Whatever it is that sways you, it often takes years and countless spritzes to find that one perfume you return to time and time again: your signature. It's the perfume that allows your friends to pick you out in a room of hundreds; the one that earns you the most compliments on your morning commute, and which you always make a beeline for in Duty Free. But fragrance is also much more nuanced. Research has found that scent is intrinsically linked to memory, people, places, and experiences, making perfume less aesthetic and more of a meaningful addition to your daily wardrobe.
Of course, everyone's taste is different and that makes it all the more interesting. Ahead, R29 staffers share their signature scents and why they just can't get enough.
This story was originally published on Refinery29UK.
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Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum
"I’m chronically online so it’s probably not a surprise that I discovered this perfume on TikTok. One fragrance obsessive described it as 'the queen of perfume,' while another looked like she had an out-of-body experience at first sniff. I like a head-turning scent, so I had to seek it out — and now I can’t stop wearing it. It’s a lush mix of lychee, Turkish rose, bergamot, and rhubarb, and I swear every inhale alters my brain chemistry. It’s sweet but not saccharine, and it’s unlike any other floral fragrance I’ve tried thanks to the addition of woody, spicy nutmeg. Perfume rarely lasts on my skin or clothes, but this one sticks around. I sprayed it in the office once and received so many compliments I lost count. It’s on the expensive side but believe the hype. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative, Zara’s collection of fruity, floral fragrances are just the ticket." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Deputy Beauty Director
Parfums de Marly Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum, $, available at Bloomingdale's
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
"I used to be so anti-perfume it hurt. Years of trauma induced by theatre and forensic speech coaches were scented with Chanel so it took me until my mid 20s to really become a perfume girlie. And honestly, I took my first bottle of Glossier You from The Wing, but I only swiped it because I had never smelled anything like it before. I had never thought of fragrance as an experience or an entire olfactory ambiance before Glossier You. It has notes of iris, ambrette, and pink pepper but none of that shows up on me. Truly, those are all notes I would run away from screaming typically. Instead, it’s a fragrance that takes on the wearer. It enhances every other fragrance I layer with it. It’s magic in a bottle." — Amanda Mitchell, Senior Beauty Writer and Stories Creator
Glossier Glossier You, $, available at Glossier
Chanel Paris-Riviera Les Eaux de Chanel
"I don’t believe in signature scents because I am a huge proponent of having a fragrance wardrobe. I like to find scents that match my current mood or whatever the event is that I'm getting ready for, be it date night or an important meeting. That said, there is a fragrance that has been my steadfast go-to for the past few years: Chanel’s Paris-Riviera. This particular scent encapsulates everything I want my energy to be: bright, happy, and warm. It has a citrusy sweetness from Sicilian orange and neroli, plus a woody, comforting aspect from sandalwood and musk. One time, I accidentally packed it in my carry-on and the TSA agent made me throw it away. I wept." — Sara Tan, Beauty Director
Chanel PARIS - RIVIERA Les Eaux de CHANEL - Eau de Toilette Spray, $, available at Chanel
Hermès Terre d'Hermès Eau de Toilette
"I’m a true perfume lover (during a six-month study abroad in Paris, I dragged my mum to the Musée du Parfum and I didn’t want to leave). If I had the chance to craft my own bespoke perfume, Hermès’ Terre d’Hermès would be that scent. Although historically marketed for men, I believe that all scent is inherently genderless and that there are no rules. Terre d’Hermès is a classic perfume that’s been around since 2006 but it feels so modern to me — and it's sort of slept on. In my honest opinion, it’s a perfect combination of fruit, spice, and wood, which helps balance it so that it doesn't come off too heady or strong. While I'm usually an Eau de Parfum girl, I prefer the Eau de Toilette (in addition to the discontinued Eau Fraîche variety) since it feels a bit lighter and brighter." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau de Toilette, $, available at Sephora
By/ Rosie Jane Rosie Eau de Parfum
