On the surface, fragrance seems simple: a scented liquid that you dab or spray onto your skin with the straightforward goal of smelling good.
But it's much more complex than that.
Fragrance is invisible yet all-powerful, triggering specific memories (both happy and heartbreaking) and arousing a spectrum of moods (romantic, sexy, sophisticated) on impact.
To further complicate matters, scent is totally subjective: what makes you swoon will make another woman cringe; what reminds you of a blissful love affair will call to mind a bossy mother-in-law for someone else.
As intangibles as fragrance is, try to approach the shopping process with your feet planted firmly on the ground.
The reality is that buying perfume can be confusing and even frustrating.
Who hasn't wandered through a department store, fending off pushy spritzers and looking for any minute detail - a pretty bottle, a pretty spokes model - to help narrow down the field? Instead, arm yourself with useful information and treat the search like a treasure hunt.
The more fun you have, the more likely you are to discover a scent that truly makes you happy.
Most important, remember that the right scent for you will express your original beauty and personality and make you feel alluring, confident and comfortable in your skin.
And you can certainly fall for more than one.
Rather than stick with one signature perfume, spritz something different for every occasion and facet of your character: a crisp, grassy scent for lunch with friends; a lush oriental for an intimate nightcap; a sweet floral for an afternoon alone.
The only requirement? That it makes your heart sing.