How to Shop for: Your Signature Spring Scent

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You know how catching a waft of Shalimar always reminds you of your mom getting ready to go out? Or how the scent of Love’s Baby Soft takes you right back to your tween years? That’s the beauty of scent. And once a scent has become associated with you, it turns into a very cool thing that makes you memorable. So now that the changing season is in the air, it’s time to lighten up with a new spring fragrance! But we agree that the fragrance counter can get pretty overwhelming if you have no idea where to start. That’s why we chatted with our friends over at Sephora for some insider tips on how to take the guesswork out of shopping for that oh-so-important signature scent.

Tip #1: Let your feelings be your guide
Science tells us that the sensory act of smelling is pretty much directly linked to giving us a feeling. And different notes in scents can provoke these different emotions. So first things first – you need to decide how you want to be remembered, and what feeling you want to create. Is it sassy, flirty, sensual?

Tip #2: Ask all the right questions
On top of how you want to feel (or want your scent to make others feel), use answers to your personal taste and lifestyle questions to help steer you in the right direction. What scents do you currently love? Are you wearing it for daytime or nighttime? Are there certain notes you really like already? What is your lifestyle like? What kind of music do you like?

To help you really hone in on your scent preferences, Sephora has a super cool technology in store called Fragrance IQ, which offers a personality quiz to help you pinpoint what notes and impressions you might like. It definitely takes a lot of the guesswork out of fragrance shopping!

Tip #3: Relax into it
Some people smell one fragrance and bam – that’s the one! Others need to try many different options. There is no rhyme or reason behind it, so carve out some time for you, grab a latte, and hit the counter. If you’re anxious or rushed it could result in a poor selection.

Tip #4: Take advantage of samples
Fragrances are built of different layers of notes, and you don’t get the full scent until about two hours after the fragrance has been sprayed. So if you find something you like, ask for a personalized sample – Sephora is amazing for making sure you try before you buy.

Tip #5: To each their own
Love that scent on a friend? Be sure to try it for yourself before you commit. Most fragrances change on different people due to body chemistry. So to get the best representation of what a fragrance will smell like on you personally, try it out and give it some time to adjust to your chemistry.

Tip #6: Consider how looks play into it
Who doesn’t love a beautiful bottle displayed on their vanity? A lot goes into the packaging and bottle design for fragrances. It shouldn’t be the primary driver in which scent to choose, but – let’s be honest – it’s part of it! So browse the shelves and see which ones catch your eye.

Sephora also shared a round up of the hottest new fragrances on their shelves for Spring 2015. Here are a few to try:

If you want to feel: Sophisticated. Succulent. Passionate.
Try: Mandarine Glaciale from Atelier Cologne Collection Azur, a citrus, fresh fragrance with notes of mandarin from Calabria, ginger from China, and heart of vetiver from Haiti ($30-$130).

If you want to feel: Pure. Deep. Blissful.
Try: Beach Walk from Maison Martin Margiela’s Replica Fragrance line, combines fresh and radiant notes of bergamot, coconut milk, lemon, pink pepper, and musk ($115).

If you want to feel: Crisp. Delicate. Evocative.
Try: Lilac Path from AERIN, a delicate story of crisp greens, rich blooms, and delicate petals ($125).

If you want to feel: Fresh. Delicate. Feminine.
Try: Daisy Eau So Fresh Sorbet by Marc Jacobs, a luscious blend of sparkling fruits and a sheer floralcy that is both delicate and feminine ($95).

What’s your signature scent? Or do you prefer to swap different fragrances for different moods or occasions? Visit Sephora in St. Vital Centre to shop the fragrances in this post (check store for availability).

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