"I’ve never really had a 'signature' scent except for Proenza Arizona, which this Reddit thread tells me has been discontinued — tragic! However, I recently discovered By/Rosie Jane’s Rosie perfume via #PerfumeTok and I’ve been loving it. It has a very faint, sweet rose scent that I like for its layer-ability. It’s a 'nude skin' scent, like Glossier You, so less of a 'what perfume are you wearing?' and more like a 'you smell nice.' I have the travel spray vial, which I’ve been throwing in my makeup bag for short trips to spray on my sweaters so they smell faintly fresh when I pull them over my head. I’d recommend the perfume oil version, which has a little more staying power than the eau de parfum; both are reasonably priced." — Megan Decker, Beauty Editor
By Rosie Jane Rosie Perfume, $, available at Sephora
Thin Wild Mercury Laurel Canyon 1966
"I was first swayed by the story behind this scent: an evocative tale of life, love, sex, drugs, and rock and roll in '60s L.A. I mean, who doesn’t want to smell like Joni Mitchell or Eve Babitz in their heyday? But it's the fragrance (a unique blend of sweet orange, grapefruit, Italian cannabis, clove, jasmine, and patchouli) which keeps bringing me back. Never have I worn a perfume that has earned so many compliments or lasted so long. Even days after spritzing on a coat or scarf, people will stop me in the street or lean over their date to ask me what I’m wearing (true story!), and at the end of the day the scent lingers on my skin. To sweeten the deal, my mum — herself a child of the '60s — is also a fan. I love that we have this very special perfume to tie us together." — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Thin Wild Mercury Laurel Canyon,1966, $, available at Thin Wild Mercury
Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense
"I remember vividly the first time I smelled this perfume. I was in Duty Free, playing with samples at the Jo Malone counter, and this floral scent stopped me in my tracks. It lingered on my skin for the rest of my flight and I knew I simply needed to have it. I've always gravitated towards tuberose fragrances but this one is next-level. The earthy top note of angelica flower and the warm, woody amber base note intensify the jasmine-y, floral aroma of tuberose. A few spritzes is enough to make me feel like a more sophisticated, idealized version of myself — someone who is never late, owns the fanciest rollneck cashmere jumpers, and always has freshly cut stems on her dining table (one can dream, right?). It smells even more incredible when layered with a fresh tea scent, like Bulgari Au Thé Vert or Miller Harris Tea Tonique." — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Affiliate Writer
Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense, $, available at Jo Malone
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum For Her
"If I’m honest, I probably found this through a sample and/or a peruse in Duty Free at Heathrow Airport. I immediately liked it and have been wearing it ever since. I find it incredibly comforting and wearing it feels natural to me. If I wanted to switch things up, I would feel disoriented and to be honest, my wife would riot. She, like me, thinks it smells more like me than I do." — Sadhbh O'Sullivan, Lifestyle Editor
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 oz., $, available at Macy's
Escentric Molecules Escentric 01
"I would love to be a person who layers five individual fragrances to create my own unique scent, but I surrendered control of my mornings to my snooze button far too long ago for that to be a realistic possibility. Escentric 01 satisfies my delusions of originality as (according to the maker) it 'hovers close to the skin to create an indefinable aura round the wearer' which, to me at least, smells warm and deliciously herby. A man once tapped me on the shoulder, asked if I was wearing Escentric Molecules, then, hearing my answer, turned to the woman beside him and said: 'See? Told you so.' Weird chat-up lines aside, a scent that’s 'indefinable' yet definable is exactly what I want to wear." — Katy Thompsett, Copy Editor
Escentric Molecules Escentric Molecules, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
The perfume: Aesop Marrakech Intense Eau de Toilette, £65, available at Aesop.
Why it’s my signature scent: This scent is pure sex. A heady, woody fragrance that never feels too much, it's so good I bought one for my boyfriend's birthday as he kept nicking it off me. One spritz in the morning lasts until the witching hour, and despite it perfectly suiting sultry autumn evenings, it also works well in the high heat of summer. People everywhere, from gym changing rooms to the supermarket, have asked me what I'm wearing, which is the mark of any decent perfume, surely?
The perfume: Le Labo Tonka 25 Eau de Parfum, £127 for 50ml, available at Liberty London.
