There’s something magical about having a signature scent. It’s that fragrance that people associate with you — the one that lingers after you’ve left the room, the one that makes you feel most like yourself.
But finding the perfect perfume isn’t about picking the prettiest bottle or going with the latest trend. It’s about discovering what works on your skin — and that takes a little curiosity, patience, and some trial and error.
Here’s our real, down-to-earth guide to help you find a fragrance that truly feels like you.
1. Don’t Rely on What You Think You Like
We meet lots of customers who come to us saying they love certain fragrance notes — maybe they’re into citrus or think they always go for vanilla. But more often than not, they end up falling in love with something completely different.
Why? Because perfume isn’t static. It evolves on your skin, and what you love in theory might not feel right once it settles.
2. Sampling Is Key
This is the biggest tip we can give: sample your fragrances properly. Not just on a test strip — on your skin. Here’s why it matters:
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Your skin chemistry changes everything. What smells one way in the bottle might smell totally different once it warms up on you.
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Fragrance has layers. You’ll first notice the top notes, but those fade. The heart and base notes — what lingers for hours — are what truly define the scent.
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External factors matter, too: the weather, the season, your body temperature, even your mood. They all affect how a scent wears.
3. Start Small and Wear It Over Time
If you’re just starting out, go for a discovery set or smaller samples. Try them:
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At different times of day
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Over a few days or weeks
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In different weather conditions
Let the scent settle. See how it makes you feel. Take your time — this isn’t a rush decision.
4. Look for Patterns
As you test more scents, you might start noticing patterns:
“Every time I love something, it seems to have a bit of Tonka or sandalwood…”
“That fresh, creamy dry-down always gets compliments…”
These little clues will help guide your preferences. You don’t need to become a fragrance expert — just follow what feels right for you.
5. Trust Your Nose — Not the Trends
What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. The beauty of fragrance is that it’s deeply personal. The best scent is the one that makes you feel amazing.
When you find it, you’ll know. People will start saying, “That smell reminds me of you.” And that’s when you’ve found your signature.
Ready to Start Your Fragrance Journey?
At Olfactology, we make it easy to discover the scent that fits you. Our sample sets are perfect for trying a few styles, and we’re always here to guide you if you need a hand choosing where to start.
Explore our Discovery Sets, wear them your way, and let your signature scent find you.