While online research is helpful, a signature scent is best discovered in person, by the nose, not the screen. And that usually means visiting a great fragrance shop. New York City has so many, from niche favorite Stéle to luxury-leaning Osswald NYC and one of the OGs of curated scent, Aedes Perfumery. But wherever you are, it’s worth seeking out a retailer with a distinctive point of view. Walking into a shop gives you something the internet can’t: knowledgeable staff, thoughtful curation, and the chance to smell dozens of fragrances side by side. As Levy and Belanger put it, “You are a unique processor of this experience. The point is to try things, explore, and figure out what makes you happy.”

Pro tip: Any fragrance house worth its salt should offer discovery sets, letting you explore multiple miniature scents without committing to a full bottle. And don’t be shy—if you smell something you admire on someone, ask what it is! Most folks are happy to share, and even if it doesn’t become your signature scent, it might lead you to something that does.

Step 3: How to Test Your Signature Scent

From the initial spritz through the dry down, the same scent can evolve and smell different depending on who wears it, which is why it’s important to give it time to develop. As Huber explains, “What makes a scent feel unique is how it interacts with your skin and personality. When testing fragrance, patience is essential. The opening is the beginning. Within 15 to 30 minutes, the fragrance reveals its heart, and after a few hours, you experience the drydown.”

Skin chemistry plays a role in how those stages unfold, and even the notes themselves are subjective. As Levy and Belanger point out, “One person’s leather note is not another perfumer’s leather note.” That’s why they guide people by overall feeling rather than strict note breakdowns. “We focus on vibes. Do you want something bright and light? Something heavy? Something formal, or something downright dirty? These are navigating tools.” It also helps to pay attention to concentration, since one spray of a potent extrait can equal several of a lighter EDT. Let the fragrance develop, wear it for a few hours, and revisit if the mood feels off. Plenty of scents don’t click right away simply because you’re not in the right headspace. Trust the process and let it unfold.

Signs You’ve Found Your Signature Scent(s)

I have so many favorite records and songs that picking just one feels nonsensical. But if you press me, I have signatures. Favorite record? Nevermind. Favorite song? Atlantic City. Favorite cologne? Stag by The Maker. While I have plenty of fragrances I rock regularly, Stag has that same kind of singular emotional pull those records do. The first time I wore it, something clicked. It felt distinctive and personal, the way its woodsy, palo santo–laced character unfolds—very me. These are all pieces of art that hit at a certain moment and have become part of my DNA. That is non-negotiable with a signature scent. You should feel something when you wear it, and that connection is what matters most.