One would initially assume that the selection of a personal scent is something that is achieved both quickly and easily. In a perfect world, this would very well be the case.  However, in reality, it can take time and continual testing to arrive upon that one scent that is truly suited for you.

When determining your signature scent, the process is simple in that you need to find one that you like.  Again, this may sound simple, but you need to keep in mind that the journey can be much more satisfying than the destination. Utilizing a subscription service during this process can prove to be a logical choice.

The one crucial aspect to keep in mind during your journey to finding your signature scent is that descriptions are useless.  When determining if a particular smell or scent suits you, a description will more often than not leave you with very little of a clue.  Many fragrance descriptions are fanciful with the intent of luring you into believing the scent is for you. 

We understand that the choice of a scent is crucial, but at the same time, it can prove very time-consuming and even downright frustrating.  To this end, we have provided some simple suggestions and tips on trusting your own instincts, following what your nose is telling you, and finding your signature scent. 

Three Is The Magic Number

When working to determine your signature scent, you are most probably starting with an idea of what you might like and going from there.  This approach is acceptable if you handle it properly.  Many go the route of smelling everything available during the same visit to the fragrance counter and only succeed in confusing their nose and eventually experiencing a not too favorable liking to what they are smelling.

This problem is why, with each outing, limit your smelling of fragrances to just three per visit.  When you choose to smell more, your nose is getting a significant workout, and in all honesty, during the process can become a little overstressed, causing confusion.  It is essential to allow each fragrance its own shot at making your nose happy and providing you with your possible scent.

Go Lighter First

Fragrance experts agree that it is in your best interest to start with the lighter fragrances first and work your way up towards the heavier versions.  These lighter choices would include such scents as the more aqueous or musky fragrances.  It has been determined that as much as 50 percent of the population isn’t even able to smell musk.  The muskier types of scents present with a clean-laundry-type fragrance, where as the aqueous ones are fresher (such as Acqua di Gio).  It is suggested that you start with musky scents, then proceed to citrus, then to fruity, and ending with the heavier wood-type scents.

Don’t Be Afraid To Rebound

You may find yourself rebounding and returning to a specific scent time and time again.  This returning maybe because you like something about the particular scent, and as a result, it is continually drawing you back to it.  Your best bet is to request a sample of the fragrance and apply it to your skin.  It is important to remember what you smell in the container, depending on your body chemistry, will more often than not smell much different on your skin—this can mean even better or not good at all.

It is suggested that you place a sample of the fragrance on your hands or your wrists, or you can even apply it to the crook of your elbow.  These areas are the ones that tend not to be washed as often, and it will allow you to get an accurate idea of how the fragrance works with your personal chemistry.  Allow the fragrance time to permeate your skin, checking back every 20 minutes to an hour to see how it develops.

Don’t Worry If You Don’t Like Popular Scents

There will talk of those more popular scents, but much like those who tout their love for kale, it may not be for you.  And that is fine—do not be over-concerned if you choose not to go with the crowd.  Our preferences and choices in fragrance are highly rooted in familiarity.  We may smell a scent on a friend or family member that we have not personally smelled or worn before.  It is not so much that we don’t like the fragrance, it is simply a new learning experience for our nose.  It is important to remember that when trying out new scents, they compliment your body chemistry and make you feel the mood you want to feel while wearing them.

Know What You Are Smelling

Knowing what you are smelling will go a long way in being able to vocalize not only what you are looking for, what you do and do not like.  To better understand each scent category, we have provided a layman’s definition of each below.

• Musk – presents as a clean-laundry type of scent.
• Smoky – presents similar to a campfire burning or a recently blown out match.
• Citrusy – presents with such tones as lime, lemon, or oranges.
• Woody – present with a wide range including a creamy, nutty flavor, dusty, dank, and musky, to even sandalwood and cedarwood types of smell.
• Floral – this scent encompasses the entire spectrum of the flower garden.
• Aquatic – best described as a bubble bath meeting up with 7 Up.
• Oriental – similar to incense sticks with a powder hint of both spice and sweetness.

No Coffee Beans Needed

Many fragrance sellers will have coffee beans readily available at all times.  It’s been widely believed that the sniffing of coffee beans provides the scent indicators in your nose a form of “reset.”  This belief, in fact, is somewhat of a version of a perfumer’s old wives tale.  Experts suggest you are just as well off to bury your nose into the inside of your elbow, which will provide a much better recalibration than coffee beans can offer.

Give The Scent Time To Evolve

The one process that is the most important in determining your signature scent is the process of time.  We have all heard of the top note of a fragrance, the heart as well.  But what do these two terms mean?  They both work in the overall way in which the fragrance will smell with your chemistry.  The top note is the scent that is experienced when you apply the scent, and it generally lasts 20 minutes—it gives you your first impression.  However, the heart of the fragrance is the true indicator of how your chemistry melds with the scent and can last for up to four hours, or the better part of the day.

If you find that you are on a journey to discover your signature scent, you may want to consider a subscription service, such as here at ScentBox.  You will have the convenience of sampling a new scent each month without breaking the bank doing it.  You will also have the advantage of sampling scents that you would not necessarily consider to begin with, and in the process, may find the perfect fragrance yourself.