So now that we know what a signature scent is and how to keep track of which notes you like/dislike it’s time to discuss the best ways to initially find fragrances that you’ll love. If you missed my last post or would just like to reread it before moving forward in this guide you can click here. If not, let’s continue.
How to Find Fragrances That You’ll Love: The Discovery Process
Looking for and smelling new fragrances– i.e. the discovery process– is something that never gets old. No matter how many fragrances you own or how many signature scents you’ve had, looking for the next great one is always a thrill.
Before I get into it, I feel I should provide another warning of sorts: the discovery process should be fun and should rely mostly on your own sense of smell. You should never, I repeat, never buy anything based on hype. What I mean is that you should never listen to your friends or the fragrance community about how great a fragrance is and go out and buy it.
Before I get into it, I feel I should provide another warning of sorts: the discovery process should be fun and should rely mostly on your own sense of smell. You should never, I repeat, never buy anything based on hype. What I mean is that you should never listen to your friends or the fragrance community about how great a fragrance is and go out and buy it.
Why?
Because that fragrance is most likely going to react differently on your skin, so even if it smells great and projects like Odysseus shooting his great bow when he returns to Ithaca, i.e. like a BEAST, the same fragrance might perform poorly on you.
For example, I'm always hearing people rave about how great Versace Dylan Blue is. I mean, it is a very nice fragrance and probably has a lot of potential on some people, but for some reason, Dylan Blue doesn't perform well on me. In fact, it performs poorly. I'm not sure why that it, but to my point, you shouldn't expect a particular fragrance that works wonders on one person to work well on you. It might but it might not.
Basically, you’ll go out and spend $100 thinking you’re getting something amazing, but find out afterwards that instead of being Odysseus, you’re the first guy he snipes with his bow.
For example, I'm always hearing people rave about how great Versace Dylan Blue is. I mean, it is a very nice fragrance and probably has a lot of potential on some people, but for some reason, Dylan Blue doesn't perform well on me. In fact, it performs poorly. I'm not sure why that it, but to my point, you shouldn't expect a particular fragrance that works wonders on one person to work well on you. It might but it might not.
Basically, you’ll go out and spend $100 thinking you’re getting something amazing, but find out afterwards that instead of being Odysseus, you’re the first guy he snipes with his bow.
While doing your research and watching fragrance reviews is always a good idea, going out and buying something without smelling it– what is known as “blind buying”– is not. The only slight exception is if you really know what you like.
For example, I bought Versace Eros without smelling it first because I knew based on its composition and the reviews I read that it was completely me. Sure enough, to this day, it is one of the only fragrances that I have used multiple bottles. Some would even say it’s my signature scent.
For example, I bought Versace Eros without smelling it first because I knew based on its composition and the reviews I read that it was completely me. Sure enough, to this day, it is one of the only fragrances that I have used multiple bottles. Some would even say it’s my signature scent.
But for now, for you, don’t listen to hype. The discovery process is yours and you should have the most important part in it.
Anyway…
There are three major components to the discovery process:
1. Going to stores and talking with specialists,
2. Doing research and watching content, and
3. Signing up for a monthly subscription service.
1. Going to stores and talking with specialists,
2. Doing research and watching content, and
3. Signing up for a monthly subscription service.
A lot of the discovery process requires trial and error, especially for less common scents like Oud which many people probably have never smelled before. What I mean by this is that you’re going to have to go to a department store and just smell around. I actually do it all the time.
You could even talk with someone there and ask them what notes you’re looking for.
For instance, “Hi, I’m looking for something with oud. I’ve never experienced it before, so I’d like to see what Oud-based options there are”. You could even show them your list of scents to let them know what you like!
You could even talk with someone there and ask them what notes you’re looking for.
For instance, “Hi, I’m looking for something with oud. I’ve never experienced it before, so I’d like to see what Oud-based options there are”. You could even show them your list of scents to let them know what you like!
Department stores are great places to experience various different fragrances for a couple reasons. First off, they most likely have all the most popular fragrances. I know for a fact that each beginner fragrance I suggest below can be found at Macy’s and presumably other department stores.
What this means is that you can walk in and experience several different fragrances because they have a wide selection. Next, department stores are a great starting place because they tend to hire “specialists” for each department. This means that chances are you will have the opportunity to talk and get information from an associate.
This is awesome especially if you’re still not exactly sure what you want. Be warned though, some of these associates rely on company guidelines to make sales, so listen to what they tell you, but always be slightly skeptical.
Some of it was pretty general information, but a couple things she said I knew to be misinformation. She told me that when applying it to my wrists I should rub them together so to only have to apply to one wrist. She also told me that spraying the fragrance in the air and walking into it is actually better than applying it directly to the pulse points on your body.
