Perfumes come in a bewildering array of sizes, types and fragrances. Choosing the right one can be a tricky decision! There are a number of different things to consider when buying perfume.
Firstly, are you planning to wear your scent everyday, or is it going to be a special occasion fragrance? The answer to this question will help you to narrow down whether you want an EDT (eau de toilette) or an EDP (eau de parfum). EDT tend to be a little lighter and often easier to wear as a daily scent as they can be less overpowering. However, because they are somewhat diluted versions, you may find you need to top up throughout the day to keep the fragrance active. EDP tend to last longer and you can get away with applying less.
Next to consider is which time of year you are in currently. Some fragrances lend themselves well to summer months and others more wintery. Fragrances which tend to work well in the summer include fruity, grassy and lightweight oriental scents, whereas the edible, vanilla/cinnamon musky scents can be much nicer in winter. It is worth noting that not all fragrances will smell the same on different people, due to the pH levels of our skin. What smells incredible on your friend might not smell as strong or as sweet on your skin, thus it is always a good idea to test perfumes out on your own skin, rather than just on tester strips in the shop.