too much advice; after all, it is your decision).

Keep in mind that women tend to be more opinionated than men when it comes to perfume. Also, be aware that certain perfumes smell great at first but don’t hold up over time. If you find yourself wanting to reapply throughout the day, that might be a sign that it’s not right for you. A good rule of thumb: if someone compliments your scent within 15 minutes of applying it, then chances are good it will last throughout most of your day. Otherwise, keep shopping!

Step 7: Read the Reviews

The thing about reading reviews, though, is that most of them are written by (likewise confused) perfume club novices. But lucky for you, I’m going to link out a great perfume review site here. Give it a look and if any perfumes catch your eye, be sure to come back here and take notes!

Now that you’ve got some of your favorites listed down on paper, what you’ll want to do next is shop around online and read some reviews – both positive AND negative. The reason I suggest shopping around online rather than in-store is that there are way more product reviews online and can help you get an idea of what others think about each scent.

Step 8: Match the Scent with Your Occasion

You must match your perfume with your occasion. For example, some perfumes are made specifically for romantic situations and others are good choices for an office setting. In addition, fragrances with heavier floral scents may be better choices when attending formal events or a night out in general. Be sure to consider when and where you will be wearing your perfume so you don’t end up wasting money on something that isn’t right.

Conclusion

Choosing a perfume is hard! There are many out there, and you probably haven’t tried them all. But a Perfume club can help you determine which fragrance is made for you. What’s great about our list here is that it gives you some ideas on how to find your favorite scent. Whether it’s floral or fruity, light or strong—by following these steps and trying out different fragrances each season, we can guarantee that you will be wearing your favorite perfume before long!