Now, you can look-up any fragrance person online and they will tell say no to both claims. I've personally tried to apply fragrance by spraying it in the air, and it just isn't the same. So that's why you should listen to what they say, but don't automatically assume that it's accurate.
Actually, you should never do that with anything, in my opinion. You should always do your own research!
In addition to actually going to the stores to experience the different fragrances, you should make researching and watching videos a part of your process.
In terms of research, I highly recommend Fragantica. These guys are like an encyclopedia for fragrances. They have just about every fragrance listed in their catalog, and each one comes with pertinent information such as a brief bio/history, note break down and which notes are most prominent to users, statistics of how popular the fragrance is, user comments, and more.
Spend a few months on here and you’ll go from a novice to expert real quick.
In terms of research, I highly recommend Fragantica. These guys are like an encyclopedia for fragrances. They have just about every fragrance listed in their catalog, and each one comes with pertinent information such as a brief bio/history, note break down and which notes are most prominent to users, statistics of how popular the fragrance is, user comments, and more.
Spend a few months on here and you’ll go from a novice to expert real quick.
For videos, there are a ton of people out there producing content. I won’t get too into which people I think are the best, but one of my favorite reviewer is Redolessence. His videos are the most to-the-point I’ve seen and he focuses on both the essentials of the fragrance, like how long it lasts, and the superfluous factors like how likely you are to get compliments, albeit this is never guaranteed.
You should take a look around online, and see which influencer vibes most with your personality, but regardless of who you choose to get your information from, consistently watching content can be incredibly helpful while in the discovery process.
Just remember: like with the sales associate, you never want to assume everything one person is saying is accurate. Watch multiple reviewers to formulate your own insights!
Just remember: like with the sales associate, you never want to assume everything one person is saying is accurate. Watch multiple reviewers to formulate your own insights!
I should say that because fragrances are a unique experience for everyone who uses one, you should get your information from more than one person. For example, one person may talk highly about how great Versace Dylan Blue is, but another person might think it’s too subtle and not worth the money. As with anything in life, you want to keep an open-mind while engaging with fragrance reviews.
Both exploring the fragrance department at Macy’s-- or wherever you go-- and reading/watching content is super helpful, but the most important thing you can do is sign-up for a monthly subscription service.
The one I used when I was getting started was Scentbird. For just $15 a month for one fragrance or a little bit more for two or three, you can quickly experience different compositions, and not just experience them, but try them out for a month.
They give you an 8ml decant which is most likely going to last all month especially if you're getting multiple scents like I did. Much like with the above paragraph, I won’t get too detailed about their service, but it is incredibly helpful to be able to try many different fragrances before you buy one.
The one I used when I was getting started was Scentbird. For just $15 a month for one fragrance or a little bit more for two or three, you can quickly experience different compositions, and not just experience them, but try them out for a month.
They give you an 8ml decant which is most likely going to last all month especially if you're getting multiple scents like I did. Much like with the above paragraph, I won’t get too detailed about their service, but it is incredibly helpful to be able to try many different fragrances before you buy one.
It took me about five months until I bought my first bottle. It could be more or less for you, but what I will say is that for fragrances you want to be a well-informed consumer. Take your time, do your research and enjoy the discovery process!
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Things are finally starting to get back to the way they were, but actually sampling fragrances might be a bit more difficult.
So how should you experience different fragrances during the lock-down and recovery process?
Now, if you know which scent notes you like, like I do, this might not be an issue. Just do your research and buy either a 50ml or 100ml bottle. I wouldn't go for a bigger bottle personally, but you can if you want. During the lock-down, I've actually bought a handful of new fragrances, but they were all ones I knew I'd love. And sure enough, I do.
But if you're not sure yet which scent notes you love, I would suggest signing up for a subscription service now more than ever. This is probably the only way you'll be able to test fragrances out without spending too much money.
Or if you'd prefer, check out some discount outlets like fragrancex.com. You can buy full sized bottles from them for cheap, so if you have an idea of what kind of scents you'd like, I don't think it would hurt to look on there.
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Your First Bottle
You know what scents you like. You’ve spent some time trying out different fragrances. You’re now ready to go out and buy your first full bottle.
Full-sized bottles vary in sizes but often come in small, regular, and large (50ml, 100ml, and 200ml, respectively). Most of the time you’ll even save money if you buy a 200ml instead of the 100ml. Consider the price of Ralph Lauren Polo Red which comes in four sizes: the 2.5oz spray, which is around 90ml, costs $70, whereas the 6.7oz, which is about 200ml, only costs $114. That means that for only $40 more you get more than twice the amount of fragrance.
