How to find your signature scent

What is a signature scent?

Before we get to the good stuff, let’s talk about what a signature scent actually is. A signature scent is a fragrance that represents your personality and style, a scent that makes you feel confident and unapologetically you – and because of that it’s not only a scent you’re likely to return to time and time again, but it also becomes the scent that others associate with you.  

A signature scent reveals a lot about its wearer, because it often reflects things like personality and character. Which might explain why we’re a tad obsessed knowing our favourite celebs’ signature perfume! Want to know how to choose your perfume? Here’s how: 

How to find your signature scent

1. Don’t try too many fragrances in one go 

If you’ve made it your mission to find your new signature scent, it can be tempting to spritz every scent on the counter, but that’s a one-way ticket to fragrance overwhelm. Instead, we’d recommend limiting the amount you try in one fragrance hunting session, to a maximum of three.  
 

Test your chosen fragrances on different areas of your skin for at least 24 hours before you decide if it’s ‘the one’. This way, you can really appreciate and understand how the scent will develop on your skin.

2. Be patient 
 

When you first spray perfume, the notes you will experience are known as ‘top notes’. These will linger for a while, but then they will develop into the heart notes. Then finally, this will dry down into the longer-lasting base notes.  
 
Never decide whether a perfume is the one for you from the first spray, as you have several hours of developing scent to experience after the first spritz. The key to finding your perfect perfume is patience. It may not be the first bottle you pick up, so be prepared to try lots! 

3. Play detective and understand fragrance families  
 

If you already have a collection of perfumes, it’s time to take a closer look because the answer to your signature scent might be hiding among the crew. Perhaps you notice that you favour florals? Or that your scents all feature warm, amber notes? Or crisp, fresh citrus? Whatever you find during your investigation, this knowledge is super useful as it helps you identify the fragrance families that you’re most drawn to. Or you can use this knowledge to go against the grain, perhaps the scents you already own aren’t quite feeling right. Whatever you uncover, it will steer you in the right direction.  

Need help figuring out all things ‘fragrance families’? Check out our handy guide:

Beginner’s Guide To Fragrance Families

4. Trust your instincts 
 

Ouds might be booming in popularity and fancy flowers maybe your best friends top pick, but you should never select a scent based on other people’s opinions.  

By its very essence, a signature scent is a personal choice, so always go with what naturally appeals to your senses and style. Following trends is fun, but we don’t want you to miss out on timeless classics!   

5. Ask: What does this perfume say about me?  

 
You might not be able to articulate what you’re looking for in a fragrance, but we bet you can accurately describe your personality and lifestyle (and if you can’t, asking a couple of besties can help!). So, when it comes to finding a signature scent: ask yourself – what does this perfume say about me? A signature scent embodies the very essence of you and your personality, so looking at it from this angle can help you sift through your scent options.   

Outgoing and adventurous? Then a bold, head-turning scent might call to you. Quietly confident and minimalist? You may feel more grounded in a woody, musky scent. By looking for a scent that reflects your individuality, you’re more likely to get that ‘Yep, this is the right perfume for me!’ reaction. 

6. Experiment with layering  

Not found ‘the one’? Or maybe you want a fragrance that’s so unique, no one else can ever replicate (or guess!) the scent? Try fragrance layering. By combining scents together, you can create a more nuanced and totally personalised fragrance.  

Need help? Here’s everything you need to know about fragrance layering.  

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help  

If you’re feeling lost in your search for the perfect signature scent, our in-store fragrance experts are waiting. We can guide you through the process until you find the one that feels right – all you need to do is ask! 
 

8. Research online & order samples  
 

If you can’t get to one of our The Perfume Shop stores, it doesn’t mean your journey to finding the right scent for you has hit a dead end. Why not try one of our online services created to help you buy a perfume when you can’t test it in person? 
 

First, we have our Fragrance Finder. You’ll be asked a few questions, and based on your answers, the fragrance finder will suggest some perfumes you may like. It’s a great way to start narrowing down your options and helps you figure out the fragrance families that you’re drawn to.  
 

Then there’s our Try More Service, where you can select up to three 1-2ml samples that are delivered straight to your door.  
 

And finally, our Try Me Service, where we will send you a small vial of perfume when you buy the full-sized version, so you can test the sample before opening, and committing to, the larger size.  

What if I can’t just pick one?

As a bunch of self-confessed scent obsessives, we totally get it if you can’t pick one signature scent. And while we might be a tad biased, we also know that certain conditions – like our mood, the season, and the occasion – are all factors that play into which scent we reach for. So, why would a signature scent be any different? 

The most important thing to remember is that a ‘signature’ (singular or plural) makes you feel your very best, so have fun with your search, take your time, and trust your gut! 

ABOUT ELENA CHOW

COPYWRITER

Elena is a creative copywriter who’s been around the beauty block for more than a decade, writing for brands and glossy magazines. A self-proclaimed fragrance addict (her ‘open’ collection is at 14 bottles, but who’s counting?), it’s no wonder she loves penning pieces on our newest releases and trending notes. Her signature scent? Elle by Yves Saint Laurent.