Discover your signature fragrance

By Heidi Rehak

Perfume is more than a dab or spritz as part of our morning ritual. We love knowing we smell pleasing to others, we admire the beautifully crafted bottles and packages our favorite scents come in, and we feel chic knowing we're wearing the latest "It" designer - even in liquid form.

But if you have yet to find your personal scent, or are looking to expand your fragrance wardrobe, the following quiz might be a handy drop of inspiration.

1. Your favorite color pairing is:

A. Yellow and orange

B. Red and gold

C. Green and brown

D. Pink and purple

2. Which herbal tea can most often be found in your cup?

A. Lemon Zinger

B. Jasmine

C. Green

D. Vanilla Almond

3. Your fantasy vacation would take you to:

A. The English countryside

B. An open-air market in Morocco

C. The redwood forest

D. A tropical island

4. You just might come back in your next life as a:

A. Butterfly

B. Black cat

C. Horse

D. Dog

5. Your most recent clothing or accessory splurge was:

A. Crock-print mules in a bright color

B. Sparkly, beaded bangles

C. Khaki pants

D. A pink cashmere sweater

6. Your favorite winter activity is:

A. Visiting a warm locale to soak in some sun

B. Skiing in the Swiss Alps

C. Building a snowperson

D. Snuggling with your honey under a down comforter

7. The perfect gift from your significant other would be:

A. A spa gift certificate

B. Sexy lingerie

C. A surprise picnic in the park

D. A bouquet of flowers

8. Your favorite restaurant serves which type of food?

A. Italian

B. Asian or Indian

C. Barbecue

D. Nouvelle cuisine

9. The type of music you adore most is:

A. Classical

B. World music

C. Rock

D. Jazz

10. Your signature outfit is:

A. Flirty skirt and beaded top

B. Something glittery, form-fitting and low cut

C. Warm-up suits or anything made from polar fleece

D. A long, loose, flowing dress in silk or linen

Scoring:

Add up the total number of times you chose letters A, B, C and D. Your fragrance style corresponds to the letter you chose most frequently.

A

Your perfume profile: Citrus/fruity

You love the tangy essence of fresh-squeezed juice, a wedge of lemon or ripe pears. Fruity fragrances are perfect for active women shuttling between the office, a Pilate's class and home, since they're usually light, crisp and not overpowering.

Try: Cassini, by Oleg Cassini; Sung, by Alfred Sung; Jessica McClintock; and Safari, by Ralph Lauren.

B

Your perfume profile: Exotic

Vanilla, fresh-mulled cider, a pepper mill, cinnamon and nutmeg are some of your favorite aromas. These fragrances are usually perceived as sexy and powerful because of the high doses of intriguing and pungent ingredients that they contain, such as musk, sandalwood and caramel.

Try: Rush, by Gucci; Anne Klein II; Diamonds and Rubies, by Elizabeth Taylor; and Colors, by Benetton.

C

Your perfume profile: Outdoorsy

Herbs, pine trees, a cedar chest and spring rain are all scents that lure you in. Since they contain so many green notes (patchouli, pine, basil and juniper), woodsy perfumes are ideally suited for those who work outside - or those who dream of hiking in the forest

Try: Green Tea, by Elizabeth Arden; Montana, by Claude Montana; Fendi; and Halston.

D

Your perfume profile: Romantic

You love the scent of a spring garden in bloom, a bouquet of roses or a lavender sachet. Florals are one of the most popular fragrance categories because of their ultra-feminine appeal. However, lest you think that all florals smell sweet and girlie, know that they can range in complexity from single-note scents, like pure rose, to fruity or spicy blends.

Try: Ann, by Ann Taylor; Chanel No. 5; Beautiful, by EstÈe Lauder; and L'Air du Temps, by Nina Ricci.

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