Full-sized bottles vary in sizes but often come in small, regular, and large (50ml, 100ml, and 200ml, respectively). Most of the time you’ll even save money if you buy a 200ml instead of the 100ml. Consider the price of Ralph Lauren Polo Red which comes in four sizes: the 2.5oz spray, which is around 90ml, costs $70, whereas the 6.7oz, which is about 200ml, only costs $114. That means that for only $40 more you get more than twice the amount of fragrance.
Personally, I prefer the regular size (100ml). It still lasts a long time, six months for me depending on how frequently I use it, and unlike the larger bottles, it’s much easier to apply. My first bottle was 50ml, but only because the store I went to didn’t have the 100ml one.
Whichever size you go with is a matter of personal preference, and ultimately, isn’t that significant of a decision considering the fragrance is the same in all sizes.
Whichever size you go with is a matter of personal preference, and ultimately, isn’t that significant of a decision considering the fragrance is the same in all sizes.
Before I get into my top five beginner fragrances, I have one more warning for you. When you decide to finally buy a full bottle, make sure it’s from a reputable vendor. These include stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, Saks Fifth Avenue (for more expensive fragrances), and even drug stores like CVS and Walgreens.
Even though you will probably find great deals on places like Amazon, I would caution you against buying it there, at least at first. I have heard some nightmarish stories from people who bought a bottle from Amazon. It really depends on the vendor, but just to be safe, I would stick to buying from stores.
Even though you will probably find great deals on places like Amazon, I would caution you against buying it there, at least at first. I have heard some nightmarish stories from people who bought a bottle from Amazon. It really depends on the vendor, but just to be safe, I would stick to buying from stores.
Also, never buy from random people online, no matter how good the deal they offer you is. I hear stories all the time of how people get ripped off because they tried to buy something from someone else. It is very easy to get scammed when dealing with fragrances so be vigilant.
Buying your first bottle can feel intimidating, especially if you’re used to spending $10 on body spray. It is an investment into yourself analogous with buying a new wool suit or genuine leather jacket.
However, once you buy a bottle or two the process becomes much easier, and you will begin to develop your own sense of autonomy with fragrances.
However, once you buy a bottle or two the process becomes much easier, and you will begin to develop your own sense of autonomy with fragrances.
At this point, you probably have a good idea of which family of fragrances you would most enjoy, but in an attempt to help you find something you’ll love, below are my top five fragrances for beginners listed in order from one to five.
Top Five Beginner Fragrances:
Dior Sauvage (EDT)
Family: Spicy/Oriental
Dior Sauvauge is essentially animalistic attraction in a bottle, in my opinion. It is such a simple fragrance when considering the three listed notes which are bergamot (i.e. citrus), pepper, and ambroxan, but when wearing it it becomes much more complex. It’s the perfect combination of citrus and spice which results in a real head-turner.
Make sure to get the EDT concentration to start because the EDP and Parfum, while still sexy and attention-grabbing, lack the raw primal allure and power of the EDT.
Make sure to get the EDT concentration to start because the EDP and Parfum, while still sexy and attention-grabbing, lack the raw primal allure and power of the EDT.
As a first fragrance, you likely want something both mass-appealing and versatile, something that won’t potentially offend other people. Sauvage is the epitome of that kind of fragrance because it can be worn in almost any situation.
Whether you wear a suit and tie or a leather jacket, this scent is a winner. If you’re just looking for something to make you smell great without getting too invested into the fragrance world, this one is very easy to wear and requires virtually no thought.
Just spray it on and let the world know you mean business. Sauvage in French means wild and that is exactly what you get with this fragrance.
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| Dior Sauvage EDT 100ml ($95 retail) |
Just spray it on and let the world know you mean business. Sauvage in French means wild and that is exactly what you get with this fragrance.
Versace Dylan Blue
Family: Blue
Versace Dylan Blue, in my opinion, is the Dior Sauvage of blue fragrances (i.e. aquatic-based scents). This one was inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and it is evident. It reminds me of relaxing outside on a warm, sunny day watching the boats glide in and out of the harbor, feeling the cool breeze from the water as they do.
It definitely has more of a casual vibe than Sauvage, but it is just as versatile. It is also mass-appealing. I have never met a person who disliked Dylan Blue.
It definitely has more of a casual vibe than Sauvage, but it is just as versatile. It is also mass-appealing. I have never met a person who disliked Dylan Blue.
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| Versace Dylan Blue 100ml ($93 retail) |
In terms of composition, this one is comprised of several different notes including: water notes, bergamot, grapefruit, and fig leaf at the top, violet, ambroxan, and pepper in the middle, and musk, incense, and tonka bean at the base.
