Finding your way through the extensive variety of fragrances on the market can prove a real challenge. Given the dizzying array of options available in terms of brands, perfumers, and scent families, how does one go about discovering a scent that speaks to them and becomes their trademark scent?
Discovering your trademark fragrance is an individual and subjective journey; it might require experimenting to find the one that works best for you. But if you put in the time and effort to learn about fragrances and try them out, you’re sure to discover one that suits your taste and character.
Finding Your Signature Scent: What Steps to Take?
There is always an opportunity to make a lasting mark on the world with your unique scent, regardless of your current stage of fragrance exploration. Here are 6 essential tips to help you discover your unique perfume:
1. Study the Notes
The keynotes of a scent can be associated with a certain emotion or energy you want to convey. While the exact significance of every note may vary from person to person, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a broadly adored note that speaks to you personally.
Tonka bean or vanilla notes might be appealing if you’re looking for a reassuring aroma that brings back memories of your mom’s baked goods. For those looking to project sophistication and self-assurance, a traditional aromatic scent like Baccarat perfume can evoke memories of the confident figures admired in childhood.
2. Explore Fragrance Families and Their Seasonal Scents
As the seasons change, it’s normal for people’s scent preferences to differ. While the weather is warmer, you may find that lighter, more airy fragrance to be more calming. Additionally, if you intend to spend a lot of time outside throughout the summer, you should invest in a fragrance that stays longer.
In contrast, as the weather becomes colder, you can choose something cosier and more reassuring, or a fragrance that complements your festive spirit. Having a distinct scent for each season is quite acceptable. In fact, switching things up and trying new fragrances as the weather shifts can be a fun way to refresh your routine.
3. Discover New Fragrances by Asking
If you like someone’s perfume and want to know what it is, just ask! It’s like using Shazam to find favourite music. Remember that they’re wearing that aroma for just that purpose. Not in the sense of being asked, but rather for the sake of having others appreciate it.
Your next step, after identifying and naming your favourite scents, is to learn as much as you can about each one to discover its origins or a comparable one. Pay attention to the notes and ingredients in the fragrances to guide your exploration.
4. Skin Chemistry
The natural oils and pH levels of your body react differently to each scent. What this implies is that your sense of smell may be quite different from someone else’s. If you’re having trouble deciding on a trademark scent, trying out a few different ones and seeing how they work on your skin is probably your best bet.
Always be mindful of your skin’s reaction to fragrances; some people have skin irritation or headaches from certain notes, especially from popular brands.
5. Consider Niche Appeal vs. Mass Appeal
Picking a mass-market scent means you might end up smelling like every other man in the workplace. Fortunately, these scents aren’t overly strong which means they won’t draw too much attention to themselves and are usually well-received. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a unique signature scent that sets you apart from the crowd.
The art that goes into creating scents with broad appeal is what makes them so appealing. The stakes are so high that these scents often include some of the most renowned perfumers in the business. Despite working under more stringent constraints (such as a smaller budget and more detailed specifications), they never fail to impress.
6. Sample Before Buying
Spending a considerable sum on a fragrance means you want to be sure it’s a good one. To be sure, you should put it through its paces in advance. If the scent isn’t sold in shops, don’t worry -most brands provide sample-size testers.
When trying on fragrances in person, spray a small amount onto your skin and wait a few hours for the scent to grow on you. If you’re buying online, consider exploring a luxury sample set to find your perfect scent.
The key to discovering the perfect scent is letting your sense of smell guide you. Choosing a fragrance should be based on how you feel whenever you use it. Avoid the pitfall of acting as if you like a certain fragrance or brand only to become tired of it after a week.
