As an extra touch before leaving the house in the morning, a lady or gentleman may decide to put on perfume or cologne. Unlike Napoleon Bonaparte—who at times went through 60 bottles of cologne per month—a thoughtful person understands a scent’s purpose is not to make a loud statement. Rather, it should be delicately pleasing to those nearby.

For example, you should wear just enough so that a person can smell the scent when he is having a one-on-one conversation with you. Do not dump so much on that someone can smell you before you even enter a room!

It is essential to practice careful moderation in this area, as some are highly allergic to strong aromas, and may become sick as a result of your scent.

• When choosing a fragrance, strive for one that compliments your body chemistry. You may want to collect free samples and test several for a few days until you discover one that works for you. Besides saving money, this will ensure you do not stand out unnecessarily. A family member or friend’s opinion may be helpful during this process.
• You may want to try a less-concentrated type of fragrance such as an “eau de toilette” (a perfume with a lighter scent) instead of one with a pungent aroma. This should especially be the case if you will potentially be around someone with chemical sensitivities. There are also options for scents made from natural ingredients. Ask a store clerk about different levels of strength.
• If affordable, interchange scents based on the occasion. For instance, a bright summer day calls for a lighter fragrance than a winter evening. A cold night, however, may prompt the use of a muskier scent.
• Be sure to always lightly dab the perfume or cologne—do not ever douse or spray it over your entire body. Effective places to use it are behind the ears, neck and in the crook of your elbows. Also, since the alcohol in it evaporates, consider dabbing it on the lower body, such as the back of the knees or ankles. The scent will gently work its way up throughout the day, instead of overwhelming your face.
• Be careful not to stain your clothes as some colognes and perfumes contain various dyes to add color.
• Perfume or cologne does not work as a substitute for deodorant!

Most important, perfume and cologne are packaged in small bottles for a reason—a little dab goes a long way. Exercise moderation.

Remember: those close to you should smell only a subtle scent—they should never smell you coming!