Just like personal style, fragrance is identity. Last year Tonya and I tested tons of perfumes in an effort to find new signature scents. She ended up choosing Parfums De Marly Delina La Rosée- a fresh, dewy rose-centric floral. And I choose Trudon 45° – a warm, honeyed vanilla gourmand. We went through the effort to find our new signatures not only because we’re fragrance and beauty lovers, but also because there is something undeniably powerful about being remembered by scent. And a signature scent is not about wearing the most expensive perfume. It’s about wearing something that feels like you.
Why a Signature Scent Elevates Your Presence
It creates consistency. People begin to associate your scent with your presence. It also helps you feel more polished because it functions like an invisible accessory. There are so many beautiful fragrances available with new releases popping up all the time, so having a signature scent can simplify your decision fatigue. Over time a great fragrance becomes part of your personal brand.
Common Scent Profiles — And Who They Fit Best
Understanding fragrance families makes choosing a signature scent much easier. Here’s how to think about them:
- Floral — Romantic & Feminine
Vibe: Soft, classic, polished
Common notes: Rose, peony, jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia
Best for: The woman who loves dresses, fresh manicures, brunch dates, and timeless silhouettes.
If you gravitate toward ballet flats, silk blouses, and delicate jewelry, florals may feel like home.
Examples:
Parfums de Marly Delina – Lush rose with lychee and a slightly tart edge. Miss Dior Eau de Parfum – Modern romantic rose with softness. Chloé Eau de Parfum – Clean, airy rose.
2. Fresh / Citrus — Clean Girl Chic
Vibe: Effortless, crisp, minimal
Common notes: Bergamot, lemon, neroli, green tea, light musk
Best for: The woman who loves button-downs, glowing skin, and an edited wardrobe.
This profile feels like fresh white cotton and open windows.
Examples:
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue – Bright citrus with subtle warmth. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt – Airy, mineral freshness. Nishane Wulong Cha – Sparkling citrus tea.
3. Gourmand — Warm & Magnetic
Vibe: Cozy, sensual, memorable
Common notes: Vanilla, caramel, praline, tonka bean
Best for: The woman who loves soft knits, glowing skin, and a little mystery.
Gourmands are compliment magnets.
Examples:
Kayali Vanilla 28 – Sweet but grown. Giardini Di Toscana Bianco Latte – Creamy, dessert-like warmth. YSL Black Opium – Coffee-vanilla with edge.
4. Woody / Musky — Quiet Luxury
Vibe: Refined, grounded, understated
Common notes: Sandalwood, cedar, amber, skin musk
Best for: The woman who loves tailoring, structured bags, and neutral palettes.
Examples:
Le Labo Santal 33 – Iconic sandalwood. Escentric Molecule 01 – Minimalist skin scent. Le Labo Another 13 – Clean musky depth. Phlur Missing Person– Warm, skin-like musk with florals.
5. Fruity / Playful — Bright & Expressive
Vibe: Youthful, vibrant, charming
Common notes: Pear, apple, berries, peach
Best for: The woman who loves color, personality, and statement pieces.
Examples:
The 7 Virtues Candied Lychee – Fruity-sweet elegance. Burberry Her – Berry-forward and modern.
How to Create a Custom Signature Scent
If you’ve grown bored of your signature scent OR if you want a scent that is uniquely yours, try customizing:
1. Layer Two Perfumes Intentionally
Pair contrasting notes:
Floral + Vanilla = Soft but warm (romantic depth)
Citrus + Musk = Clean but sensual
Woody + Rose = Structured femininity
Apply the heavier scent first, then mist the lighter one on top.
Example idea:
Layer Delina with Vanilla 28 for a creamy rose warmth.
2. Match Your Body Products
Your lotion, body oil, and hair mist matter.
Use a vanilla body butter under a woody fragrance to soften it. Pair a clean musk perfume with a lightly scented body oil for a “your skin but better” effect. Spray fragrance lightly on clothing for longevity (always test first). If you love scented hair mists, keeping them in the same scent family prevents clashing.
3. Create a “Day” and “Evening” Version of the Same Identity
Instead of switching personalities, adjust intensity.
Example:
Day: A fresh rose
Evening: The same rose layered with amber or vanilla
You remain consistent — just deeper.
4. Consider Your Lifestyle
Office setting? Choose something intimate, not overpowering. Big event? Choose something with stronger projection. Date night? Add warmth.
Fragrance should complement your life, not compete with it.
Final Tips on How to Choose Your Signature Scent
Ask yourself:
What fabrics do I wear most? (Silk = florals. Wool = woods. Cotton = citrus.) Do I want to feel soft, powerful, cozy, or magnetic? Do I prefer compliments — or quiet luxury?
Test fragrances on skin. Wear them for a full day. Notice how they evolve.
If fashion is visual storytelling, fragrance is emotional storytelling. The right one won’t just smell good, it will feel aligned with who you are.
Do you have a signature scent? I’d love to know what it is in the comments.
Xo, Courtney
The Real Chic Life 
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