Hand on heart — a signature scent is like your personal calling card. It’s the fragrance that feels like you and captures your personality in the best way. You know that one friend who’s had the same perfume forever, and you could recognize her from a mile away just by the way she smells? Yeah, that’s the magic of a signature scent. Scents are powerful — they connect us to people, memories, and special moments (even a few we might rather forget, if we’re being honest!). Having a signature fragrance is such a beautiful thing. It’s like finding the one — that perfume you always reach for, that just feels right, no matter what. But don’t worry — loving one signature scent doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy others too! You can even layer different fragrances to create a custom vibe, and it works so well if you follow a few simple tips. It’s a fun way to switch things up while still staying true to your signature style. And don’t worry — I’ll definitely be writing a whole separate post on layering perfumes, because even though it’s not rocket science, there are a few little secrets you’ll want to know to make it smell next level.

In today’s blog post, we’re diving into how to actually find your signature scent — and how to choose a fragrance that truly feels like you. With so many beautiful (and let’s be honest, some not-so-great) perfumes out there, it can definitely feel overwhelming to pick just one. But don’t worry — it’s not as complicated as it seems! That’s why I’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you find the perfume that’s a perfect match for you. It’ll make the whole search way easier — and a lot more fun, too!

Just a little disclaimer from me before we dive in: How much you want to spend on a perfume is completely up to you. Personally, I tend to invest a little more in high-quality fragrances that actually last — and honestly, you can tell the difference between a luxurious scent and a cheaper one. And if you’re like me and don’t feel the need to have 20 different bottles at home, it’s totally worth spending a bit more to find that one perfect perfume you’ll love wearing every day.

01. WHAT'S YOUR SCENT STYLE?

Every perfume belongs to a certain scent group or fragrance family. Before you head out shopping for your new signature scent, it’s a good idea to first think about which of the following categories speaks to you the most. That way, you won’t be wandering around aimlessly, sniffing every bottle — you’ll already have a starting point to guide you! Here are the main scent families you’ll come across:

Fresh & Citrusy

• Light, energizing, and clean — perfect for everyday wear or those sunny summer days.
• Typical notes: Lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, green leaves
• Examples: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche, Kayali Sparkling Lychee

Floral & Romantic

• Feminine, playful, and elegant — the perfect match for romantic moments or springtime.
• Typical notes: Rose, jasmine, peony, orange blossom
• Examples: Dior J’adore, Tiffany & Co. Rosegold Intense, Kayali Majesty Rose Royale

Sweet & Gourmand

• Warm, cozy, and just a little bit delicious — perfect for fall/winter or a night out.
• Typical notes: Vanilla, caramel, tonka bean, praline
• Examples: YSL Black Opium, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, Kayali Boujee Marshmallow

Woody & Warm

• Luxurious, elegant, and deep — perfect for special occasions or a night out.
• Typical notes: Sandalwood, patchouli, cedarwood, oud
• Examples: Le Labo Santal 33, Tom Ford Oud Wood, Dior Bois d’Argent, Kayali Vanilla 28

Oriental & Sensual

• Mysterious, intense, and seductive — ideal for evenings or special events.
• Typical notes: Amber, spices, musk, oud
• Examples: Tom Ford Black Orchid, Mugler Alien, Armani Code, Kayali Vanilla Oud

Green & Aquatic

• Fresh, natural, and clean — perfect for minimalists who love effortless vibes.
• Typical notes: Green leaves, mint, sea breeze, vetiver
• Examples: Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Escape to Panarea, Kayali Maldives In A Bottle

My Tip: Think about the scents that have already captured your heart in the past. Do you love the smell of fresh, clean laundry? Then a fresh or aquatic fragrance might be totally your vibe. Are you drawn to the cozy sweetness of vanilla? Then gourmand scents are probably right up your alley.

02. CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRAGRANCE CONCENTRATION

Did you know there are different intensity levels when it comes to perfumes? They actually play a big role in how long your scent lasts and how noticeable it is throughout the day. I touched on this topic in another blog post (I’ll link it again here in case you missed it!), but it’s definitely worth going over quickly, because it’s super helpful to know what terms like “Eau de Toilette” and “Eau de Parfum” — that you always see on perfume bottles — actually mean.

