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Hi Jan: Is there, in general, a way to say, "If you like this perfume, then you will love this"? For example, if I like a classic floral fragrance, can you recommend another?

--Judy

Dear Judy: Perfumes are like wine—there are fragrance families, and if you enjoy a fragrance in one family, chances are good that you'll also like others in that category.

Judy, you mention that you like classic floral fragrances, which include very romantic multifloral bouquets, much like a fresh spring garden. Here are some you might like to sample: From Nina Ricci, try L'Air du Temps and Capricci. Jean Patou's Joy is a classic perfume, as is Chanel's No. 22 and Caron's Fleurs de Rocaille. Quelques Fleurs is another beautiful floral bouquet.

Want something more contemporary? Try Bulgari's Pour Femme, Peter Roth's It, or Céline Dion's Notes. Par Amour from Clarins and L'Interdit from Givenchy are also fabulous. These versatile floral fragrances can transcend the seasons, and put you in a springtime frame of mind, anytime.

Dear Jan: I was under the impression designer fragrances lasted forever. However, I recently read they have only a 3 to 5 year shelf life. I have approximately 20 fragrances in my wardrobe. Why do fragrances not last forever, or do they?

--Virginia

Dear Virgina: Think of fragrances as a flower plucked from a garden. It's beautiful and fragrant, but the flower's beauty is fleeting; it's not meant to last forever. In perfumery, the perfumer uses natural essential oils and other perfumery materials derived mainly from a variety of flowers and plants. Imagine that these perfume oils are akin to a very tasty olive oil you might have on your kitchen shelf (though essential oils are much rarer due to their delicate nature). If your oil is stored in a very warm cupboard, it will begin to deteriorate. Soon it will begin to smell and taste odd. The same deterioration can occur in your fine fragrances if they're not properly stored.

Be sure to keep your fragrances away from direct sunlight, and in a cool area of your bedroom or dressing area. (I keep my extra perfume in a dark, cool area of my closet.) Bottle caps should be tightly secured, because oxygen can also damage a fragrance over time. Besides these precautions, simply trust your nose, Virginia. I've had some fine fragrances last for many years, if well-stored.

My advice for your fragrance collection? Use it or lose it. Fragrance is made to be enjoyed, to brighten our lives every day. Besides, with so many fragrances to love, you'll surely want to try more.

Dear Jan: I'm in quest for a perfect perfume that will suit my personality.  I'm sweet, intelligent, and impulsive, and an extremely passionate and caring person.  Do you have any suggestions?

--Dora from Greece

Dear Dora:  You sound like a real sweetheart, and I'm happy you wrote.  Some of the most passionate fragrances are found in the Oriental family.  These warm perfumes often have spices, vanilla, and amber in sensual, enduring finishes.  More vanilla might enhance the sweet impression, while more spices lend an exotic air. 

New fragrances in the Oriental category include Boucheron's Trouble and Laura Mercier's Ambre Passion. Dior Addict, Hugo Deep Red, and Keiko Mecheri's Loukhoum are sure to mesmerize.  And don't forget to try these passionate Oriental classics: Shalimar, Emeraude, and Tabu. 

And as they say in Greece, Σας ευχαριστούμε, Dora.

Dear Jan:  What are the best summer perfumes for fiery Leos?

--Corrina from Berkeley, California

Dear Corrina:  Glad you asked.  I've been working with bestselling author-astrologer Susan Miller in creating our new star-sign-compatible scents.

For Leo (July 23-August 22): You're a summer/fire sign who adores fresh spicy fragrances. Feminine choices include sheer floral Oriental scents such as Fantasy Britney Spears, or Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf, a fresh Oriental. Leo men should try Vera Wang Men and Yves Saint Laurent's M7.

PS: Read Susan's monthly horoscopes at www.astrologyzone.com.

Email your questions to Jan Moran. Although Jan cannot answer everyone individually, she answers select questions in the Scents of Style column.

Note from Jan: If you're searching for a long-lost favorite fragrance, try searching Google below.  Try different spellings of the fragrance name, too. Other places to visit include www.ebay.com, and www.longlostperfumes.com. Happy searching!