Scent is incredibly evocative, so much so that someone coined the term ‘olfactory memory’ to describe the nostalgic feeling scents bring us. Having a signature scent is like having your own personal scent memory. All your favorite events can flood into your brain with a whiff of a bottle.
This applies to other people as well. They will recognize your signature scent and associate it with you and your memories together. But finding a signature scent can be overwhelming since there are thousands of perfumes out on the market. If you want to learn how to pick a perfume that can become your signature scent, follow along!
How To Pick A Perfume Perfect For You
1. Try Out A Few At Once
When you’re just starting, it’s important to keep your options open and try about three scents at a time. Keep them on a tray on your vanity or bathroom and spritz a different one each day for about two weeks so you can have enough time to develop a preference.
2. Let The Scent Evolve Over Time
A perfume rarely smells exactly the same throughout an entire day. Top notes evaporate slowly to reveal deeper notes, changing the scent slightly as the day progresses or as your body temperature increases. Note how each perfume changes over time by spraying it on your wrist and making a conscious effort to smell it every once in a while.
3. Pick One Out Of The Three
Once you’ve gone through the two weeks testing three fragrances, pick your favorite one. It should be the one that still smelled the best at the end of the day and didn’t fade into nothingness.
4. Understand Why You Liked It
Once you have your favorite, try to understand why you like it. Look up the fragrance notes of that particular perfume and pinpoint your favorite ones. This might take some time, as it’s hard to understand what each note smells like individually, but I promise you’ll get better with time. If you want to learn more about the basics of perfume notes, check out this guide. It will help you understand which note you’re smelling as the perfume matures.
5. Check Out Similar Fragrances
Once you’ve figured out which notes sold you on that perfume, it’s time to go on the hunt. Go to a perfume store and ask for scents that have notes you like. Smell away! And don’t remember to spray the ones you like on your skin to see how they react with your body chemistry and how they evolve over time.
6. Compare Price Points
It’s always a good idea to check out more expensive perfumes. Their top notes tend to be less offensive and their deep notes more complex and hearty. If you like a cheap perfume and it doesn’t seem to last or smells a bit like metal, ask a sales associate at any perfume store if there’s a similar, more expensive one. These also tend to come with rollerball perfume options that are perfect for traveling.
7. Don’t Be Afraid To Rebound
Even if you think you’ve picked the perfect scent, don’t feel bad if you feel like you’re being drawn to other fragrances you’ve purchased. It’s a good sign that you may have gotten your signature scent wrong! Experiment until you find one you love.
Wrapping Up
If you enjoyed these tips on how to pick a perfume, don’t hesitate to check out our other content! We write about all things girly including lifestyle, health, and beauty.
