Start with what you know about their style
Do they usually prefer clean and light scents or warmer and sweeter ones? Even one broad clue is better than a random pick.
Think about occasion and use
A daily work fragrance is different from an evening or special-event scent. Defining the use case narrows the field quickly.
Choose a clear, approachable scent profile
When you do not know someone’s taste well, balanced and easy-to-read fragrances are usually less risky than highly unusual profiles.
Do not start with the largest bottle
A medium size, discovery set or travel format reduces the risk if you are unsure whether the scent will suit them.
Check exchanges and presentation
A retailer with a clear exchange policy or gift packaging gives useful flexibility when fragrance taste is personal.