Here’s How to Use Different Scents to Find Your Signature Fragrance

Fragrance 101 

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of fragrance layering, let's go over some basics that will help you understand the secrets behind smelling good.

What is fragrance exactly? A fragrance is composed of different elements that come together to form a scent. When we talk of elements, we mean three things: fragrance families, notes and concentrations.

Fragrance families

Just like different genres of music, scents are grouped into fragrance families, or scent profiles, based on their dominant characteristics. Some major fragrance families include floral, gourmand, woody, fresh and citrus. These scent profiles are like a jumping-off point when exploring the types of fragrances that match your personal style.

Fragrance notes

Think of fragrance notes as the individual instruments in a symphony, each working together in beautiful harmony. There are three different fragrance notes: top, heart and base.

• Top notes are the first to hit your senses, delivering the initial scent. These tend to be light and refreshing types of scents, lasting for a short time.
• Heart notes develop as the fragrance settles on your skin, giving depth and character to the scent. 
• Base notes slowly emerge as the final act, bringing down the house with that richness and staying power. 

Understanding these notes helps you grasp how your signature scent evolves throughout the day. 

Fragrance concentrations

Different types of fragrances come in various strengths, which determine their intensity and how long they stick around.

Compared to cologne, men’s body spray and deodorant contain a lower percentage of fragrance ingredients such as essential oils. This offers a light fragrance without being overpowering.

Why not try a classic Axe fragrance like our Apollo Deodorant Body Spray?

How to Score Your Signature Scent

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let's dive into the art of how to mix different types of fragrances to uncover your one-of-a-kind signature scent. Finding that signature fragrance is a personal quest, my friend, and one that might take a little work. You’re going to need to explore different scent profiles to find the blend that hits different.

Sounds complicated? Don’t sweat it. We’ve got a three-step plan to help you find your signature scent coming right up... 

1. Figure Out Your Personal Preferences

When it comes to finding your ultimate scent profile, it's all about exploring your personal taste and understanding what reflects your individuality. So, let’s break it down and talk about some key factors that can help you figure out which types of fragrances get you going and find a signature scent that ticks all the boxes.

Scent profiles

Fragrances can be categorized into different scent profiles, each with its own distinct characteristics. For instance, fresh types of fragrances like citrus bring clean and invigorating notes. Floral scent profiles capture the essence of blooming flowers like roses and jasmine.

Spicy fragrance families, on the other hand, can offer a sense of warmth by using ingredients like cinnamon or clove. Woody scents bring the outdoors to mind, with notes such as cedar or sandalwood.

Getting friendly with these scent profiles will give you a starting point for discovering the different scents that suit your mood.

Interested in learning more? Check our guide on the 9 types of scents.

Find what works

Take a moment to think about the types of scents that naturally attract you or make you feel good. Are you drawn to the freshness of a breezy morning or the cozy aroma of a crackling fireplace? Are you all about the sweetness of flowers or the warmth of spices? Take a moment to consider the types of fragrances that make you feel confident and uplifted – and lean into those.

Switch it up for the seasons

As the weather changes, you might find yourself leaning towards different scents and fragrance families.

Hanging out at the beach in the summer? Try light, fresh types of fragrances like citrus or floral.

Feeling the chill? Try richer, warmer scent profiles, such as woody or gourmand fragrances, which provide a cozy and comforting feel.

Moving with the seasons will keep your scent in perfect harmony with the weather all year round.

Looking for a scent profile that smells like a California breeze? Discover our Cool Ocean Deodorant Body Spray.

 

2. How To Sample Fragrances and Find Your Signature Scent

You’ve got an idea of the types of fragrances that might work for you but now comes the real deal – finding that perfect scent.

With options like deodorant, body spray, antiperspirant and cologne, there are quite a few choices to wrap your head around, which can make finding and choosing your signature scent even harder.

So, we’ve got a few pointers on how to get a signature scent that’s 100% you.

Do your research

Good news, you can do a lot of your fragrance research while sitting on the couch at home. Do a little detective work and see what people are saying about fragrance houses and brands. Dig deep, read those reviews and see what’s buzzing in the scent community. Doing this research means you can hit the ground running when you start discovering different scents.

Sample fragrances

Sampling the different scents on offer is crucial before committing to a full-sized bottle. You don’t want to end up with a deodorant or body spray you don’t click with. Visit a store with a fragrance counter and try a few sample sprays. Make it an afternoon adventure. Have some fun with it. 

Test techniques

Now, when it comes to trying out different types of fragrances, you’ve got two options: testing on the skin and using sniffing strips. For skin testing, spray or dab a little bit of fragrance on your wrist or the inside of your elbow.

Give it a few minutes to develop then take a whiff. Your skin’s warmth interacts with the fragrance, giving you a better idea of how it develops over time.

If you want to try out a few different scents and you’ve run out of wrists, sniffing strips come into their own here. Spray the fragrance on a strip, let it settle, then give it a sniff to see if it hits the mark.

Put it to the test

Try wearing your chosen fragrance for a few hours and see how it develops throughout the day. If it fades too quickly, you might want to reapply to keep that fresh scent going.

And don’t forget to get a friend or partner’s opinion. They can let you know how far they can catch a whiff of that fragrance. Understanding this can help you find that sweet spot of applying the right amount of your deodorant or body spray without going overboard.

If you’re looking for a fragrance that will always raise you from the ashes, our Phoenix Deodorant Body Spray is the one you need.

3. Putting Your Signature Scent Into Your Everyday Routine

So, you’ve sniffed out your signature scent and it’s time to incorporate it in your daily routine. There are right and wrong ways for how to apply fragrance, so let’s run through some tips.

Application techniques

Knowing how to apply your signature scent means you’re going to get the most out of it.

Spritz or dab your cologne on pulse points like your wrists, neck, and behind the ears. These spots give off heat and help release the fragrance slowly throughout the day.

When it comes to men’s deodorant and antiperspirant, keep it focused on the underarms to combat any unwanted body odor and sweat.

Men’s body spray? Apply it in a number ‘7’ shape across your torso. That means going from one shoulder to the other and then diagonally down across your chest to your hip.

Feel like you need a little more guidance on applying your signature scent? Check our guide on how to apply fragrance now.

Fragrance layering

Now when we're talking about creating a signature scent that stands out from the crowd, we need to get into fragrance layering. You could layer fresh citrusy types of fragrances with a warm woody scent profile to create a dynamic and personalized fragrance. Play with combinations, mix it up, and let your creativity run wild.

Special occasions

Playing around with fragrance layering doesn't need to stop once you’ve found your signature scent. You can keep layering and experimenting with different types of fragrances and scent profiles to match your mood or the event.

Go for more sensual and sophisticated types of scents for a romantic dinner, or something vibrant and energetic when you're hitting the dance floor. Let your scent speak for you.

A signature scent that’s all you

Now that you know how to choose a signature scent, it’s time to find the types of scents that truly reflect the mood you’re putting out there. Get comfortable with the different types of scents and fragrance families, experiment with fragrance layering and, before you know it, you’ll have a signature scent that reflects who you are.

To make finding your signature scent even easier, we've created a fresh collection of fine fragrance deodorant body sprays. Crafted by world-renowned perfumers, you get all the benefits of a fine fragrance in a wearable body spray format. If you're curious and want to dive deeper, check our article to find the fine fragrance scent that suits your style.