How To Find Your Signature Scent
Who doesn't want a recognizable fragrance to call your own? Your signature scent is all about finding a fragrance that embodies who you are and brings you confidence in your daily life. So take a look at some of our favorites, and find your dream perfume!
Perfume vs. Body Spray
What makes the difference between perfumes and sprays? We hear both terms all the time, it's important to know the difference so you can choose the right option for you. Perfumes tend to be stronger and last longer throughout the day due to the high concentration of fragrance. Body sprays have a lower concentration so they won't be as strong and may need to be reapplied throughout the day. Another alternative for those who love to smell good all day long is rollerball perfumes or wax-based scents. Usually, with a high concentration of fragrance, portable perfumes can be reapplied when you need a boost and can go with you anywhere.
Notes
Perfume notes are the components of your fragrance. They have a base, heart, and top notes that give off different scents during the life of your perfume. Top notes are present when you first spray your perfume in the morning, heart notes make an appearance around lunchtime and your base notes show up at the very end of your day. Your heart and base notes create the foundation, so it is important to read into those components before falling for a new fragrance. There are also two major branches of scent: warm and fresh. Warm scents tend to be more inviting, strong, and rich. Notes that fall under this category are oriental, woody, and spicy. Fresh scents lean towards more clean smells that lightly enhance your natural scent. Notes that lean fresh are floral, fruity, and water scents.
Let's Talk Prices
Higher price points do not always mean higher quality. Most believe that more expensive perfumes last longer, but that is not always the case. Perfume’s longevity depends on their concentration of fragrance, formulation, and your natural scent. Perfumes smell different on everyone due to our natural hormones and PH levels, which explains why you might not like your best friend's favorite perfume! So whether you spend five dollars on a body spray from the drug store or one hundred and twenty on a designer brand, it is all about preference and what works for you.
If you are looking for fresh perfumes that will make you feel like you just stepped out of the shower, try Glossier You ($60.00) a beautiful mix of soft, sweet, and crisp that will have you smelling great all day, and won’t break the bank. Others in a similar price range would include
Lush Sakura Body Mist ($42) and Philosophy Pure Grace ($54). These scents are light and complement your natural scent while giving you a feminine and bright boost. A higher-end pick is Ralph Lauren Romance ($88) a classic light floral that takes the cake for a lively, yet balanced fragrance.
If you are the type to prefer warm perfumes that make you feel all fuzzy inside there's also a wide array of perfumes to choose from. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 39 ($20) is warm coconut and praline scent that feels like laying out on the beach, basking in the sunshine. If you like vanilla Philosophy Falling in Love ($52) is a mix of vanilla, jasmine, lily of the valley, musk, and blackberry, a combination of sweet, fruity, and warm scents. YSL Black Opium ($78) is an invitingly warm and spicy fragrance that mixes coffee, florals, and vanilla to create a truly unique perfume. Finally on our list for a high-end warm perfume is Marc Jacobs Perfect ($100), a classy warm floral that draws you in and lasts all day long.
Compliments to your favorites
While it is important to find a perfume you like, a signature scent is more than that. Consider also finding a body wash that has similar notes to your spray. Lotions and deodorants are also great ways to compliment your scent. Combine similar notes to curate your vibe! If you find a fresh perfume that you are obsessed with, opt for a fresh lotion or body wash. Brands from Victoria’s Secret to Chanel have perfume-lotion combinations so you can maintain your new signature.
Another way to sustain your scent throughout the day is portable perfumes. Most of your favorites have roller-ball sticks that will fit in any purse or backpack to take on the go. Solid perfumes are also a great option. The fresh Glossier You has its mini-me in the reusable You Solid compact. This wax-based version of one of our favorites is the perfect way to hold your scent close to you all day. Lush Handmade Cosmetics has its take on wax-based solids as well. Lush has several scent options, but the portable Rose Jam Solid Perfume is our top choice for a fresh, sweet floral that lasts you all day.
Whatever your style, perfumes are one of the best accessories to have in your collection. Whether it's a fresh floral or warm inviting vanilla, your dream perfume helps you curate your vibe, so it's important to find your perfect match. After all, it's more than perfume- it's your signature.
Written by Zoey Frederick, Photography: Sophia Howard, Design: Anna Keller, Social Media: Sara Hartung