Do you have a signature scent? The power of perfume is not to be underestimated. It can be associated with particular places and people, and make a very strong impression indeed. 

Picking a signature perfume is therefore something to consider carefully. Should you have one, and if so, how do you choose? If you want to know how to find your signature fragrance, read on to discover how and why you should do so. 

What is a signature scent?

A signature scent is one that makes you stand out. It says what you want it to, reflecting your personality. Your signature perfume should leave a lasting impression after you’ve gone. Both in terms of a lingering aroma, and as a picture of what you’re about. 

A signature fragrance is worn on a daily basis, and therefore becomes strongly associated with you. In fact if you leave home without it, you and those who know you are likely to sense there’s something missing. 

How to choose a signature scent

When considering how to choose a signature fragrance, there are several things to know. Think about when you’ll wear your perfume, choosing a scent that will stand the rest of time, and following your heart. 

It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the four main scent groups on the fragrance wheel. As well as their subcategories and respective positions, what to expect from each, and examples. 

Understand the different fragrance families and notes

There are four main fragrance families, or scent groups. These are amber – also known as oriental – plus floral, fresh, and woody. 

The aromas that make up a perfume comprise the short-lived top notes, middle or heart notes that last for up to an hour, and base notes that can linger for up to six hours. 

The Fragrance Wheel can be used to better understand scents. Each of the groups includes three or four subcategories.

Amber or Oriental

Comprises amber, woody amber, and soft amber. Expect exotic, warm scents with notes of resin, herbs, and spices. Amber sits between woody and florals on the wheel, and includes aromas like cinnamon, myrrh, and vanilla.  

Floral

Includes the floral, fruity, and soft floral subcategories. These are feminine fragrances like freshly cut or powdery flowers. On the wheel, florals have amber and fresh to either side. Expect the likes of jasmine, lily, and rose, or peach when it comes to fruity fragrances. 

Fresh

Fresh scents comprise the aromatic, citrus, green, and water subcategories. Expect clean, bright, herby, and ocean notes in this section of the wheel between floral and woody. Aromatic fresh fragrances may include basil, bergamot, lemon, and marine extracts.   

Woody

Sitting between amber and fresh, the woody fragrance subcategories are woods, dry woods, and mossy woods. Rich, opulent notes are what to expect here, such as patchouli, sandalwood, and vetiver. 

Occasion and lifestyle

When finding a signature scent, where and when you will be wearing your perfume is important. Some fragrances may seem too overpowering for daily wear, while others might be too subtle to make a proper impression. 

If you want to adjust your perfume to suit the occasion, layering is one way you can link different scents together. You can find out more about this technique below. 

Scent longevity

When choosing a signature scent, you should consider the long term. Pick carefully and you could be wearing this perfume for the rest of your life. So it’s important to get it right. 

In the interests of longevity, avoid more obscure fragrances, and choose brands that are familiar to you. Try to ignore trends, too, which come and go. This isn’t about fashionable perfume houses or a fleeting fad, but something enduring and very personal to you. 

Trust your instincts

The first rule when it comes to how to find your signature scent is to go with your instincts. In this case, let your heart rule your head. There’s no point in choosing a perfume you don’t truly love, especially if you plan to wear it every single day. 

Creating a signature scent with fragrance layering

If you’re wondering how to create a signature scent by layering more than one fragrance, then there are three main fragrance layering steps to follow. First, choose your perfumes. When you apply these, begin with the heaviest base scent. 

Once this is dry, add lighter perfumes on top to create your own signature fragrance. Aim to enhance the base perfume here, rather than masking it. 

How to test perfumes like a pro

The next obvious step when you’re wondering how to find your signature perfume is to try out each fragrance that appeals. 

Tips for testing perfumes

You can test perfumes on blotter papers, and also on your skin. Before making your mind up about a perfume, wait for it to dry down. You should also revisit the perfume several hours later, as the base notes can last for up to six hours. 

Tips for applying perfume

The best places to apply perfume are your pulse points. The additional body heat emitted by these areas can diffuse the fragrance more effectively. Pulse points include behind the ears, the base of your throat, your inner wrists, the inside of your elbows, below your belly button, and behind your knees. 

You can of course vary how much scent to use for different occasions. Apply to more pulse points for evening wear than you would during the day. It’s worth knowing that Eau de Parfum is stronger than Eau de Toilette for a stronger, longer-lasting fragrance. 

UpCircle perfumes

Here at UpCircle, we offer two distinct fragrances. Both of these are proudly made with upcycled botanicals. 

Flaura

Our Flaura scent is a fresh, uplifting scent with a floral, sensual feel. It contains top notes of zingy bergamot blackcurrant and fruity blackcurrant, heart notes including jasmine sambac, orange blossom and tuberose. The longer lasting base, meanwhile, includes deeper notes of cedarwood and vanilla. 

Santelle

The Santelle scent is a sweet, warm, and deep fragrance with clove and orange oils. The top notes comprise blackcurrant, pear, and black pepper, while the middle notes include peony, pink pepper, and sandalwood. Santelle’s base notes include Atlas cedarwood from Morocco, and immortelle, a richly-scented flower with notes of caramel, resin, spice, zest – and pure sunshine. 

Discover our collection of natural perfumes or shop for more sustainable skincare and beauty products made from upcycled ingredients.