PERFUME Fragrance choices can be overwhelming

New fragrances should be tested on clean skin, so don't put on any other perfume before walking out the door.
NEW YORK (AP) -- The choices at a retail fragrance center can be overwhelming, especially if you need to smell them all before making a decision.
Jo Malone, a perfumer with her own namesake line of skin-care products, says preparation is the key to making perfume shopping a pleasurable experience.
Gardenia or vanilla? Malone suggests making a list of scents you already know you like before leaving the house.
She also says it's best to test new fragrances on clean skin, so don't put on any other perfume before walking out the door.
Her other tips include:
UThink of a fragrance as an accessory. Ask yourself about the effect you want, what outfit or occasion it will go with.
UTest out the perfume on your body, not a paper tester because the scent will change depending on individual chemistry.
UApply fragrance to pulse-points, such as the wrists, neck or inside the elbow. When shopping, vary hotspots, keeping spritzes as far apart as possible. While you're shopping, your nose can handle five to six fragrances well if each is very different, less when trying similar fragrances. Try to start with lighter scents to maintain stamina for your sense of smell and avoid a headache. (If you want to cleanse your palate between whiffs, smell coffee beans, Malone suggests.)
URemember that lighter fragrances, including citrus scents, will last approximately three to five hours, whereas a rich, heady floral will last longer.