Out of all our senses, scent remains the most powerful. A certain scent can instantly bring back memories of previous times where that fragrance holds special meaning. For example, the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking might cause you to recollect your grandmother’s homemade treats, or the smell of freshly cut grass might allow you to remember Saturday mornings helping your dad mow the lawn.

The power of scent remains undeniable to this day, and perfumes are no less powerful in their ability to attract certain people to you, allow you to feel better about yourself, and generally uplift your mood.

If you’re unsure how to choose the right fragrance for you, this article will show you how to pick a signature scent you can use time and again. By understanding your personality and fragrances you already like, you can easily choose a fragrance that works for you.

Determining your Signature Scent: Part One

Before you purchase a fragrance, it’s important to determine what scents you already like. Make a list of the scents you particularly enjoy (such as orientals or flowers), as well as specific scents within those categories.

In making a list of the scents you like, it’s equally as important to write down scents you aren’t fond of. This will allow you to get an overall impression of which fragrances will work best for you, and help you avoid scents that aren’t to your liking. Take a look at fragrances you already own and use on a regular basis to help clue you in to which scents you’re most likely to be drawn towards.

Determining your Signature Scent: Part Two

Now that you’re aware of the scents you already like, it’s time to narrow down your choices based on another aspect of fragrance finding — your personality!

The following examples are by no means an all-inclusive list. I have included a reference guide to certain fragrances that may wear well on women with certain personality traits, but that does not mean they’ll necessarily work for you. However, choosing fragrances you like that also reflect well with your personality can be a great way to find a signature scent.

If you are mysterious, deep, sensual, try oriental fragrances, musks, or ambers (vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood, and cardomom are good choices.)

For women who approach life with a confident and strong persona, oriental and vanilla-based fragrances can be a great complement to this personality type. (Try Lavanila Pure Vanilla)

Nature girls can enjoy fragrances that contain fresh, green notes (citrus, fresh herbs, dew). These light, airy scents are perfect for women who enjoy the great outdoors.

If you feel feminine or sensual, look for floral fragrances (jasmine, rose, peony, tuberose). You can choose from strong florals or more of a softer, lighter floral fragrance.

Calm, free-spirited women could find their signature scent by choosing a woody, sensual fragrance with notes of sandalwood, cedar, moss and patchouli.

As mentioned previously, this list is not meant to be followed to the letter, but instead should serve as a brief guide to understanding which notes work well with certain personality types. Choose a fragrance based on the scents you already enjoy that also work with your dominant personality. You may have to try a few before you find one that works.

Before deciding on a signature scent, wear the perfume for several weeks to get a feel for how it works with your body chemistry. While a fragrance may smell good in the bottle, it may not react the same way on your skin. When you have found the right fragrance, it will be pleasing to you and the people around you and you’ll have found a signature scent you can return to again and again.