Go to any big department store with perfume counters. Walk around and sample up to 3 scents. It takes about 30 minutes for perfume to "settle" on the skin. The first smell is the "top note," a few minutes later you get the "middle note," then (of course) the "bottom note." Only when you wait the full time do you know how the perfume will suit you. Never buy perfume based on how it smells on the bottle, in the air, or on one of those cards. Put it on your skin and wait to see if you like it.

When shopping I choose 2-3 that I like and ask for samples. The better houses give tiny glass vials with stoppers and I use these for travel. That way you can really give a perfume a try before making the investment of purchasing a whole bottle. I always buy the smallest size, since it takes me a long time to use a bottle.

When buying duty free, always know the regular price to see if you're actually getting a good deal.