You may be a creature of habit when it comes to your favoured fragrance, but the world's perfumers aren't backing down without a fight. More than 300 new perfumes were released this past year, so kiss goodbye that aged bottle of CK One, toss the drawerful of “free gift with purchase” samples and stop sneaking spritzes of your little sister's Hillary Duff With Love, because these fragrances are more than a trend: they may be your signature scent-in-waiting.

Unlike design, fragrance trends aren't defined by street fashion-- they are determined by Bell Flavours & Fragrances. Since 1912 the company has acted as the authority on scents, making them the official trending resource for perfumeries worldwide. For 2009, top trends include tilleul/linden flower, sandalwood with creamy qualities, deep dry amber notes, floral rose/violet, orange flower, citrus, oriental florals, fruity and woody florals and wood scents.

Labels like floral, oriental, fresh and woody notes are used in most fashion magazines to easily categorize scents for their readers. These terms were originally developed by Michael Edwards in his “Fragrance Bible”, the most thorough directory of all known perfumes, their distinctive characteristics and their makers. Adopted by the cosmetics industry and major retailers like Sephora, it gives everyday women the language to communicate their preferences like the haughtiest sommelier.

For those unable to decide on an all-purpose bottle of Eau de Toilette, take a closer look at Toronto-based perfumer, Susanne Lang. The Layers Wardrobe of Six is a collection of six, 7ml eau de parfums that hits all four of the major fragrance notes and allows the wearer to customize scent to suit their mood. One collection, six scents, thousands of custom personalized scents = the recessionista perfume lover's dream.

Some standout hits to look for this season:

* The environmentally friendly Strange Invisible Perfumes (SIP) in Aquarian Roses, a unisex rose scent laced with marjoram and sandalwood. It's new to the market and trendy for both ethics and scent.

* Apothia Pearl is a day-to-night fragrance developed by Stephen Nilsen and features shiso leaf, plum blossom, honeysuckle, warm golden amber, yuzu and ivory musk accord.

* Tom Ford White Patchouli is a sleek combination of wood notes, white flowers and, thankfully, doesn't smell anything like the patchouli I ritually avoid.

Do you dare to try something new, or are you loyal to your brand?

by Marie Nicola