Do you need to smell a fragrance in person, in-store, in order to decide if you're going to purchase?

Yes

More specifically, you need to smell it on YOU. Especially if you’ve never worn that fragrance before. Our body chemistry is so diverse that what smells good on one person could be totally different on you. But if you’re stocking up on something you’ve used before, there’s a lot of good places on the net to get ‘em at a discount.

I need to try it on my skin.

i would wear it for the day and see if i like it and how the bottom notes are. also to avoid being impulsive with the purchase. then i would go back in another day and buy it. the best times to buy perfumes are when it’s mother’s day and other holidays, when the department stores have giveaways, you get some free stuff, or some boxed sets that are cheaper for the amount you get.

I buy a lot of perfume and scents and agree with jca. It all depends on whether or not you’re willing to take a gamble, and how much it costs.

Perfume is all about chemistry. I always have to try it on, see how it wears on me after at least a day, and then I go back and buy it if it works. I think that gives you the most accurate idea of whether or not it will work for you in the long term. I’ve wasted a lot of money on a bunch of perfumes that smell too cheap, perfumey, or cloying within hours of putting them on.

Yes you need to smell it – but not necessarily in a store. Some companies offer samples or discount options.