Signature Notes

It is important to understand your preferences and how a scent interacts with your body chemistry when choosing a fragrance that best suits you. Start by identifying the type of scents you naturally gravitate towards: citrus, floral, woody, or spicy. If you're unsure, try different fragrance families at a perfume counter. Spritz each one on a tester strip, but reserve skin testing for those that really stand out to avoid overwhelming your senses. The "top notes" (the initial scent you smell) are often bright and fresh, but it's the "heart" and "base notes" that reveal how the fragrance evolves.

You don't need to crush the notes; instead, apply the fragrance to your pulse points (like your wrists, neck, and behind the ears) and let it air dry. Crushing, or rubbing, breaks down the perfume molecules and can alter the scent. Your natural body heat will diffuse the fragrance and allow you to experience how it interacts with your skin. Wear the fragrance for a few hours to assess how it changes over time, as scents develop differently depending on your unique skin chemistry, which includes factors like pH level and skin moisture.

To ensure the scent won't change or fade too quickly, look for fragrances with a strong base note, like musk, amber, or sandalwood, which are more long-lasting. Eau de parfum tends to have higher concentrations of perfume oil compared to eau de toilette, meaning it will last longer on your skin. It's also important to keep your skin moisturized and apply fragrance to pulse points to enhance longevity. Avoid applying perfume to dry skin, because this can lead to rapid absorption and cause it to fade faster.

Ultimately, choosing a fragrance that works with your chemistry involves a bit of trial and error. Once you find a scent you love that stays true on your skin and lasts throughout the day, you'll know it's the right one. Don't rush the process; wear the fragrance a few times to see how it makes you feel. A signature scent should be an extension of your personality and leave a lasting impression on yourself and those around you.