School is back in session and all around campus fellow students are being reunited with long-missed friends. While you’re so excited to see everyone again, something else is playing on your mind as you throw your arms around them. How do I smell?

Chemistry has a lot to do with picking out a scent that’s right for you. The body gives off its own individual aroma. This personal scent depends on a lot of different variables such as climate, lifestyle, hormones and diet. This is the reason why a friend’s perfume or cologne might smell great on them but when borrowed, something just isn’t the same. Unfortunately, trial and error is the best way to figure out which perfumes go great with your chemistry and which do not.

One common misconception about scent shopping is that if a person likes the taste of a scent, apple for example, then it will smell good on him or her. While this could be true, it isn’t a good rule to go by. Chemistry has a lot to do with which scents to pick out, and just because it tastes good doesn’t necessarily mean it will smell great on a person. A lot of companies are coming out with chocolate smelling lotions and sprays. While most people love the taste of brownies, walking around smelling like a brownie isn’t always a good idea. The taste-test rumor is false.

One must also consider the occasion when deciding what to wear. When going to do community service or play a sport, wear something light because there will be a lot of activity. For days in class, wear a “signature scent” that you wear most days. On special occasions like a date or going to church, pick out more of a romantic scent that is slightly heavier than the everyday scent.

After you decide on your scent, it is important to put it in just the right place. After all, if you’re paying good money for it, you want it to last as long as possible. While there are no specific “power points” that work for everyone, many believe that the best places to spritz are the wrists, behind the ears, behind the knees, etc. Also, some people will advise you to spray your clothing, as it will stay on your clothes longer and save you extra squirts, but beware, overdoing it can lead to staining.

The best way to find your perfect scent is to head to the mall and try out the testers and take home the ones that you like best. Seasons change and so do you, so don’t worry about stocking up on one perfume but consider the fact that what you like this month will probably change next semester. Now that you’ve found your favorite scent remember not to over-do it when putting it on. Just a quick mist through the air to walk through is good, or a squirt on your wrists to dab at your neck will also do. Don’t lose hope, finding your perfect scent might take some searching but sometimes it can be right under your nose.