DO a lot of sniffing.

While it’s crucial to find out which fragrance family you lean towards, it’s vital to follow your nose, not someone else’s. If you’re honest with yourself and pushy sales assistants, you’ll know a perfume’s for you or not.

DO have an open mind.

What you think you like and what you really do like may be quite different. For instance, you may love the roses in your garden, but not a rose—based scent.

DO be patient.

Remember that, just like people, fragrances also need time to relax and mingle before you see their true character.

DON’T try to spray, smell and buy on your first date.

Live with potentials before you commit. Ask for samples and scent strips and smell five to 10 scents on blotters, only spraying the two main contenders on your skin.

DON’T cook with foods like garlic, onions and spices the day before you go scent shopping.

These scents tend to hang about on the skin and can affect the smell of a fragrance.

DON’T apply anything scented the morning of your shop.

This includes shower gel and deodorant. Also, don’t wear clothes that have scent clinging to them – these will get in the way of judging new scents.

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