As noted above, an issue I have with this one is that it doesn’t last very long on my skin; that is, it’s far too subtle for my liking, but considering that fragrances react differently on everyone’s skin, it might work great for you.
Another foible, in my opinion, is that Dylan Blue lacks the sexual allure of Sauvage, but again, it really just depends on what you’re looking for in a signature scent. Regardless, this one is easy to wear and smells great. A perfect first scent!
Another foible, in my opinion, is that Dylan Blue lacks the sexual allure of Sauvage, but again, it really just depends on what you’re looking for in a signature scent. Regardless, this one is easy to wear and smells great. A perfect first scent!
Note: My fiancee actually disagrees with this one though. In her opinion, Versace Eros Flame would make a great first scent. To her, it is “light, crispy, and easy to work with”. Personally, I don’t think Eros Flame is incredibly versatile, but if you can get your hands on a sample of it, go for it. Despite what the name implies, Eros Flame is a citrus-based fragrance. There is nothing about it that warrants the word flame, which to me suggests spiciness.
Dolce and Gabbana: The One EDT
Family: Spicy/Oriental, Citrus-based
This was the first full-sized bottle that I purchased. They say you always remember your first, and I remember this one quite well. I had just spent five months using a subscription service during which time I probably tried a dozen or so fragrances, but there was something about The One that just stood out, other than it being implicitly suggested in the name that it indeed is the One fragrance you need.
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| D&G The One 200 ml ($118 retail) |
It is a great first fragrance. Incredibly easy to wear, very versatile, mass-appealing, and it smells amazing. The only downside to this one– and actually most fragrances from Dolce and Gabbana that I've tried– is that the longevity is pretty bad; that is, the scent doesn’t last very long. Most people say that they have got about four hours from this before having to reapply.
Interestingly enough though, my fiancee gets over eight hours when she wears it. I have no idea why.
Despite its slight downside, with notes like coriander, basil, ginger, cedar, and tobacco, Dolce and Gabbana The One would be a great introduction into the world of fragrances.
Coach for Men
Family: Clean/Fresh
If you like lavender then Coach for Men is for you. Consisting of an amalgamation of different family notes including four different citruses, three different spices, and a couple floral, this one is perhaps the safest beginner fragrance on this list.
Personally, I feel like it resembles an air freshener used to briefly make a room smell pleasant. That’s what you’ll get with this one.
Personally, I feel like it resembles an air freshener used to briefly make a room smell pleasant. That’s what you’ll get with this one.
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| Coach For Men 30ml ($30 at Marshalls) |
English Laundry Nottinghill for Men
Family: Earthy/Woodsy
The reason this is last on my list is because it isn’t one of my favorite fragrances. It’s one, that for me, has lost its appeal. I’m not even sure exactly why, but regardless of my feelings towards it, I think English Laundry Nottinghill for Men is an incredibly good choice for a first fragrance. With this one you have bergamot and lemon at the top, pepper in the middle, and cedar, sandalwood, and musk at the bottom.
I have heard this scent described as something an older gentleman would wear, and I definitely get that vibe from it, but the word I would use to describe it is sophisticated. It reminds me of something a college professor would wear.
One thing to note though is that unlike the previous four fragrances, this one is potentially offensive. If you spray this ten times on a really hot summer’s day, you will upset people because it's potent. Just be aware of that when applying.
One thing to note though is that unlike the previous four fragrances, this one is potentially offensive. If you spray this ten times on a really hot summer’s day, you will upset people because it's potent. Just be aware of that when applying.
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| English Laundry Nottinghill For Men 100ml ($30 at Marshalls) |
I bought a 100ml for only $30. So if you’re still not sure you want to buy an expensive designer fragrance something from this house may be a great choice. A couple other pretty decent ones from them are Cambridge Knight and Oxford Bleu.
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As mentioned in my very first post, wearing a fragrance is powerful. It effects how people see you and how well they remember you. That’s exactly why finding a signature scent is a good idea. If people begin to associate a particular scent with you, it’ll make you that much more attractive; remember what Moore said, that it is incredibly romantic if not erotic to smell like a particular thing.
Animals in the wild utilize the power of scent every single day for a plethora of reasons including attracting others and marking their territory. I hope that after reading my rather long two-part post that you are in a position to do the same!
If you have any questions or concerns for me, I can be reached at tnpersona@gmail.com or send me a message on my Facebook page. Until next time.
-Ryan S.
If you have any questions or concerns for me, I can be reached at tnpersona@gmail.com or send me a message on my Facebook page. Until next time.
-Ryan S.
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