How to Pick the Perfect Perfume: 6 Steps to Finding Your Signature Scent
The way you dress, your choice of makeup, and your hairstyle can all give others a glimpse into your personality. Yet, the scent you wear is a much more nuanced and personal way of showing who you are or who you want to be. To others, your unique smell is something they'll subconsciously associate with you and how they'll view you. For you, it might influence the kind of day you have and the mood you want to create. No matter who your scent is for, it's a part of you.
Choosing a signature scent can be a lengthy process, especially with the vast selection available. Some people like to build up a curated collection of perfumes for different occasions, while others one or two signature scents that you return to often. Either way, JCPenney is here to help you find your favorite signature scents with this in-depth perfume guide.
1. Know the Notes
Understanding fragrance notes is like understanding genres in music. Just like it’s essential to recognize the distinction between hip-hop, country, or pop music, it's helpful to understand what terms like floral, earthy, or woody mean. Some high-end fragrances mix elements from more than one fragrance category, but identifying your preferred scent notes can help you quickly pinpoint your ideal perfume.
Floral scents are usually more feminine and sophisticated, spicy scents are warmer and more intense, woody scents are earthy and masculine, and fresh scents are often light and citrusy. However, every perfume is an olfactory cocktail of scents and ingredients, so a fragrance might have a woody initial note but also include fruity elements for a complex aroma. Recognizing your preferred fragrance category is the initial step in discovering your signature scent.
Fruit
Strawberry-topped cakes, fruity cocktails, and tropical delicacies… these notes make every day a little brighter and more vibrant.
Floral
A perfume type that's always in season. From the passionate scent of roses to the light, airy notes of peonies, and everything in between, you'll adore the fresh, garden-like smell.
Fresh
Love the feeling of refreshment and cleanliness, like the scent of fresh-out-of-the-dryer sheets? Fresh fragrances are for you. Cotton, sea breeze, basically anything that makes you feel cool and clean.
Citrus
Picture the zesty aroma of lemons, limes, and oranges. Imagine the invigorating, sun-kissed scents that instantly lift your spirits. These are the go-to scents for the warmer months.
Gourmand
A sprinkle of sweetness for every part of your day? Absolutely. Treats like cookies, cupcakes, and other sweet elements are ideal for self-indulgence.
Woodsy
Take a walk through a pine forest, or a leisurely stroll through a spring meadow. No need to feel rushed! Seek out scents like pine, sandalwood, birch, and more in fragrances to ground yourself.
2. Choose a Concentration
Perfumes are available in four distinct levels of concentrations. As the concentration increases, so does the cost. Generally, colognes or perfumes with a higher concentration offer a stronger aroma and a longer-lasting effect. They may be more expensive, but many believe the higher cost is completely justified.
Perfume
The most intense concentration is known as perfume or parfum. This level is designed to last all day with just a single application to the wrists or pulse points.
Eau De Parfum
The next step down is eau de parfum, which typically provides a scent that can last for around six hours after being applied.
Eau De Toilette
The third tier is eau de toilette, which is usually more budget-friendly and readily available in stores. It often needs to be reapplied several times throughout the day to maintain its effect.
Eau De Cologne
The least concentrated level is eau de cologne, which only offers a scent that fades within two hours.
3. Follow the Trends, but Be Yourself!
Just like in fashion, trends come and go, so it's important to keep that in mind when looking for a new scent. Trends can guide you, but as you discover what you enjoy, you start to rely on your own feelings. This applies to those timeless favorites too that have proven their worth and will likely remain popular, but there are countless other perfumes waiting to be discovered.
4. Spend Time with it
Our unique skin chemistry makes us smell perfumes differently on everyone. The scent of perfumes can vary greatly from person to person, due to our distinct skin composition. This means that what a perfume smells like on a sample card might not be how it will actually smell on your skin. So, before deciding to buy a full-size perfume, it's a good idea to choose a trial set or a mini travel bottle. Trying out a variety of fragrances should be a crucial part of the experience. Experiment with a few, and then evaluate which one you like the most. Give the new scent a little while to settle in and then decide if it's the one for you.
5. Most Importantly - How To Smell (Properly)
Now that you've got a clearer understanding of the different types of scents, it's time to visit the store. Pick up a couple of testing sheets. Apply the scent to the paper and allow it to sit for approximately 10 seconds for the aroma to fully develop. We suggest you only sample a handful of scents during each trip. Why? Because your sense of smell can become less sensitive over time.
Tip: Many mixtures contain various fragrance components, such as a top, middle, and base layer. As time progresses, the initial top note may gradually blend into the middle notes, and so forth. Therefore, it's important to take a whiff of each layer before making a purchase.
6. Trust Yourself
Taking all these elements into account is crucial, but picking the perfect scent for any event should ultimately mirror your style. Try out different scents, wear them for a couple of days, and assess how you feel. Choose a scent that aligns with your character, leaving you feeling self-assured and at ease. The perfume you select should complement your essence, boosting your aura. Follow your gut and accept the scent that genuinely embodies your identity.
Our Top Fragrance Picks
Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme Eau De Toilette
The Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue embodies the adventurous charm of a contemporary Mediterranean man. It’s a magnetic, invigorating cocktail of citrus fruits, perfectly balanced with rosemary and patchouli.
Eilish By Billie Eilish Eau De Parfum
Fragrant, sugared flowers beckon you to delve into their enchanting scent while you soak up the alluring aroma of vanilla, gentle spices, and rich cocoa in this fragrance. Additionally, smooth woods and musk create an unforgettable impact that is inviting, sensual, and deeply captivating.
