But you have to ask yourself if it is really worth the price. The perfume industry is by no means a small industry, but that does not mean that you should have to pay an arm and a leg for a bottle of your favorite scent.

One of the alternatives to buying brand name perfumes is to go with the cheaper "knock off" version of the perfume. It will have a similar name and a similar scent. Many times you can find these perfumes for less than ten dollars at a clothing outlet store, such as Cato or Fashion Bug, that specialize in lower priced women's clothing.

The tip here is that the scents last just as long, if not longer than the brand name version and in some cases smell identical or even better than the celebrity endorsed version! It is an incredible bargain that cannot be beat and many feature an accompanying body lotion to match, just as the brand name versions do.

A second alternative is to go with an essential oil combination that fits your taste and lifestyle. After all, a perfume or eau de parfum is made up of essential oils and fragrances that are combined with alcohol to create the unique scent.

You can make your own mix at many online stores or specialty shops. You can have your own line of fragrances that are specialized just for you.

Try out different scents to create something that is totally your own style and do not be afraid to try different combinations. Just remember that essential oils are highly concentrated, so a little bit will go a long way. Use the perfume sparingly in order not to overpower everyone else in the room or to irritate your own senses and skin.

Some people cannot go without brand name perfumes. That is fine, but there is still no need to pay those outrageous department store prices. There are some tips for buying perfumes and colognes at a discount.

One way is to buy them online at such places as "Perfumania". The second is to buy gift sets when the holidays roll around. Usually the fragrances are marked down substantially.

You may not get a huge bottle but you will get a bath gel and body lotion at a pretty reasonable price. Saving money and getting your favorite scent makes it smell all the more sweet.