Now, here’s my personal take: I don’t think you should go out shopping and only focus on finding an Eau de Parfum or a certain concentration. It’s definitely good to know what these terms mean, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the scent itself. And if the perfume that totally sweeps you off your feet happens to be “just” an Eau de Toilette — then so what?! What matters most is that you love it. You know what I mean, right?

03. HOW TO TEST PERFUMES THE RIGHT WAY - AND FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH

If you want to find the one, it’s super important to test perfumes properly. And yes — there’s actually a right (and a not-so-right) way to do it! “Wrong” might be a little harsh, but there are a few tips that can make your search way easier — and way more successful. Here’s what to keep in mind:

In theory, all of that sounds great — but if we’re being honest, it’s a little trickier in real life. Most of the time when we’re out hunting for a new perfume, we want to test a bunch of different scents — and it’s super easy to go over that 3–4 limit. But don’t worry! As long as you don’t spray every single scent directly onto your skin, you’ll be fine. Use the test strips first to narrow it down to your top 2–3 favorites — and then spray those on different spots on your body to see how they develop.

Pro tip: Some perfume stores have little jars of coffee beans sitting around — they’re there to help “reset” your nose between scents. Definitely use them — they actually work!

04. UNDERSTAND THE STRUCTURE OF A PERFUME

When it comes to describing fragrances, there’s a special structure you should know about. You’ve probably heard terms like top notes, heart notes, and base notes — especially when shopping for perfumes online. I was familiar with this idea too, but honestly, it took me a while to really get it. At first, I kept mixing up which notes appeared when — so if you feel a little confused, you’re not alone! I’m going to break it down for you in the simplest way possible, so it’s super easy to remember:

• Top Note — The first impression (lasts about 15 minutes) - Think: citrus, fresh notes
• Heart Note — The true character of the scent (sticks around for several hours) - Think: florals, spices
• Base Note — The long-lasting foundation (lingers all day) - Think: vanilla, musk, woods

Tip: If you find a scent you like, wait at least one hour before deciding if it’s really the one for you! Perfumes need a little time to fully settle and show how they truly vibe with your skin.

05. FIND YOUR SIGNATURE SCENT

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time for the fun part — actually picking your perfect signature scent! This part assumes you already have a few favorites that made it into your top picks.

Method 1: Let Your Lifestyle Guide You

Think about when and where you’ll want to wear your perfume:

• Minimalist & Fresh for Everyday:

  Go for citrusy, aquatic, or green notes.

• Romantic & Feminine for Dates:

  Look for floral and sweet notes.

• Elegant & Luxurious for Special Occasions:

  Try woody, oriental, or oud-based scents.

• Cozy & Snuggly for Fall/Winter:

  Choose vanilla, gourmand, or amber notes.

Method 2: Turn Your Favorite Feeling Into a Fragrance

Close your eyes and ask yourself: How do I want my perfume to make me feel?

• Fresh & Clean: Choose an aquatic or green scent.

• Romantic & Feminine: Go for floral notes.

• Warm & Cozy: Look for vanilla or gourmand fragrances.

• Mysterious & Sensual: Try oriental or woody notes.

Method 3: Let Memories Guide You

Sometimes the best perfumes are the ones that remind us of our happiest moments. Think about it — are there any scents that instantly make you smile?

• Vacation by the Ocean: Fresh, aquatic notes

• Feeling Safe & Comforted: Vanilla or gourmand

• Summer Nights with Friends: Fruity, sparkling scents

• Elegant Evening Events: Woody and oriental fragrances

Tip: Write down the scents you find yourself drawn to again and again — they’re your best clues for finding your true signature scent.

Your signature scent — your perfect fragrance — should reflect your personality in some way. Choose the one that feels the most right to you. How other people react to it is a whole different story. Some people are super sensitive to fragrances and might not love what you’re wearing — but honestly, that’s not your problem. You’re never going to please everyone, and that’s totally okay. At the end of the day, you’re not wearing your perfume for Marcy from the office — you’re wearing it because you love it, and because it expresses who you are and what makes you unique. Marcy will get over it. A signature scent is so much more than just a perfume — it tells a story. It should highlight who you are, not change you.