Finding your signature scent is more than just about smelling good. It’s about choosing a fragrance that feels like you. A scent can be a reflection of your personality, a confidence booster, and the invisible version of yourself that leaves a lasting impression. But with so many options, how do you pick the perfect one? Let’s break down fragrance types, notes, scent profiles, and tips to help you find your signature scent.

Types of Fragrances & How Long They Last

Fragrances come in a variety of types, each with different concentrations, oil strength, and longevity. Here's how each type differs:

Understanding Fragrance Notes: Top, Middle, Base

Fragrances aren't one-dimensional! Each fragrance is made up of aromatic layers, called notes, that unfold over time:

• Top Notes: The first scent you smell. Often light, bright, and fresh, these fleeting notes set the tone, such as citrus or green.
• Middle / Heart Notes: The fragrance’s core personality. Florals, spices, or fruity notes create a sense of balance and harmony.
• Base Notes: The lasting notes that anchor the scent. These include warm, deep elements like musk, vanilla, or woods.

Understanding these layers gives you better insight into how fragrances evolve on your skin and helps guide you to your signature scent.

Fragrance Families & Scent Profiles

Fragrance families are based on scent profiles. Start by exploring the four main fragrance families and check out some of the best and trendiest fragrances:

Floral

Floral scents that are soft, romantic, and full of feminine energy. Think rose, jasmine, lavender, or peony. It pairs well with citrus for a bright, uplifting twist or woody notes for warmth and depth. Try Afterblow Eau De Parfum #05 Rose Bouquet for fresh elegance.

Oriental (Amber)

Warm, rich, and often spicy scents, with a cozy or exotic vibe. It includes vanilla, amber, musk, cinnamon, or clove. Combine it with florals for a soft, delicate touch or woody notes for a deeper, richer scent. Atelier Faye Alcohol Based Perfume #Vanilla & Musk is a must-try.

Woody

Based on warm, earthy, and grounded woods, such as sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, or patchouli. It layers well with oriental notes for extra warmth or citrus for a fresh, energetic boost. Go for LIBER Eau De Parfum #Tea Slow to exude a calm, confident aura.

Fresh/Citrus

Light, clean, and invigorating scents, perfect for daytime wear. Mix it with florals for delicate softness or woody notes for a warm, rich scent. Check out Atelier Faye Alcohol Based Perfume #Citrus Limon for a burst of energy.

• Citrus: Bright, juicy fruits like bergamot, lemon, or tangerine.
• Green: Crisp scents of lush greenery, freshly cut grass, or leafy herbs.
• Aquatic/Marine: Clean, airy notes inspired by the ocean or sea breeze.

Each fragrance family has its own unique characteristics. Take note of which aromas naturally draw you in, as these are your first clues to discovering your personal fragrance style!

How to Choose the Right Scent

Finding your fragrance match is all about exploration and discovery. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let your nose be your guide! Here’s what to keep in mind when picking your new go-to scent:

Match Your Mood or Personality

Think about the mood or personality you want your fragrance to evoke. Each olfactive (scent) family carries its own characteristics, from fresh and clean to bold, comforting, or sophisticated.

Consider the Season & Occasion

Fragrances shine differently depending on the occasion and time of year:

• Year-Round Scents: Balanced and versatile notes that work anytime.
• Spring/Summer: Opt for light, fresh floral notes, as warm weather intensifies scent.
• Fall/Winter: Opt for warm, spicy, or woody notes, as cold, dry air can mute fragrances.
• Occasions: Choose higher concentrations for special events or lighter concentrations for everyday wear.

Test, Don’t Guess

Nothing compares to trying it yourself! Your skin chemistry ultimately determines how a fragrance smells and evolves.

• Start Small: Try 1–3 scents at a time to avoid overwhelming your senses.
• Test on Skin, Not Paper: Fragrances react differently depending on your body chemistry, so always test on your skin.
• Experiment Over Time: Wear a fragrance for a few hours and in different settings to see how the top, middle, and base notes evolve before committing.

Finding your signature scent takes patience, but the process makes it so much more rewarding.

How Skin Type Affects Fragrance Longevity

Believe it or not, your skin type plays a role in how your perfume wears throughout the day. Here's how it plays out:

• Oily Skin: Natural oils help fragrances last longer.
• Dry Skin: With less natural oil, scents tend to fade faster.
• Combination Skin: Longevity varies depending on the area. Oily areas hold scent better, while drier spots let it fade, sometimes leading to uneven wear.

While your skin type can influence how your fragrance develops, there are easy ways to boost its staying power.

Tips & Tricks to Make Scents Last Longer

A few best practices and simple tweaks to your routine can help your scent stay fresher, last longer, and keep heads turning all day long:

• Moisturize First: Fragrances last longer on hydrated skin! Apply unscented body lotion and/or Vaseline beforehand.
• Apply to Pulse Points: Wrists, neck, behind ears, inner elbows, and behind knees help diffuse scent with body heat.
• Resist the Rub: Rubbing your wrists together can break down the scent molecules.
• Lightly Spritz Clothing & Hair: Spray from a distance to extend your scent, but be careful with delicate fabrics.
• Reapply as Needed: Carry perfume for touch-ups to maintain your scent throughout the day.
• Store Properly: Keep bottles in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat to preserve the fragrance.

Explore More Scented Products

Want to take your fragrance collection to the next level? Check out these scented must-haves for your body and space:

• Hair Mist: Freshen up from root to tip with a spritz of CANMAKE Make Me Happy Hair Mist.
• Solid Perfume: Slip a perfume balm like Afterblow Solid Perfume #05 Cherry Soap into your bag for an instant pick-me-up.
• Scented Hand Creams: Pamper your skin with the MARY & MAY Seoul Edition Hand Cream Set for soft, smooth, and scented hands.
• Aromatherapy: Make your home and everyday essentials as fragrant as you are with LIBER Home Diffuser #Wild Garden and/or LIBER Fabric Perfume #Hebe.

With 15+ locations across North America, visit us in store to sniff, spritz, and get personalized guidance on the scents that suit you best.

Final Takeaways

Fragrance is personal, and finding yours is half the fun! Discover fragrances and scent profiles that match your mood, personality, or the season. With a little experimentation, the right notes, and fragrance know-how in your back pocket, you’ll discover that one-of-a-kind scent that’s perfect for you.