I've been experimenting with scents lately, and I'm finding that dabbing on a particular fragrance helps set the tone for the whole day. Whether it's a sweetly innocent blend featured vanilla or citrus, or a spicy, sexy scent with a hint of danger, I walk out of the house feeling a little more feminine and self-possessed...like I'm moving through the world with a secret, and only those who come close enough will find out what it is. ;)

If you're new to the perfume world or are ready for something new, check out these top 10 picks for fragrances, from modern classics to the season's newest scents!

 

Treating yourself to a new scent

For many of us, a brand new bottle of perfume is a splurge we don’t often make. Our beauty budget is often reserved for expensive eye creams and costly cosmetics. For that reason we often get stuck in a rut when it comes to scents. But perfume doesn’t have to be pricey. And there are several great reasons to consider a new fragrance. Consider a new scent to:

• Boost your mood. Perfumes have the power to improve your mood — much like essential oils used in aromatherapy. But unlike essential oils, fragrances can linger on your skin, providing sweet-smelling inspiration all day long.

• Increase attraction. Whether you’re stuck on that same old standby scent you wore when you met your spouse or you’re single and trying to find a mate, try a new scent to test the laws of attraction.

• Update expired formulas. Perfume doesn’t last forever. Depending on the brand or how it’s been stored, there’s a good chance that your favorite scent might be going bad. To check, simply take a sniff. Outdated fragrances often smell acidic. To extend the life of your fragrance, keep it at room temperature and out of bright light (i.e., stored in a drawer).

Top 10 picks

From spicy to sweet and everything in between, here are some favorite scents, old and new.
 

1. Bold. Feeling daring? Consider a scent that’s sultry and spicy. H2O Plus Pepperberry Body Mist is a sensual spray that features spicy pink peppercorn and is accented with warm hints of soft teak, wild oak, cocoa and vanilla.

    

2. Feminine. Arouse the woman within with the Philosophy Amazing Grace Fragrance and Lotion Gift Set. This clean, soft scent is specially formulated to help women embrace their femininity. And, because it’s a two-piece collection – with the fragrance and body emulsion – you can thread this scent throughout your beauty routine.

    

3. Citrus . If you’re a fan of fruity fragrances, Melvita Eau de Toilette - Orange Zest is a great pick. Derived from the lush orange groves of southern Spain, this eco-friendly formula features a subtle citrus aroma that’s complemented with fresh floral hues.

    

4. Sassy. Harajuku Lovers Gift Set Lil Angel is a naughty-but-nice scent that’ll help you channel your inner schoolgirl. With fruity top notes of pineapple and raspberry, floral middle notes of violet and rose and woody base notes of amber and Hinoki, this multidimensional perfume will satisfy every part of your personality.

    

5. Sweet. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Melvita Eau de Toilette - Sweet Vanilla — an all-natural eau de toilette that boasts a savory aroma without any potentially irritating ingredients. This sugary scent is a mild blend of chocolate, vanilla and orange zest that’s balanced with soothing extracts of sandalwood and ylang ylang.

    

6. Sensual. Whether you’re going on a first date or a romantic anniversary dinner, consider a sensual scent to set the mood. Calvin Klein Euphoria is the perfect fragrance, featuring a rich mélange of fruits and florals that works together to create a sultry and seductive scent.

    

7. Elegant . Add an aroma that embodies elegance to your beauty regimen with Vera Wang Princess Gift Set. With a perfectly balanced blend of fragrances – including dark chocolate, water lily, guava and pink frosting – this scent lets you feel like a princess all day long. The luxurious gift set includes Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette Spray, Vera Wang Princess Satiny Body Lotion, Vera Wang Princess Foamy Body Polish and Vera Wang Princess Deluxe Mini Eau de Parfum.

    

8. Everyday . Need a great go-to scent that you can wear every day? Elizabeth Arden Pretty is a classic scent with a beautiful complex of aromas that includes Italian mandarin orpur, orange blossom, jasmine, petalia, pink iris, peony and creamy amber. Get the Elizabeth Arden Pretty Gift Set – which contains the Pretty Eau de Parfum Spray and Pretty Body Lotion – to enjoy an even longer-lasting fragrance.

    

9. Eclectic. Do you get sick of the same old perfume? Or do you like a scent that reflects your mood? Then the five-piece Harajuku Lovers Solid Perfume Coffret is perfect for you. Whether you’re feeling sassy or sweet, this gift set has a fragrance that fits your ever-changing mood.

    

10. For him. We’ve also found a seductive scent for that special man in your life. Surprise him with Kenneth Cole Black — a masculine mélange that includes mint, mandarin, ginger, cedar leaf, nutmeg and black suede.

     

Have you found your perfect match in the world of fragrance? Does your perfume change with your mood? Have you just recently discovered the wonders of dabbing on a signature scent? With so much to choose from, there's certainly something for everybody!