L’eau Down: How to Find Your Signature Scent

How to find your signature scent - Politics of Pretty

Spring is in the air! I’m shopping for floral dresses left and right (I know.. groundbreaking) and I’m reaching for light and airy fragrances to embody my mood. Today is National Fragrance Day (another day, another URL-holiday), and with warmer weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect excuse to update your fragrance wardrobe. Shopping for a new fragrance can be overwhelming, which is why I’m breaking down some essential shopping tips for your next trip to your beauty department. Here’s how to find your signature scent.

First and foremost, get familiar with the fragrance wheel. The four standard families are Floral, Oriental, Woody and Fresh and within these, sub-categories. Use this as a guide to figure out what your nose is drawn to. It will really help you figure out what types of fragrance notes you like!

Start with trying light scents first. Instead of jumping into heavier woodsy fragrances, opt for musky scents.

Don’t sniff more than five scents at a time, otherwise you’ll overwhelm your nose. Let the alcohol evaporate before you judge. We tend to make a quick decision just based on the top notes but if you let it dry for a few minutes, you’ll gain a better understanding if its worth the splurge.

Skip the coffee beans. I’m always a sucker for these myself when I’m browsing fragrances. Coffee beans are known to “reset” your nose, but you actually end up overloading your smell receptors. Instead, bury your nose in a scarf or sweater and inhale.

I’ve always considered myself to be a perfume chameleon, so it took me a long time to discover my signature scent. Had I know these tips way back when, I probably would have found my fragrance much sooner! And in case you’re wondering it’s, Clinique Happy. I also love Folle de Joie (which is unfortunately discontinued), so I’m going to make sure I use every last drop.

If you’ve already found your signature scent or you’re in the mood to try something different, there are plenty of ways to incorporate fragrances into your beauty routine. From scented candles to dry shampoos, I rounded up some of my favorite scents for your body, hair and your living space.

What’s your favorite spring fragrance?

Image via The Decorista