How Do I Find my Signature Scent?

Here's the truth: finding your signature scent is a big deal. Not in the pressure-filled, "you must get this right" sort of way, but in a "hey, this could be one of those small joys that makes every day a little better" kind of way. Whether you're lighting a candle after a long day, getting your space guest-ready, or just enjoying your own cozy moment, the scent in the air plays a bigger role than we usually give it credit for.

And let's be real—there's no exact science here. You're not going to find a step-by-step formula that guarantees your perfect match. But that's part of the fun. This is about you, your vibe, your memories, your moods. It's a personal thing; yes, it can be a shared moment with someone else, too. Scent-hunting with your best friend or your partner? Absolutely a vibe. But remember, it's your vibe, your memories, and your moods that ultimately guide you.

Let's get into it.

Step One: Start With Your Feelings

We're going deep right away because here's the thing—your scent isn't just about what smells nice. It's about what feels right.

Ask yourself:

• What do I want to feel when I walk into a room?
• Calm? Energized? Cozy? Romantic?
• Do I want something soft and nostalgic or bold and adventurous?

This isn't about fragrance families or top notes just yet. It's about emotion. If you start with your feelings, you'll be closer to a scent that hits home. Trust your instincts; they'll guide you to the right scent.

For example, if your goal is pure relaxation, think lavender, vanilla, or something herbal like sage. Try citrusy notes like grapefruit or neroli if you want something playful and light. Or, if you want to walk into your apartment and feel like a boss, musk, amber, and patchouli—those grounded scents with a little attitude—might be more your speed.

Step Two: Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Scents are powerful. They pull on memories in ways you don't even see coming.

That one summer you spent with your cousin baking cinnamon rolls? That scent might give you an instant hit of happiness. The rose garden at your grandmother's house? Floral scents might bring comfort in ways you didn't expect.

Think back:

• Are there any places that hold good memories for you?
• Are there people you love that you associate with a particular scent?
• Any time of year that gives you butterflies just thinking about it?

Sometimes, your signature scent hides in your past—it just needs a little nudge to resurface.

Step Three: Smell Everything. Like, Literally Everything.

You cannot discover your signature scent by playing it safe. This is your permission slip to get wild in a candle store (or online if you're shopping smart—more on that in a minute).

Smell things you wouldn't usually go for. Pick up that smoky one that sounds weird but intriguing. Try the fresh linen even if you swore you'd never like something so clean. Explore the mysterious scents that have names like "Velvet Fire" or "Midnight Orchard." These often blend unexpected notes you can't describe until you smell them—and sometimes, that's where the magic is.

Don't lock yourself into one "type." You can love something fruity in the kitchen and woodsy in the bedroom. Variety isn't confusion—it's character.

Step Four: Let Your Mood Do the Choosing

Your mood shifts. Your scent can shift, too.

This is where the idea of a "signature scent" gets slightly flexible. Think of it more like a signature playlist. You don't listen to the same song when working out, winding down, or having a deep thought moment on the balcony. So why would you burn the same scent in every mood?

Some days, you might be drawn to something light and breezy, and on other days, something profound and sexy. Don't fight it. Lean in. Consider incorporating your chosen scents into your daily routines. Light a relaxing scent during your evening bath, a refreshing scent in your morning yoga session, and a romantic scent for your date night. This will help you fully experience and appreciate your chosen scents.

Over time, you'll notice there's usually one scent—or a few—that you always come back to. That's when you know you've got something special.

Step Five: Don't Rush It

This isn't speed dating. You don't need to find The One in a day. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let the right scent find you.

Part of the fun is the search: smelling something new, bringing it home, lighting it at different times of the day, and noticing how it makes you feel.

Sometimes, a candle smells great in the store, but once it's lit, it fills the room in a way that's too much. Or too little. Or it's perfect. But you won't know until you live with it a little. Try it in different rooms, at different times, and in different weather conditions. This will give you a better understanding of how the scent might change in different settings.

