How to Find Your Signature Scent

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your fragrance game.

It's Time for a Fall Update - It’s getting cold outside, so why not warm things up with a new fragrance. Learn how to find your perfect fall/winter scent, plus some great perfumes for every budget. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: 237/Paul Bradbury/Ocean/Corbis)

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It's Time for a Fall Update - It’s getting cold outside, so why not warm things up with a new fragrance. Learn how to find your perfect fall/winter scent, plus some great perfumes for every budget. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: 237/Paul Bradbury/Ocean/Corbis)

Your Signature Scent - Walking into a department store can be intimidating since there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. When thinking about finding your signature scent, don’t get caught up in packaging and name brands. Instead, think about that first experience of trying on a fragrance and how it makes you feel. (Photo: Felix Wirth/Corbis)

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Your Signature Scent - Walking into a department store can be intimidating since there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. When thinking about finding your signature scent, don’t get caught up in packaging and name brands. Instead, think about that first experience of trying on a fragrance and how it makes you feel. (Photo: Felix Wirth/Corbis)

Testing, Testing - How a fragrance smells in the bottle isn’t how it’s going to smell on you. So spray it on and give it time to work. Sometimes winter scents can be heavy and may need 10 minutes or so to settle down. Also, always ask for a sample to take home to try for a week. That way you don’t commit and realize that you hate it. (Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

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Testing, Testing - How a fragrance smells in the bottle isn’t how it’s going to smell on you. So spray it on and give it time to work. Sometimes winter scents can be heavy and may need 10 minutes or so to settle down. Also, always ask for a sample to take home to try for a week. That way you don’t commit and realize that you hate it. (Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

Scents to Avoid - This season, pack away the citrus, fruity and sweet undertones. You can still rock florals, just make sure that they are in season. And with the cooler weather, now’s the time to go for a heartier, bolder scent.  (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

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Scents to Avoid - This season, pack away the citrus, fruity and sweet undertones. You can still rock florals, just make sure that they are in season. And with the cooler weather, now’s the time to go for a heartier, bolder scent.  (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

Scents to Welcome - Stand out this season with scents featuring spicy and woodsy undertones. Also, opt for ingredients and fragrances that are associated with fall and winter, such as deep chocolate, winter roses, eggnog and even pumpkin spice. (Photo: Godiva)

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Scents to Welcome - Stand out this season with scents featuring spicy and woodsy undertones. Also, opt for ingredients and fragrances that are associated with fall and winter, such as deep chocolate, winter roses, eggnog and even pumpkin spice. (Photo: Godiva)

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Beyoncé Heat ($59) - Queen B’s perfume is a mix of musk, spice and sensual flowers that will turn up the heat this winter.  (Photo: Beyonce Parfums)

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Beyoncé Heat ($59) - Queen B’s perfume is a mix of musk, spice and sensual flowers that will turn up the heat this winter.  (Photo: Beyonce Parfums)

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Rollerball ($25) - This scent is a mix of raw cedar wood, pepper and warm spice that leaves the most velvety finish on your skin. (Photo: Donna Karan)

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Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Rollerball ($25) - This scent is a mix of raw cedar wood, pepper and warm spice that leaves the most velvety finish on your skin. (Photo: Donna Karan)

Tom Ford Velvet Orchid ($120) - Breaking the rule of avoiding citrus, this perfume fuses cool citrus with hints of rum, honey and flower petals. It’s intense and will surely make you one hot mama. (Photo: Tom Ford)

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Tom Ford Velvet Orchid ($120) - Breaking the rule of avoiding citrus, this perfume fuses cool citrus with hints of rum, honey and flower petals. It’s intense and will surely make you one hot mama. (Photo: Tom Ford)

Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau de Toilette ($22-$99) - This scent may seem delicate, but it’s jam-packed with sandalwood, almond, black currant and jasmine. This is definitely a head-turner. (Photo: Hanae Mori)

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Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau de Toilette ($22-$99) - This scent may seem delicate, but it’s jam-packed with sandalwood, almond, black currant and jasmine. This is definitely a head-turner. (Photo: Hanae Mori)

Designer Imposters Rock It ($4) - Do not sleep on this scent that has vanilla, coconut and woody undertones and is Inspired by Juicy Couture’s Viva La Juicy. Trust us, you'll get tons of compliments. (Photo: Designer Imposters)

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Designer Imposters Rock It ($4) - Do not sleep on this scent that has vanilla, coconut and woody undertones and is Inspired by Juicy Couture’s Viva La Juicy. Trust us, you'll get tons of compliments. (Photo: Designer Imposters)