Need help selecting a fragrance? If so, this perfume and cologne purchasing guide can help you select a complementary scent that gets you noticed.

The light aroma of a complementary scent can help you get noticed and allows you to leave a lingering mark everywhere you go. However, choosing the wrong scent can leave a bad impression and can even cause people to practice avoidance techniques when they see you headed in their direction. Learn how to choose a fragrance that will be inviting and garner positive attention.

The world of fragrances is filled with many varieties. From light floral scents to heavy musky tones, perfumes and colognes can deliver emotions, passion and even a welcoming introduction. With so many choices, it can be difficult to find the fragrance that is perfectly suited to your personality and situation.

Determine the occasions where you would like to use a fragrance. Matching the type of fragrance to the location is your best bet for maximizing the impact of your fragrance without causing any problems. Review the list below for appropriate fragrances per occasion:

1. For the office, always wear a light fragrance that is only detectable at very close range. Many individuals are sensitive or allergic to fragrances, so be considerate to your work companions when making your fragrance selection.
2. For a date, select a perfume that has pheromones that can give an electric charge to air.
3. For outdoors, select a fragrance that will be complementary to the natural aroma outdoors.
4. For activity-oriented events, keep in mind your fragrance may change intensity if you are sweating, so wear a scent that won’t be too overpowering if it gets stronger.
5. Never wear a fragrance to a hospital or a medical establishment where sensitivity to fragrances could cause health complications.

Go to your favorite fragrance store, department store, or retail location where you can sample a wide variety of fragrances. Before you go, make sure you have a general budget in mind for your fragrance, as you may be tempted by selections that are not suitable for your budget.

At the store, take a light whiff of fragrances that are appealing. Consider talking to a fragrance representative that can help you narrow down your choices by price, style and composition. Jot down possibilities on a notepad and when you start having difficulties detecting the difference in scents, stop and take a break. Your nose can become overwhelmed when sampling too many scents, so it is best to take frequent breaks. After you narrow down your selection, ask for take home samples if available. If no samples are available, place one fragrance on your left wrist and one on your right wrist and leave the store. Smell each fragrance after about 10 minutes and see which one you like. Repeat the smell test with a close friend or relative.

Look for the smallest container available of the fragrance you select. Use it sparingly at first and gauge people’s reaction to your fragrance. Consider asking those close to you their opinion on your fragrance choice. Repeat your fragrance selection process until you find a fragrance that solicits lots of questions, you know you will have found your signature fragrance.