Why You Need a Signature Scent and How to Find Yours

Chanel no. 5. Obsession. J’adore. Certain scents are absolutely timeless, and when you find the one that’s just right for you, it’s like slipping on the perfect little black dress; it flatters, attracts, and makes you feel oh-so-sexy. Even celebrities swear by their signature scents. Angelina Jolie loves Herrera by Carolina Herrera, while Lady Gaga – shocking enough – loves Daisy by Marc Jacobs.

There’s a perfect scent out there for everyone, and believe me, everyone should find theirs. The science of sex appeal says that scent and pheromones play an even larger part in attraction than even your appearance. Not only that, but our memories are strongly tied to scent, which means that long after you leave, your scent will linger, and you’ll be on someone’s mind – maybe even that special someone’s mind.

But how do you find your scent? With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one. However, you will ultimately end up with the one scent that’s totally “you.” Believe it or not, there are certain scents that just vibe really well with particular personality types. Are you flirty? Sophisticated? Tomboyish? Adventurous? Choose your personality type to discover the scents that are right for you.

#1 Fun & Flirty

Are you the type of girl who can’t wait to go out on the town and hit the dance floor? If you like to have a little (or a lot!) of fun and love the idea of meeting new people, use a flirty wink or shy pout to break the ice, you might be the fun and flirty type.

People of this personality type gravitate toward floral scents like peony and lilac, with a few citrus notes to grab attention. Try on some perfumes that fall into the floral/citrus category, and stay away from woodsy or oriental scents.

Try: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana or Glo by J.Lo

#2 Hopeless Romantic

The hopeless romantic believes that love at first sight can last a lifetime. If you fall hard for romantic gestures or love to pamper your man, you are very likely the hopeless romantic type.

Romantics also love florals, but citrus notes tend to clash with your dreamy personality. Instead, you want hints of spices like vanilla or cinnamon with your floral notes.

Try: Stella by Stella McCartney or Mademoiselle by Chanel

#3 Chic & Sophisticated

Ah, the sophisticate. You are ambitious, driven, and passionate. You don’t go in for anything too flashy, preferring instead to go with timeless, classy favorites. You want to head towards woodsy and citrus scents with light floral notes.

Try: No. 5 by Chanel or The Beat by Burberry

#4 Sporty & Adventurous

If you need to be where the action is, and loathe lying around, preferring instead to hit the gym, blaze a trail, or shoot some hoops with the guys, then you are very likely the sporty and adventurous type.

Floral might just be a little too girly for you, so you want to stick with woodsy and oriental type scents with some added citrus notes for just the right amount of femininity.

Try: BCBG by Max Azria or Delicious Apple by DKNY

#5 Laid Back & Mellow

Nothing gets you down, Miss Laid Back. You don’t like to overplan or overthink; you just want to go with the flow. Spontaneity is the name of your game, and you’re likely to go whichever way the wind takes you.

Woodsy scents are a little too somber for the laid back woman, so stick to oriental scents that are touched with light citrus and floral tones in equal measure.

Try: Curious by Britney Spears or Parisienne by Yves St. Laurent

Scent Savvy

Once you’ve found your signature scent, I know you’re going to want to flaunt it, but before you do, make sure you know what you’re doing!

Concentration Is Key

No, not the deep thought kind. High end scents come in different concentrations. Eau de Cologne is the least concentrated, and will last for around two hours. Eau de Toilette is the next step up, and will give you three to four hours of wear while Eau de Parfum will last around six hours. Parfum is the highest concentration and will last all day with very little application. It’s a great idea to start with a lower concentration and work your way up so that you don’t overwhelm everyone in the office break room with your new scent.

Spritz, Don’t Splash

This isn’t body spray, ladies; this is the good stuff. Please don’t douse yourself with it or fill up a bathtub and splash around. If you think it’s too strong, it probably is, so remember that less is more.

Know Where It Goes

Pulse points are where your blood flows close to the skin. They are always just a little warmer, and that activates your scent nicely. Dab or spray perfume on your wrist, behind the knee, and behind your ear. That way, when someone leans in to whisper sweet nothings to you, they’ll catch a hint of your signature scent, too. You can also spray some on your hairbrush, but never directly on your hair!

Now that you know how to match your personality to your perfect scent, and how to apply perfume like the chic sophisticate I know you are, what are you waiting for? Get to the boutique to pick one out!

Do you already have a signature scent? If you do, what is it, and how did you discover it? Do tell!

Cover photo: www.pinterest.com