How to Find Your Signature Scent in Just Four Steps
There comes a time where we must all make one of the most important, personal, and defining decisions of our lives- and no, we are not talking about committing to that perfect apartment or partner. We’re talking about finding your signature scent!
We know that finding a fragrance can be overwhelming. So, we’ve simplified the whole process down into 4 steps.
And soon, you too will be able to capture whatever essence you could dream of in a bottle.
1. Know Yourself
To begin your fragrance adventure, some soul-searching is required. You must ask yourself 5 important questions:
How do I want to feel?
How do I want to be remembered?
How long do I want it to last?
Do I want this scent to be seasonal or year-round?
Last, but certainly not least, what is my budget?
The answers to these questions will act as a guide through the vast array of fragrances you will encounter. You may realize you want a dark spiciness that reflects the sort of investigative, quiet journey you are taking to that dusty holiday bookstore for an afternoon. You also could envision a deeper, sweeter scent that clings to both your skin and the people you brush by while you dance the night away- but only for under $200.
From here, you can make a list of perfume notes you know you like and core moods you want to embody.
For example - you may know you love white florals and want to embody a sense of timeless elegance that radiates from you like a warm soft light.
Or perhaps you want to smell a little more edgy, giving off the energy of an office siren mixed with “don’t make me repeat myself”. And you’re open to whatever scents capture that aura. After you have sufficiently explored inwardly, it’s time to explore the scents themselves.
2. Research, Research, Research
The perfumes you smell can be visualized to be almost like a layered cake; different scents occupy different spaces, but combine into a singular, harmonious sensory experience.
Scents are broken up into “scent families”, also known as accords. Each accord can be further broken down into scent notes. It’s easy to think of notes as singular ingredients, like lemon, cedar, jasmine. Examples of an accord, in contrast, would be citrus, woody, floral.
Notes can be further categorized as either a top note, heart note, or base note. Top notes are the first impressions of the fragrance, recognizable as soon as you spray. Heart notes, or middle notes, are more well-rounded, and bridge the gap between top and base notes. Base notes are usually the deeper soul of the fragrance and intensify the complexity of the scent. You may be getting a feel for how nuanced and intricate each fragrance can be.
There isn’t really a definitive number of scent accords, due to the vast possibilities of blending different fragrance notes. Because of this it is important to know what notes and accords you already enjoy. An easy way to find out what notes you like without actually smelling them is by searching for your favorite perfumes on their brand sites or databases like Parfumo. Otherwise, it’s important to get out and explore scents yourself.
3. Explore
Now, you are ready to begin to smell some perfumes.
You can head to your local Sephora, Ulta, niche fragrance store, or department store and let your nose take it from here.
Now would be the time to reference your scent accord/note cheat sheet- which perfumes can you find that have aromas you like? You can also ask a store associate (they are often so nice and so helpful!) to assist you in finding the right fragrances based on your preferences.
It may be helpful to limit your scent exploration to about two hours so that you don’t go nose blind to what you are smelling.
*Tip: If you do feel a little overwhelmed by all of the fragrances, often people smell coffee beans to clear their nose- but a better method is to smell the fabric of your shirt on your shoulder, or just take a few minutes outside. Both of these options will reset your scent receptors to smell clearly again.
Once you’ve found a few, take a few samples for the “Test Drive”.
4. Test Drive Each Fragrance
After you find something you love, the “Test Drive” is a MUST before you buy - like dating before you and your fragrance move in together.
To test a fragrance, spray on your skin and let it mix with your natural oils. If possible, take home a sample of it with you. The same fragrance often smells differently on different people. Go to work in the scent, play with the scent, and live in it for a few hours.
There are 3 time frames you want to take note of: 30 minutes, 1-2 hours, and 4-6 hours after spraying.
These time frames will give you a strong idea of how the fragrance changes with your skin over time. At these time frames, here’s what to take note on:
How did it change from what it was like in the bottle?
How long does it last?
Does it match with the vision you set out to achieve?
It’s very common that you fall in love with a fragrance in the bottle, then don’t like how it evolves on your skin an hour later. And that’s okay! That’s why you test before purchasing a full bottle.
If the fragrance is able to pass these little tests, then congratulations - you have a new signature scent on your hands!
The process may seem a little involved and the fragrance world somewhat daunting, but it can be made fun! Scent Social Club aims to create a warm and welcoming space of tasteful experience for those who love scent.
To join our community, follow us on Instagram or sign up for one of our perfume tours and discover a perfume that resonates with you.
