What tops off the perfect sundress and pair of sky-high wedges in the summer? A signature scent, of course! Between the hot temps, humidity, and hours of fun in the sun, a fragrance that will leave you smelling fresh and beautiful is the best accessory.

So how do you choose the right scent for you? Keep these tips in mind:

1. Not all perfume that smells good on a test strip will smell that way on your body. Before making a purchase, start with testing the fragrance. The first scent you smell is the top note. This scent is the strongest and will fade the quickest.

The mid note follows the top note about 10-20 minutes after applying, and then fades into the base note. The base note is the scent that stays on you the longest. It usually appears about 30 minutes after application, and can last up to 24 hours. This scent is what you should be basing your purchase on, as it will be what the fragrance smells like a majority of the time.

2. You will know if a perfume works well with your body chemistry by how long the scent sticks with you. If it doesn’t seem to last, it probably isn’t the best scent for your chemistry. If a fragrance works well with your chemistry, it should smell nice through all  of its stages.

3. A typical rule of thumb for selecting perfumes is to consider the time of year you’ll be wearing them. Lighter scents work best in warmer months, while heavier scents work best in colder months. Here are the best scents to compliment the 4 seasons:

Best Scent For Spring & Summer

Light, airy, and fresh scents pair perfectly with warm temperatures that spring and summer bring.

Floral: Rose, Peony, Gardenia, Jasmine

Best perfumes: Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith Rose, Flora by Gucci, Versace Bright Crystal, Flower by Kenzo, Viva La Juicy by Juice Couture

Citrus: Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit

Best perfumes: Clinique Happy, Grapefruit by Jo Malone, CK One Summer by Calvin Klein, Eau des Jardins by Clarins, Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana

Fruity: Apple, Peach, Berries, Pineapple

Best perfumes: DKNY Be Delicious, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Love Sweet Love by Philosophy, Miss Dior Cherie

Beachy: Seaweed, Salt, Coconut, Sandalwood

Best perfumes: Heeley Sel Marin, Olivine Amongst the Waves, Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey, Sea Rem by Reminiscence, Coconut by Demeter

Green: Grass, Basil, Green Tea, Mint

Fun fact: Mint is actually a heat-beating scent for the dog days of summer. It triggers cold receptors in your brain and leaves you feeling and smelling ultra fresh AND cool!

Best perfumes: No. 19 Perfume by Chanel, Marc Jacobs Splash in Basil, Earth by Mark for Avon, Acqua di Gioia eau fraiche by Giorgio Armani

Best Scent For Fall & Winter

With fall right around the corner, heavy and musky scents are great options for cooler weather.

Earthy: Amber, Leather, Pachouli, Vetiver

Best perfumes: Versace Crystal Noir, Prada by Prada, Euphoria by Calvin Klein, Soft Amber by Oscar de la Renta, Coco Chanel

Woodsy: Sandalwood, Cedar, Pine, Eucalyptus

Best perfumes: Thierry Mugler Alien, Sensuous by Estee Lauder, Organza by Givenchy, Omnia Amethyste by Bvlgari, Cashmere Mist Luxe by Donna Karan

Spicy: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove, Pepper

Best perfumes: Black Orchid by Tom Ford, Chic by Michael Kors, Max Mara Gold Touch, Fendi by Fendi, Ralph Hot by Ralph Lauren, Cinnabar by Estee Lauder

Edible: Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey

Best perfumes: The One by Dolce & Gabbana, Vanilla Flower by Henri Bendel, Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker, Desire Me by Escada, Armani Code by Giorgio Armani, Princess by Vera Wang

WHEW! With all of that info, you’ll be on your way to gorgeous smells in no time! What perfume or scent will you be rocking this summer? What about this fall? You know…since it’s only a few months away! EEK!