How to Return a Fragrance

By Sophia Panych, Allure magazine

Love may be blind, but let's face it, your sense of smell is typically immutable. So, what to do if a guy bought you fragrance for Valentine's Day, but it's so not your style? Trade it in. Unlike an oversized box of chocolates, it is possible to return fragrance.

Related: 10 Easy Date-Night Hair Ideas

We checked with a number of stores (including Dillard's, Sephora, and Ulta) and discovered that most of them have surprisingly generous return policies for perfumes. Most stores we polled will take back a scent-even when you've used a bunch of it-as long as you still have an original-or gift-receipt. Some stores, such as Sephora, require you to have the original packaging, too, so try to refrain from tearing the box apart or tossing it in the trash.

Related: 31 New Hair Ideas for 2011

Keep in mind though that you do need to get on it: Most retailers place time limits on returns-usually between 30 days to six months from purchase. So, if you've received a funky fragrance, it's worth taking a minute to check out the store's return policy. Then, take a second to check out our picks for the scents you'll actually want to spritz this year.

More from Allure:

• 10 Hairstyles That Will Make You Look 10 Years Younger
• Find the Best Haircut for Your Face Shape
• The Best Oscar Hairstyles of the Last Decade
• 10 New Sexy and Speedy Makeup Looks
• 17 Bad Skin Habits

Photo Credit: Getty Images