How To Find Your Signature Scent

The power of scent is strong. Scent can evoke strong emotions, bring back memories, and leave people wondering what olfactory euphoria they just encountered. It can be your aromatic autograph, a statement closely associated with you and your character. But how do you find your signature scent?

Finding a signature scent takes time and dedication. Rarely can you walk into a beauty boutique, smell the first fragrance, say "yup! This is me in a bottle!" and walk out. It often requires testing numerous scents, careful consideration, and making an informed decision based on your experiences and body chemistry. What smells great on one person may smell revolting on someone else.

Research Some Fragrances That May Appeal To You 

Ask yourself what kinds of notes you are drawn to. Do you lean towards fresh citruses or floral notes? Do you like sweeter notes like vanilla, chocolate, or caramel? Or perhaps you like masculine notes like leather, woods, and musks.

Once you have a basic idea of the kinds of notes you're looking for, you can begin searching for your signature scent. If you are a novice to the world of fragrances, you may not even know where to start. 

Helpful websites like Fragrantica are full of reviews, lists, and news on all sorts of fragrances new and old. A quick Google search for most popular fragrances can also give you an idea of what's trending.

It is advantageous to write down the names of these fragrances and their scent profile (the top, mid, and base notes outlined in the fragrance profile found on Fragrantica), and to refer to those notes while you test the fragrances.

Reading and watching reviews can be helpful, but we caution you to take these reviews with a grain of salt. Everyone's nose is different, and what someone else smells may not be exactly what you smell. 

Some reviewers have put their noses to hundreds, if not thousands, of fragrances, and would have more experience differentiating between similar notes (such as Madagascar vanilla and Tahitian vanilla) that the average wearer would be unable to tell apart.

Test A Variety Of Scents Before You Buy One

Once you have your list of fragrances you'd like to try, head on over to your local big box store, beauty boutique, or fragrance specialist. Most retail outlets will carry popular scents by big brands such as Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dior, and so on. 

You may not find every fragrance on your list, but you will find an assortment of relatively mass-appealing designer fragrances. This can be a safe place to start your journey.

Depending on where you go, you may not find the exact fragrance you are looking for. Fear not, as most brands offer their fragrances in smaller bottles called decanters. These smaller vessels give you an opportunity to experience the fragrance before purchasing a full-sized bottle. 

Websites such as Scent Split, DecantX, and Maxaroma have large collections of decanters available for sale and are trusted by consumers.

Some brands even offer tester kits full of fragrances from their collection, allowing you to experience the flankers and other releases they have to offer. These tester kits are often available on the brand's website.

Unsure of how to test fragrances? We have an in-depth guide on How To Test Fragrances Before Buying that will walk you through all the right steps.

Don't Be Afraid To Try Niche Houses

If you are looking for a unique fragrance that isn't as common as the ones found at the local outlets, niche houses may be for you. These brands are known for experimenting with different scent notes and combinations that push the boundaries of creativity and often lead to interesting blends like the ones found in Fat Electrician by Etat Libre D'Orange, Liqueur BPM by L'Orchestre Parfum, and Don by Xerjoff.

Along with unique scent profiles, niche houses are typically more expensive than their mainstream counterparts. This is usually due to the price of higher quality ingredients and the exclusivity of the brand. You may find them in higher-end stores, but usually, these fragrances are purchased through online retailers or upon special request.

Be Aware Of Modern, Classic, And Dated Scents 

Just like clothing, fragrances can follow trends. Sometimes a ground-breaking fragrance will hit the market with mass appeal, prompting other brands hoping to ride the hype train to create similar fragrances. Sometimes these fragrances become iconic, while other times they fizzle out within a year or two.

There is nothing wrong with making a trendy fragrance your signature scent, but be aware that since this fragrance might be common, it won't cause you to stand out. You may also want to consider a classic fragrance that has withstood the test of time. Sometimes these classic fragrances can rekindle old memories and nostalgia in others, making them remember you.

If you decide to make a classic fragrance your signature scent, be aware that some people may consider that fragrance to be "dated". Someone might comment that your fragrance smells like an old barbershop or like something their grandparents wore. Don't let this deter you. Vintage and "old school" fragrances can certainly be worn today. It's all a matter of opinion. If you like it, wear it.

Ask "What Are You Wearing?" When You Smell Something Your Like 

As you go about your day, you may get a whiff of something heavenly. If you can pinpoint who it's coming from, ask them what fragrance they are wearing (if you add something like "it smells great" or "I really like it", it opens up the conversation and helps them feel more at ease).

Most people will be delighted to receive a compliment and more than happy to tell you what fragrance they put on that day.

Understand The Seasonality Of Scents

You may want to consider having two signature scents: one to wear during the warmer months of spring/summer, and one to wear in the cooler months of fall/winter.

During the warmer months, the combination of your body heat and the warm weather will cause your fragrance to project more, so you want to lean towards fragrances that aren't heavy or stifling.

Typically, spring/summer fragrances are going to be lighter, brighter, and fresher. Common notes found in spring/summer fragrances include:

• Aquatic/blue/marine/oceanic notes (typically smell like fresh linens, sea breeze, and/or freshwater lakes)

• Citruses (bergamot, lemon, and/or orange)

• Florals (like geranium, orange blossom, and/or ylang-ylang)

• Green notes (like fresh-cut grass, flower buds, and/or green or herbal tea)

Most fall/winter fragrances will be heavier and warmer. Think of these as intimate fragrances best worn when cuddling by the fireplace on a cold night. Common notes found in fall/winter fragrances include:

• Boozy notes (cognac, rum, and/or whiskies)

• Leather (typically animalic, smoky, and/or musky)

• Resins (amber, benzoin, labdanum, myrrh, and/or styrax)

• Spices (like cinnamon, clove, and/or nutmeg)

• Tobacco (cigars and pipe tobacco, not cigarettes)

• Warmer woods (cedar, sandalwood, and/or vetiver)

What Message Do You Want To Convey With Your Scent?

When you are choosing your signature scent, remind yourself of the message you want to give others. Are you a masculine manly man who eats nails for breakfast and drinks gasoline by the gallon? Are you a sophisticated gentleman who enjoys the finer things in life like a bottle of vintage wine? Or are you someone who likes to always be different?

These are questions you should ask yourself while choosing your signature scent. It should reflect who you are as a person and have some correlation to how you dress and how you act. It may seem odd if your signature scent is a floral, fruity fragrance but you wear a leather biker jacket and rock a large beard.

Summary

A signature scent is a reflection of your personality. It may take some time to find yours, but when you do, it will leave a lasting impression on those around you. Don't be afraid to experiment with scents and be open to new and unique scent profiles. Before long, you will have people asking you "what are you wearing? It smells great!"

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