Fragrances for spring

Seven sweet spring scents

When the weather warms up, your fragrance should change too. Look for fragrances that are light and invigorating -- citrus and fresh florals are always good choices. Here are seven of our favorite fragrances for spring!

3 women spraying perfume

Tips for choosing a spring fragrance

When buying a spring fragrance, don't just spritz it on in the department store and make your decision. Your nose will be confused by the other scents in the air, plus the product -- whether cologne, eau de parfum, eau de toilette or even a perfumed body lotion -- needs time to combine with your own unique body chemistry.

So before you whip out your wallet, ask for a small sample vial -- or, at the very least, a spritz on a card that you can tuck away in a plastic bag in your purse.

Apply the perfume to a pulse point (wrists are handy when testing a fragrance) outdoors or in a well-ventilated place. Then see how long the perfume lasts, how its aroma changes over time, and if you truly like it. Keep in mind that you shouldn't just buy it just because it's trendy, has a pretty bottle or smells great on someone else -- you have to make sure you like the fragrance on you.

1. Elizabeth Arden Pretty

This fragrance hit the shelves in February, but it is the perfect scent for spring. It has juicy top notes of mandarin, orange blossom and peach. The heart is a light floral combination, while the base is a soft musk and amber mix. The petalia is a new floral molecule that was introduced in this fragrance.

2. Narciso Rodriguez Essence

This floral, powdery musk smells of rose petals, iris and amber. It released at Saks in March in 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum, along with other matching body products.

Hidden fantasy Britney Spears

3. Hidden Fantasy Britney Spears

Britney Spears' new fragrance features a bold red bottle and box. The delicious scent offers the notes of white florals, vanilla and yummy desserts. It's a sweet fragrance, but not overly so.

4. Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs

Designer Mark Jacobs' original perfume (aka Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs) made its debut in 2001, and is still one of the truest, freshest and most feminine gardenia fragrances. In addition to the gardenia, other notes include lily of the valley, musk, cedar and ginger.

5. Vera Wang Look

If you think that all Vera Wang perfumes are "too much," think again. This one, Look, is much less intense. It's another fruity floral with top notes of apple and mandarin, among other things. The heart is a floral blend. You can get several sizes of Eau de Parfum, as well as other Look body products. It's perfect for a spring evening.

Calvin Klein Euphoria Spring Temptation

6. Calvin Klein Euphoria Spring Temptation

The follow-up to the 2005 Euphoria, this is a limited edition fragrance that is light and refreshing. The pear blossom notes are evident, but it also infuses florals of pink lily and violet. This invigorating scent is perfect for springtime.

7. Mariah Carey Luscious Pink

Mariah Carey's first fragrance M was well received, and Luscious Pink seems to be more of the same. The latest scent from the singer is a feminine floral scent that features a pink bottle topped with Mariah's signature butterfly.