Let the experience unfold. You're not picking a tattoo—you're choosing a scent. There's freedom here. Consider creating a scent profile where you jot down your initial thoughts, how the scent changes over time, and how it makes you feel. This will help you keep track of your scent journey and make it easier to find your signature scent.

Step Six: Tune Out the Noise

There will always be that one person who turns their nose up at a scent you love. Don't let that throw you.

Your signature scent isn't about trends. It's about you. The one who lights the candle. The one who breathes it in. If it sparks joy, gives you peace, or makes you feel like you've got your life together—boom. That's the one.

Also, you don't owe anyone an explanation for liking what you like. If you're into sweet, sugary scents that smell like cake batter, go for it. If you want something smoky and mysterious, lean in. If you're somewhere in between, cool. Nobody gets to define your scent but you.

Bonus Tip: Try a Candle Discovery Set

This is especially helpful if you're shopping online or just want to explore without committing to a full-size candle right away.

The discovery sets, or minis, are like the sampler platter at your favorite restaurant—zero pressure, maximum fun. Light one every couple of days and pay attention to your reaction. Which one makes you go "mmmmm" out loud without realizing it? Which one do you reach for again, even if you weren't planning to? That's your body talking. Listen to it.

Candle Personality Quiz? Yes, Please.

Okay, hear me out. These little scent quizzes may seem silly, but they can be super helpful in pointing you in a general direction.

If you love personality quizzes anyway, this is your jam. Answer a few fun questions about your vibe, weekend plans, favorite cocktail, and boom—it'll suggest some scent types worth trying.

Are they always 100% accurate? Nah. But they're fun and can give you a solid jumping-off point.

What If You Love Multiple Scents?

Oh, honey. That just means you have great taste.

You're allowed to have a scent for different seasons. Different rooms. Different moods. This isn't a loyalty program—you don't have to stick to just one.

Some folks find joy in having a signature collection. Like a mood board of scents representing different parts of who they are. That can be way more fun (and way more you) than locking yourself into one smell forever.

So go off if you like a citrusy kitchen candle, a floral bathroom candle, a moody bedroom candle, and a vanilla-laced living room candle.

A Few Scent Categories to Explore

If you're feeling a little stuck and want some direction, here's a quick breakdown of scent vibes and what they usually bring to the table:

• Floral: Think rose, jasmine, peony. Soft, romantic, a little dreamy.
• Woody: Like cedarwood, sandalwood, and patchouli. Earthy, grounded, deep.
• Fresh/Clean: Cotton, linen, rain. Bright, airy, and chill.
• Citrus: Lemon, orange blossom, bergamot. Energetic, zesty, vibrant.
• Gourmand: Vanilla, caramel, coffee. Cozy, sweet, warm.
• Spicy: Cinnamon, clove, amber. Bold, warm, and a little mysterious.
• Herbal: Eucalyptus, sage, mint. Calming, natural, peaceful.

You can play around with combos, too—floral and spicy, woody and sweet, citrus and herbal. There's no wrong answer.

Trust Your Nose, Trust Yourself

Do you know that moment when you smell something and your whole body says "yes"? That's the moment you're looking for. It might be instant, or take a few candles before it clicks.

This journey is about discovering what makes you feel something, what smells like home, what brings you peace, energy, or a big, goofy smile. That's the magic.

There's no need to rush, no need to overthink. Trust your nose. Trust your gut. Trust that the scent you're drawn to has a reason, and that reason is you.

Final Thoughts: Make It Fun

Seriously. Let this be fun.

Bring a friend. Light test candles with your partner. Have a "scent night" where you try new ones with wine and snacks. Take notes. Make memories. Laugh at the ones you hate and swoon over the ones you love.

This isn't just about a candle. It's about creating an experience that feels like you. And once you find that signature scent—whether it's one, three, or ten—you'll feel it. You'll know.

And that? That's something worth fighting again and again.