Spring is a few weeks away, which means we can finally spend some much-needed time outdoors. This also means it’s the perfect time to revamp your fragrance collection. Smelling good boosts your confidence and can complete a look. I recently got more into scents a few years ago, and now it doesn’t feel right to go out without some fragrance on.
Over time, with purchasing so many new fragrances I found one that I labeled as my “signature scent.” It’s the one I’m constantly reaching for if I don’t think my other scents match the occasion. And it’s the one that I fell most in love with. It took me four years to find it after I first smelled it. Even though I think I found my signature scent. I’ve been wondering are signature scents even important?
Should you have a signature scent?
I think having a signature anything is important for you to always have something to fall back on. I have a signature hairstyle, makeup look, and even a signature outfit for when I have no idea what to wear. This idea of having a signature anything may come from my need to have all things planned and organized (just Virgo tings). But honestly, I think it’s cool to have something that everyone can pinpoint and remember you by (as everyone knows me for my big hair, now when I straighten it I get lost in the room!)
Signature scents are interesting because it’s not necessarily the only scent you ever wear but a scent that you wear often. Therefore, having a staple fragrance is important and it can make it easier for you to pick what you’ll wear each day. I talked with my best friend and fragrance “connoisseur”, Delorean to get his opinions on all things fragrance and signature scents.
When it comes to having a signature scent, Delorean says that he doesn’t have one because “each scent [in his collection] has an appropriate time to be worn.” Having multiple scents in rotation allows you to continue to try different things and not feel tied to one scent. But what about signature as in the notes of the fragrance? Although, I would say that I have a “signature scent” I picked it solely because I love the fragrance, it blends well with other scents, and it’s timeless. I often rotate my scents but find that they all have something in common (mine are typically light, sweet, and floral). Delorean mentions that he leans toward gourmand scents – or scents that smell like things we could eat. Even though he doesn’t technically have a signature scent as far as a specific brand, he does typically buy scents that have vanilla, truffle, and chocolatey notes.
Honestly, now that I’m thinking about it, maybe it’s important to have signature notes because it’s the type of fragrance you lean toward; but it’s not necessarily important to stick to one brand. To be realistic though all of this is based on preference, because scents can bring memories. Do you have an auntie who always smells the same and then when you smell something like that you think of her? I do which why I like to have at least one scent that people could recognize me by.
How to find your signature scent
If all this signature scent talk is stressing you out as much as it stressed me out, no worries I’m going to help you figure out how to find yours.
- You have to smell a lot: Fragrance shopping can be a literal headache, but the only way to find what you like is by smelling. Delorean mentions that “the best way to get familiar with fragrances is to experience them.” It’s difficult to figure out if you like something if you don’t try all your options. When you smell something you like, check the fragrance notes because those will become important later.
- Think about scents you already like: If you know you’re drawn to spicy or woody scents, those will more than likely be the fragrances you want to try and stick with.
- Try different fragrances on your skin: Our body aroma changes how scents work on your skin. It’s important to test the scent with your body’s chemistry; this will make more sense when you try it. The way the scent smells in the bottle is not exactly how it will smell on you.
- Understand the notes: Fragrances have three notes (top, middle, base) that help us understand how the fragrance will smell as it wears. The base notes are the strongest and last the longest, this is typically the heaviest part of the fragrance. The middle notes are the heart of the fragrance and what you will most likely remember the fragrance for. The top notes are the lightest and brightest notes, it’s what you smell when you first spray the fragrance. The top note evaporates quickly so it’s important to let the middle and base notes come into play when picking a signature.
- Decide what you love & what people around you love: Once you find a scent (or collection of notes) that you like test it out. Wear it daily and think about how it smells + how it makes you feel when you have it on. It’s also noted that signature scents are those that not only you like but you get compliments on. I’m guessing because it would suck if you were always wearing a fragrance that hurt other people’s noses. So, if you like the scent a lot and you get compliments on it, you may have just discovered your signature scent.
Why does fragrance even matter. . . we’re in quarantine?!
I think that wearing different fragrances that you love gives you a confidence boost. Smelling good + looking good is a must-have combination. To Delorean, fragrances act as a finishing touch to his outfits, “if I’m dressed to the nines, I want to smell as good as I look.” And he isn’t lying, wearing your favorite scents is the final step to complete before you run out the door.
Now with being stuck inside for most of the day, many people may have put their fragrances on lockdown as well. When asked about the effect Covid-19 has had on Delorean’s fragrance experience he states how: “At the beginning of the pandemic [he] was torn about spraying [his] fragrances or not because it seemed like a waste.” For some people wearing fragrances (even in quarantine) has allowed them to escape or reflect on better memories. Delorean has since had similar sentiments explaining how “fragrances can transport you to another place. . . [covid] hasn’t stopped me [from using fragrances] because I want to feel as happy as possible during times like this. Smelling good makes me happy.” I have been viewing wearing fragrances with a similar opinion. Despite being inside, smelling good is a personal experience as much as it is an experience for others. Why not spray it regardless if you’re staying in or not? Now is the perfect time to experiment with scents and see exactly what you like.
Some scents you should consider this spring
Paris recommends Dolce & Gabbana “Peony”, Marc Jacobs “Perfect”, and Versace Pour Femme “Dylan Blue”
Delorean recommends Tom Ford “Soliel Blanc” and Bond No. 9 “Gold Coast”
parisatavia.com 