How to Select Your Signature Scent – A Step-by-Step Guide
A signature scent is more than just a fragrance—it’s an extension of your identity. It’s what people remember you by, what lingers after you leave the room. Whether you're new to perfume or ready to level up from casual spritzes, this guide will help you confidently discover your ideal fragrance—one that feels like you.
At Alice&Bruce, we’re all about guiding fragrance lovers toward perfumes that truly fit—starting with a better understanding of scent basics.
Step 1: Know Your Fragrance Families
Every perfume fits into one or more “scent families.” Understanding them is key to narrowing down your preferences.
| Fragrance Family | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Floral | Rose, jasmine, peony, tuberose | Romantic, feminine, soft |
| Woody | Sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli | Earthy, warm, elegant |
| Oriental | Amber, vanilla, incense | Bold, sensual, intense |
| Fresh | Citrus, green tea, marine | Clean, vibrant, everyday wear |
| Gourmand | Vanilla, caramel, praline | Sweet, addictive, cozy |
Sniff, test, and trust your instincts.
Step 2: Think About Your Personality
Ask yourself:
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Do you want to stand out or stay subtle?
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Are you more classic, edgy, or romantic?
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Do you want your scent to energize, seduce, or calm?
Here’s a quick guide:
| Personality Style | Suggested Family |
|---|---|
| Bold / Leader | Oriental, Woody |
| Creative / Expressive | Gourmand, Floral |
| Elegant / Refined | Woody, Musky |
| Fun / Energetic | Fresh, Citrus |
| Soft / Introverted | Powdery, Soft Florals |
Your scent should reflect the way you want to feel.
Step 3: Consider the Season & Occasion
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Summer: Citrus, aquatic, fresh florals
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Winter: Oud, amber, leather, sweet gourmands
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Spring: Green, white florals, fruity notes
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Autumn: Spicy, woody, musky
Likewise:
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Everyday wear: Go subtle and long-lasting
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Evening events: Choose rich, sensual blends
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Office: Clean, professional scents
Step 4: Don’t Judge by the First Spray
Perfume evolves in three stages:
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Top Notes: What you smell in the first 5 minutes
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Heart Notes: Develop after 15–30 minutes
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Base Notes: Linger for hours (this is where 30% EDP shines)
Always wear a scent for a full day before deciding.
Step 5: Test and Compare
If you're torn between options, test a few:
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Apply one on each wrist
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Don’t try more than 2–3 at once
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Revisit them over a few hours
If it still smells amazing by the end of the day—that’s your scent.
Bonus Tip: Go for Higher Concentration
Perfume isn’t just about the smell—it’s about how long it stays with you.
That’s why Alice&Bruce perfumes are all made with 30% EDP, giving you:
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Longer wear
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Richer dry-down
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More complex evolution
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Better value per spray
Ready to Find Yours?
Still unsure? Start with these Alice&Bruce recommendations:
| Scent Style | Suggested Fragrance |
|---|---|
| Romantic & Soft | Noir Bloom |
| Sweet & Cozy | Amber Eclipse |
| Clean & Fresh | Citrus Mirage |
| Elegant & Musky | Cashmere Dusk |
Explore our Perfume Guide or contact our team at support@aliceandbruce.com for a personalized recommendation.