Why it’s my signature scent: I’d been messing around with different scents ever since I weaned myself off Ralph by Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana Blue back in sixth form, but nothing had really 'stuck'. The second I smelled Tonka though, I was hooked. It is out of this world and I love that it makes me feel like a grown-up, sophisticated lady, even if I haven't had time to wash my hair or put on anything fancy. It earns me lots of compliments and, while the price tag is definitely A Thing That Concerns Me, you can take your old Le Labo bottles back into Liberty and they refill them for money off.
Le Labo Tonka 25 Eau de Parfum 50ml, $, available at Liberty London
The perfume: Guerlain Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum, £53 for 30ml, available at The Perfume Shop.
Why it’s my signature scent: My sister initially discovered this perfume and I fell in love with it immediately. I consider it to be my go-to for special occasions and evenings out. It is a distinct floral meets fresh scent that lingers all day and makes me feel elegant. I receive so many compliments when I wear it, but the price is a tad steep for my budget, so I try to spritz it sparingly.
Guerlain Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum For Her 3oml, $, available at The Perfume Shop
The perfume: Narciso Rodriquez For Her Eau de Parfum, £40.50 for 30ml, available at John Lewis.
Why it’s my signature scent: I'm picky about perfume and smells in general, but the idea of having a huge collection of scents on a pretty little tray on my vanity was a genuine dream of mine. I realised that dream wasn't going to become a reality when I discovered Narciso Rodriguez For Her (the pink bottle, to be exact) a couple of years ago. It became my forever scent. I now only own this one perfume and will most likely continue to repurchase it.
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum 3oml, $, available at John Lewis
The perfume: Mugler Cologne Take Me Out Eau de Toilette, £55 for 100ml, available at Debenhams.
Why it’s my signature scent: I stumbled upon this perfume after I noticed a friend wearing it and ever since my nostrils got whiff, I completely fell in love with its fresh, botanical vibe. I’m usually more of a musky, leathery or sweet scented person so this isn’t usually my go-to but I love wearing it as an everyday fragrance. I’m also a huge fan of the reactions I get from my colleagues when I spray this on myself (love the attention, me) and it goes down very well overall from smellers-by. I feel it stays with me throughout the day and I love the leafy notes of orange blossom. It’s also a little aftershave-y, which I’m a big fan of.
Mugler Cologne Take Me Out Eau de Toilette 100ml, $, available at Debenhams
The perfume: Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette, £41 for 30ml, available at Feelunique.
Why it’s my signature scent: I really dislike a lot of women’s fragrances, mainly because most of the ones I can afford smell like a blend of highlighter pens, your granny’s potpourri collection and Emma Bunton’s lip gloss. I want something powerful, laid-back and musky, like Penélope Cruz when she’s just woken up from a nap, and this hits the spot. Also, it’s 'affordable', by which I mean double the price of a bottle of Britney’s Intimate Fantasy and a third of the price of Tom Ford’s Noir Pour Femme.
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette 30ml, $, available at FeelUnique
The perfume: Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum, £127 for 50ml, available at Cult Beauty.
Why it’s my signature scent: I know Santal 33 is a) ridiculously expensive and b) a bit of a basic ‘fashion’ scent now and on just about every influencer’s Instagram #shelfie. But in my honest opinion, there’s nothing nicer or more intoxicating than it’s spicy, musky smell. I love it’s sexy, unisex vibe and the fact that it’s so potent you only need one or two spritzes, meaning it’ll last you at least a year. That almost justifies the price...
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau De Parfum 50ml, $, available at Cult Beauty
The perfume: The Body Shop Kahaia White Flora Eau De Parfum, £20, available at The Body Shop.
I really struggle finding perfumes that a) I won’t get bored of and b) are okay to wear throughout the year and are appropriate for both the daytime and evenings out. I don’t like anything too floral, I don’t like anything too sweet, I like a hint of sexy musk but I'm also aware that it’s not to everyone’s taste. I couldn’t afford another bottle of Dolce & Gabbana’s The One after years of constant usage and so I stumbled into The Body Shop in the hope of finding a cheaper alternative. Their White Flora saved the day (and my budget). It’s warm and musky but the fresh notes of jasmine mean that it’s not too heavy or suffocating. It's very indulgent for a £20 eau de parfum and I’m not mad about it.
The Body Shop Kahaia Eau De Parfum 50ml, $, available at The Body Shop
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