Studies often say that smell is the sense most closely tied to memory.
With that scientific style tip in mind, there's no reason for anyone not to have a signature scent -- it'll make a long-lasting mark. With so many scents to choose from, few have time to spend hours selecting the perfect perfume. Everyone should wear a fragrance that correlates with his or her personality and style. To aid in this complex selection process, I have suggested some of my favorite fragrances, one for each personality type, and of course, with a cheap but more than whiff-worthy alternative in hopes of fitting everyone's aromatic desires.
Ultra-Femme and Floral
Splurge: Stella McCartney Stella eau de parfum spray, 3.3-oz. ($84 at department stores, Victoria's Secret and Sephora) is a floral fragrance that won't ever grow old. Extremely feminine with a strong presence of rose but simultaneously mysterious with hints of amber, this memorable fragrance is worth top-dollar.
Save: Sonia Kashuk Solid Perfume Palette in Ginseng Blossom and Tuberose ($24.99 at Target) allows you to personalize your floral scent with three solid perfume notes in a chic, no-mess, no-nonsense compact.
Sugary Sweet
Splurge: Hard Candy eau de parfum spray, 3.38-oz. ($55 at Sephora) is delectably sweet and spicy with notes of vanilla and caramel blended with pink peppercorn and white tea.
Save: Bath and Body Works Signature Collection eau de toilette in brown sugar and fig, 1.7-oz. ($18.50 at Bath and Body Works) combines fig, coconut milk, caramelized brown sugar and musk to create one of the store's best-selling fragrances.
Crisp and Citrus
Splurge: Fresh Bergamot Citrus eau de parfum spray, 3.4-oz. ($75 at Sephora) is a timeless citrus fragrance that boasts of bergamot, mandarin and jasmine mixed with Moroccan cedar, adding an undertone of warm sophistication.
Save: Origins Essence Intensified Fragrance Rollerball ($12.50 at Origins) also contains bergamot, but with a kick of lemon, lime and ginger. Conveniently small enough to throw in your bag, this is a fresh pick-me-up scent.
Fresh and Sophisticated
Splurge: Caroline Herrera 212 eau de toilette spray, 3.4-oz. ($75 at department stores and Sephora) is a light floral scent with musk undertones that is so versatile, it can be worn year-round. Feminine yet self-assured with key notes of gardenia, sandalwood and bergamot, this fragrance is just enough to make you feel sexy, but not so much that you'd feel uncomfortable wearing it during the day.
Save: Victoria's Secret PINK eau de parfum spary, 1.7-oz. ($40 at Victoria's Secret) is a playful floral that's also classy with hints of lily and violet leaves joined with sandalwood and vanilla.
Sexy and Alluring
Splurge: Coco Chanel Mademoiselle eau de parfum spray, 1.7-oz. ($80 at department stores and Sephora) is a more youthful, modern take on the original Coco Chanel perfume. Seductive with notes of sandalwood and musk but still fresh with an oriental twist, this scent turns heads.
Save: The Body Shop Neroli Jasmin Eau de Toilette, 1-oz. ($16 at The Body Shop) was inspired by the legendary Italian princess Nerola, who supposedly used her favorite perfume to enchant. With jasmine, warm vanilla, sandalwood and neroili, wearers of the fragrance may channel her alluring qualities.
Fruity and Youthful
Splurge: Juicy Couture eau de parfum travel spray, 1-oz. ($50 at department stores and Sephora) smells of watermelon, tuberose and cream brulée. The bottle is also as functional as it is chic with a shiny exterior that's detailed with lettering and topped off with two of the brand's infamous dangling charms.
Save: LAVANILA Vanilla Grapefruit eau de parfum rollerball ($15 at Sephora) puts grapefruit, lime, cedarwood and Madagascar vanilla together in a small package so you can smell fruity and fresh by just reaching into your purse.
Clean and Light
Splurge: Philosophy Amazing Grace eau de toilette spray, 2-oz. ($40 at Sephora) smells like cotton, white flowers and a hint of musk. It's the perfect light fragrance for everyday errands and going to class.
Save: GapScent eau de toilette in Heaven, 3.4-oz. ($22 at Gap) is an airy, floral fragrance that is comfortable for even the most fragrance-shy because of its simple combination of jasmine and musk.



