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How to Find a Signature Scent That Suits You

Last Updated on: Wednesday, 30 June 2021

Let's talk about finding “the one” — and we’re not talking soulmates. We’re talking signature scents.

Relationships come and go, but perfume is forever. Your signature scent will always be with you, no matter where you go or what life throws at you. It will give you a pep in your step, an extra boost of confidence and the motivation to go after what you want. Those who truly understand and love scents will know that this is no exaggeration — fragrance has tremendous power on us — it can incentivise us, empower us or calm us.

But finding just the right scent — your signature scent — can be quite a task. With so many fragrances to choose from, where do you start? With so much to unravel, let’s dive into the topic of signature scents and how to find the right fragrance for you.

Want to learn more about the world of perfume? Check out our post on day perfume vs night perfume.

What Is a Signature Scent?

A signature scent is much like a signature look — when you find the right style for you, something just clicks, and you know this look truly defines you. And it’s the same with your signature scent. It is a perfume that tells people something about who you are, or perhaps who you are aspiring to be. It’s a perfume you love, something that speaks to you on an emotional level, whether it calms you, excites you or comforts you. It’s the scent people will smell after you left the room and know you’ve been there.

While you might deviate time and again — after all, there are so many exciting perfumes out there — your signature scent is something you keep coming back to, like an old flame — because you know it feels right, and it never gets boring.

How to Find Your Signature Scent

So how do you go about finding your signature scent? There are a few things to keep in mind, so we’ve outlined some tips and tricks below.

What Image Do You Want to Convey?

When thinking about your signature perfume, consider who you are, what you enjoy, and what image you want to convey to the world. Are you an energetic, lively spirit (in which case you might love top notes of lime or mandarin), or are you more of a sultry, sophisticated soul (in which case, woody fragrances would be a good bet)? Women should consider whether they want to go flowery or spicy, and men can experiment with fresh, watery fragrances or seductive, smokey scents. There are no wrong decisions — it’s all about how you see yourself. That’s all that matters. That, and how much you love the overall smell of the scent and how it reacts to your skin chemistry.

Find a Niche Perfume as Unique as You Are

You might be wondering, “How can I pick a signature perfume that is being used by millions of other people today? Doesn’t that defeat the object?” Not necessarily! You can certainly go with more commercial scents, but if you want a fragrance with an edge, you can always go with a unique perfume. We have a range of niche perfumes for men and women which won’t be found in just any department store.

Or Go Classic and Timeless

As we mentioned, just because you go for a more classic perfume, that doesn’t mean it can’t be personal to you — it can still be your own signature perfume if it speaks to you. In fact, going for something timeless could speak volumes. You’re a traditional, cultured, sophisticated creature who values scents that stand the test of time. Perhaps it might be Chanel No.5 or Aramis Classic.

Research Your Fragrance Families

If you’re serious about finding your signature perfume, you’ll want to do your research. There is a lot out there, so it’s best to start by looking at the different fragrance families. Some fragrances are citrusy, some flowery and some fresh. Others are spicy, woody or smell good enough to eat, with notes of caramel and vanilla. Some perfumes are warmer and heavier, with long-lasting base notes, which are perfect for the winter. Others are lighter and uplifting, which make them great for the summer or the daytime. Having said that, rules are made to be broken — if you love your woody perfume, it might be right for you all year long.

Try Before You Buy

You might love the idea of a fragrance in theory, having researched its top, middle and base notes, but the reality might be quite different. You might also love a scent on someone else, but on you, it smells — somehow different. The way your skin reacts with a perfume — your skin chemistry — is an important factor when it comes to choosing a new fragrance. This is why we recommend sampling perfumes before you commit. We currently offer two free samples with every purchase of $50 or more at Feeling Sexy so that you can dabble and experiment without the expense.

When you’re out browsing perfumes, spray the scent around your body, on your pulse points, preferably, and live with the scent throughout the day. Once it settles on you, do you still love the smell? Or is there an undercurrent that doesn’t agree with you? Is it too cloying, too sweet or too intense? Rather than jumping into a decision, it’s best to play the field a little bit and see what’s out there.

Finding Your Signature Scent Will Take Time — Don’t Rush It

The most important advice we could give you when it comes to finding a signature scent is to take your time — just as you can’t hurry love, there’s no shortcut way to finding the perfume that’s right for you. It’ll involve a lot of trial and error, but that’s half the fun! Eventually, you’ll find one that takes you by surprise, and it’ll be just right.

Your Signature Scent May Change in Time

This is the thing about signature scents — they might be perfect for now. They might even be right for years. But at some point, there might come a time when you realise the fragrance just doesn’t work for you anymore. Perhaps you’ve grown up, your tastes have changed, or maybe it’s even your hormones. As we age, our hormones constantly change, particularly when we have babies or go through the menopause. Maybe the scent still smells good on other people, but for you, there’s something lacking. That’s okay — and perhaps even an exciting opportunity for you to get out there and find a new signature scent for this new stage of your life.

Looking to spoil yourself with a new perfume or two? Check out our sale section, where you can pick up luxury and niche perfumes for a steal!