Should you have a ‘signature scent’? This fragrance expert weighs in
In an age of overwhelming choice and constant change in the beauty industry, does the idea of a single, defining personal fragrance still hold value?
In a world where personal branding has become more important than ever, the concept of a signature scent is a sophisticated yet subtle thing to add to your beauty routine to make a lasting impression on those around you. Fragrance has long been intertwined with self-expression. From Cleopatra’s intoxicating perfumes marked her allure and power, to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic declaration of wearing nothing but Chanel No. 5 to bed, scent has played a pivotal role in defining and enhancing one’s persona. But in an age of overwhelming choice and constant change, does the idea of a single, defining fragrance still hold value? To delve into this aromatic enigma, we spoke with Laura Curtis, Mecca’s Fragrance Education Manager.
“A signature scent can be your calling card — a silent message to people that you have arrived or are present in a room,” Curtis explains. “It can make the people around you feel your vibe or sense your personality in a subliminal way — whether it’s a soft, gentle aura or a vivacious and confident energy.“
The idea of a signature scent transcends mere fragrance; it becomes an extension of one’s identity, offering an olfactory glimpse into who you are. This unique scent signature can leave a lasting impression on those you encounter, making it a potent tool for personal expression.
Fragrances have a unique ability to evoke powerful memories and emotions, too, which can make signature scents a pleasant tool for nostalgia and fond recollections. Curtis explains, “Our scent receptors link directly with the limbic system in our brains, which is where emotions and memories are processed. This direct link is almost immediate — which is why an aroma can spark an emotion before we consciously recall the memory behind it.”
When it comes to the potential downside of having a signature scent, Curtis highlights a phenomenon known as “olfactory fatigue.” “The more you wear a fragrance, the more your scent receptors become used to it — so some people find that they can’t smell their own signature scent throughout the day, even though it’s perceptible to the people around them,” she explains. While this might seem like a negative, it ensures that your chosen scent remains consistently associated with you by others, even if you can’t always detect it yourself.
Another way to counteract olfactory fatigue, as Curtis suggests, is by collecting a “fragrance wardrobe” of scents you rotate regularly. “An alternative approach is what we call a fragrance wardrobe — a curated collection of fragrances that you can tailor to specific occasions, moods or outfits. This way, you can delight your scent receptors with a rotation of fragrances from day-to-day.” she advises. This approach allows for a dynamic interplay of scents that can match your changing moods and circumstances.
Curtis also emphasises the importance of trying the fragrance on your skin before making a commitment. “Even if you love the scent on a blotter, it’s important to ensure that it works with your body chemistry and that you love the fragrance enough to be immersed in it on a daily basis,” she notes.
When asked about the most universally pleasing fragrance notes, Curtis acknowledges a few largely favoured notes, but also explains that scent preferences are ultimately subjective. “Fragrance can be so personal, so even the most popular notes can be polarising! Generally speaking, notes of vanilla, bergamot (a zesty citrus note), and pink pepper (a berry, not a spice) are featured in many of our most-loved fragrances,” she shares. But she also advises keeping an open mind when it comes to lesser beloved notes. “Surprisingly enough, although a lot of people identify notes like rose or patchouli as scents they’d prefer to avoid, these ingredients are very prevalent in fine perfumes to infuse freshness (rose) and earthiness (patchouli) into a fragrance composition. So, always keep an open mind!”
For those looking to create a truly unique signature scent that goes beyond one bottle, fragrance layering has become an increasingly popular method in the beauty world to make a one-of-a-kind combination. “Fragrance layering can be a fun and creative form of self-expression, but I do recommend being cautious — not all fragrances are designed to be layered!” Curtis warns. “The majority of fine fragrances are carefully composed by their authors (known as noses or perfumers in the industry) to evolve beautifully on the skin throughout the day, telling a story and expressing specific moods or emotions. Mixing fragrances together can compromise this poetic expression, and create more of a muddled effect that can be overpowering to the people around us.”
However, Curtis highlights some brands that are designed with layering in mind. “Jo Malone London is the most famous example, as well as newer niche brands like DedCool, Escentric Molecules, and D.S. & Durga,” she notes. For those eager to experiment, these brands provide a solid starting point.
Above all else, the journey to discovering your perfect signature scent is deeply personal. “Some people may take months or years to discover a scent that aligns perfectly with their tastes and personality, while others may find it on a whim!” Curtis remarks. Her advice is straightforward: “Follow your heart — explore the Mecca Perfumeria, smell the scents, chat to the Fragrance Specialists, and learn about the inspirations and creative processes behind the scents, which may resonate with a scent memory of your own.”
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