How do I pick a scent that's good for me? Just because a fragrance smells wonderful on a friend doesn't mean it will work for you. "Perfumes 'dry down' differently on everyone's skin," Kinnaird says. She suggests doing your research: "Familiarize yourself with the notes in a scent you like and look for them in other perfumes." A trip to a perfume counter will help you define and narrow down specific notes.