How to find your signature fragrance
Finding a fragrance that you can call a signature scent can be a challenge. It’s one that you hope people will instantly recognize, one that they’ll remember you by for all the right reasons. You may also be hovering in a space where you’re not sure how many sprays are too much, or where exactly to apply your favorite fragrance.
AXE demystifies fragrances here. Find out what types of scents there are, what the fragrance wheel is, how you can find that signature scent, and then make it last.
This is your chance to show off your unique vibe using scent.
What are the different fragrance types?
How can you smell irresistible if you don’t quite understand what types of fragrances are available to you? It’s not just about smelling a few fragrances and picking one you like. It’s also about choosing a product and scent profile that works with your personal style and your lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know.
Deodorants and antiperspirants
These act as the foundation of your scent game. They help keep you fresh throughout the day. But you need to understand the difference.
“A deodorant’s function is to reduce body odor by absorbing or masking it,” explains Jaime Regan, R&D manager at Unilever. “An anti-perspirant, on the other hand, reduces sweat by creating a barrier to sweat production.”
A deodorant is sometimes also called a body spray, and for that reason, you can apply it across your chest, neck and underarms. “But an antiperspirant is FDA regulated,” adds Regan. “It can only be applied to underarms.”
Both deodorants and antiperspirants are often made with a fragrance so that you get a sensory boost as well as tackle odor and sweat.
Eau de Cologne
An eau de cologne usually contains about 2%-5% perfume oils. It’s a light fragrance that gives a subtle hint of scent. It’s ideal to wear every day, and can be layered on top of a deodorant or antiperspirant if the notes don’t clash or feel too overpowering.
Eau de Toilette
A mid-strength fragrance, an eau de toilette boasts about 5%-15% perfume oil, giving you a noticeable scent. You can wear it daily, and it lasts a few hours without coming across as being too strong.
Eau de Parfum
With a high concentration of fragrance oils (between 15% to 20%), an eau de parfum is a rich scent with staying power. A little goes a long way.
What are fragrance notes?
Fragrances are built up of notes that make a scent memorable. They are divided into base, middle and top notes. The top notes are the ones you smell first. Then the middle notes develop before you pick up the base notes. They work together to make a lasting impression.
Understand the fragrance wheel
You may have heard of the color wheel. The fragrance wheel looks similar but acts as a cheat sheet to different fragrance notes. It’s broken up into major scent families: floral, woody, amber and fresh. Depending on what you’re drawn to, these scent families can help you zero in on one that feels right for you.
For example, if you’re into that fresh, outdoorsy smell, you might lean toward woody or fresh scents. If warm, spicy notes are more your thing, amber fragrances might be right for you. They’re bold and exotic. Or, if you’re all about fresh-cut flower smells, floral scents could be your match.
Once you've narrowed down your fragrance preferences, test the different notes on your skin to see how they interact with your body chemistry. Sometimes, a scent that smells great on someone else might not smell the same on you.
Know where to apply your fragrance
There’s a technique for applying your deodorant, antiperspirant or fragrance.
How to apply your deodorant or antiperspirant
When applying your deodorant or antiperspirant, stick to your underarms. Make sure the skin is clean and completely dry. Spritz from a few inches away. Or, if you’re using a stick, give the area one or two swipes.
Apply fragrance to your pulse points
Your pulse points are spots on your body where blood vessels are closest to the skin, such as your wrists, neck and behind your ears. Applying your fragrance there means the warmth from your skin helps the scent diffuse better.
Top tip: Don’t rub your wrists together after you spray your fragrance. It messes with the fragrance’s structure and can change the way it smells.
Spray your fragrance from a distance
Hold your fragrance bottle at about a forearm’s distance to get an even mist. If you spritz from too close, the scent is all concentrated in one spot and can be overpowering.
Don’t overdo it
A little spray of deodorant or fragrance goes a long way. Always start light and see how it wears. Only spray more if needed.
How to make your fragrance last longer
The best way to smell good all day long is to layer your scent using different products from the same fragrance families. This could include your body wash, lotion, deodorant and your fragrance. By layering these, the scent can linger for longer.
How to layer your signature scent with your deodorant
A few simple tricks can make sure that your deodorant or antiperspirant is working with your fragrance, not competing for the spotlight.
Start with your deodorant or antiperspirant
Always apply your deodorant or antiperspirant first. It’s the base layer of your scent routine. These help reduce odor where it shows up first, your underarms.
Match scents where possible
If you can, choose a deodorant or antiperspirant with similar notes to your cologne or perfume. For example, if your fragrance has woody notes, a lightly scented woody deodorant helps stop them from clashing.
Apply your fragrance to pulse points only
Avoid layering your fragrance directly over your deodorant. Keep your fragrance focused on your pulse points.
Spritz lightly
Consider using a lightly scented or unscented deodorant or antiperspirant if your fragrance is strong. An eau de parfum is long-lasting and can overpower any other scents. An eau de cologne or eau de toilette is lighter and could be boosted by a scented deodorant or antiperspirant if the notes complement each other.
Refresh only as needed
Many deodorants and antiperspirants show how long they last on the label. Look out for ones that have a 24-hour or more label. These should keep you fresh throughout the day. Avoid reapplying your fragrance too often. It’s best to stick to one or two sprays throughout the day, as most scents will develop and last several hours when applied on pulse points.
When to say goodbye to old fragrances
Over time, your favorite scent can start smelling different or change color. This might happen if it was stored in a hot space or exposed to sunlight. If it’s altered in any way, it might be time to grab a new bottle.
Pro tip: The best place to store your deodorants, antiperspirants or fragrances is in a cool, dark place like your wardrobe. Use them within two years for the best results.
Your fragrance questions, answered
Q: Can I spray my fragrance on my clothes? Or only my skin?
A: It’s best to spray your fragrance on your skin. The warmth from your body helps the scent develop and last longer. If you spray it on your clothes, you risk staining them.
Q: How often should I reapply my fragrance?
A: Most fragrances last about four to six hours. You might want a touch-up after that time. Many deodorants and antiperspirants are long-lasting. Check the labels for formulas that last 24 hours or longer for extra protection.
Q: How do I know if a fragrance is working for me?
A: Test a few fragrances on your skin. Walk around and see how it mixes with your natural scent. Don’t rush the process. The scent you keep coming back to is the one for you.
Q: Should I change up my fragrance according to the season?
A: In the warmer months, scents that make you think of summer breezes and beach days work well. Popular choices include fruity, light notes. When it’s colder, switch to warm and cozy notes like vanilla, amber, or spice.
Following a few simple steps can help you find that signature scent that reflects how you want to show up in the world. Understanding fragrance notes, how to layer and the best ways to apply them, helps you level up your scent game.
This story was produced by AXE and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
