Every person has their own distinctive body chemistry, which depends on hormones, diet, overall health and the skin's pH balance. Perfumes mix with the body's natural aroma in a chemical reaction, resulting in either an enhanced smell, a neutral one or, in some unfortunate cases, an unpleasant one. The body's smell also varies by environment and mood, which is why the same perfume can smell different on you at different times. Oily skin tends to retain scent longer, while it easily dissipates on dry skin.
To determine whether a perfume's a good fit for you, spend enough time choosing it. Spray a small amount on the inside of your wrist, don't rub it, and wait. "Top notes" will unfold immediately, "heart notes" reveal themselves in 10-15 minutes, and "base notes" are those that remain after 20-30 minutes. If the perfume stays on long enough for you to detect the base notes, it's probably a good fit for you.
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