What is is a signature scent?
I compare a signature scent to my written signature. It’s something that is unique to me. My signature tells the astute handwriting analyst everything they need to know about me the second they see it. A sig scent is something that is unique to you. A sig scent generates interest that can lead to compliments and serve as a conversation starter but begs the question, is the scent or is it the person.
A great signature scent isn’t necessarily one that changes the way people feel about you. Yes, it does but that’s not the bigger better deal here. A signature is a frag that changes the way you feel about yourself. A signature scent can be a mood and personality changer.
Depending on the notes in it, a great fragrance can bring you up when you’re feeling down. This causes good vibes that people are attracted to. Someone that people want to get to know better and maybe get some of that positive energy. A dark but warm scent can boost your confidence levels while turning you into an irresistible enigma. A mystery worthy of chasing.
A signature scent may also double as a pillow scent. What is a pillow scent? A pillow scent is one that will stay on her pillow long after you’ve gone. It’s a scent that depending on the relationship may cause one to want to vacuum seal the pillowcase as not to lose the smell.
How to choose a signature scent?
The best way to choose a signature scent may come down to trial and error. Blind buy a few frags, give them a whirl and see how they make you feel before heading out into the field. Once out there, take notice of the reactions you get. If the scent makes YOU feel good and gets compliments and is a conversation starter, this may be your signature scent.
If blind buying full-sized bottles aren’t your thing because of the cost, order a few samples directly from the fragrance houses. If that’s not an option, there are quite a few companies that sell nothing but fragrance samples. If that’s not an option or you’re looking for a curated sample selection, try a service such as ScentBird. One caveat with this or any subscription-based company, you may want to use a virtual card(click here to learn more).
Ethics Statement-If you sign up for a Scentbird subscription or start a new virtual card via the links above, I earn a small commission I use to buy more cologne.
Another way to get quality samples is to seek out and join fragrance groups. Many groups feature fragrance swaps. That bottle you bought last week but don’t like could be decanted(sprayed into smaller bottles) and traded or sold to others as a way to get new scents in your life and maybe get some of your cologne spend back.
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Issey Miyake
Released in 1994, I “borrowed” this scent from an OG Sauve MF. I first encountered this guy on my first day on the job. I noticed the women were drawn to him like iron filings to a magnet. I was immediately jealous and felt this dude was encroaching on my territory. Or, should I say I was a younger wolf encroaching on the Alpha of the Quad’s habitat.
I asked a few of the ladies to tell me what was so fascinating about this dude. He was regular-looking but dressed fairly well. The first thing out of their mouths was his cologne drew him in. His dark-toned mysterious voice combined with a he seemed to be a subject matter expert in everything kept them coming.
After close observation, I finally learned the secret of his trap and what really kept them coming. He listened to them. That’s it. He just listened to him. Whether they wanted to admit it, the cologne was the scent that brought them in and started the conversation.
The mark of a great signature scent or any scent for that matter is often times they start a dialogue that can take you anywhere.
Looking at the notes in this frag, a few things jump out at me. Clary Sage for instance is an essential oil that helps one to relax and gives a feeling of well-being. Mandarin, is thought to also provide a calming effect to those exposed to it.
Top Notes-Clary Sage, Coriander, Cypress, Mandarin, Verbena, Yuzu
Middle Notes-Blue Water Lilly, Bourban Geranium, Celolonese Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Saffron
Base Notes-Amber, Cypriol, Haitian Vetiver, Indian Sandalwood, Tobacco
While this cologne has great projection and sillage, it’s not offensive and overbearing. As I first discovered this scent in an office, I would of course classify this as a work or school cologne. This cologne will work well for older men as well as younger gents especially those who are around a bunch of knuckle draggers who drench themselves in Axe Body Wash.
Puredistance M No. 03
Puredistance M No. 03
Of my signature scents, Puredistance M No.3 is the only niche fragrance* to make this list. Released by Lucky Scent in 2010, this cologne is one of my favorite colder weather colognes as it feels a little heavy and may not work during the warmer seasons like late Spring and Summer.
The goal behind this fragrance was to convince the person who was wearing it (and those around them) that they just found themselves in a luxury car. An Aston Martin to be precise. This cologne is sometimes referred to as a James Bond cologne
You may find this cologne works well in one on one scenarios such as a date. This unisex cologne (meaning men and women can rock it) works well in group situations and will help you to stand above the nose noise that is everyday best-selling safe scents.
While not my top compliment getting cologne, this fragrance typically generates buzz and gives the impression of a fancy study in a castle or stately manor that one has to go into at least once in their life.
Once in that manner, they will find a distinguished man. A more refined version of the Issey Miyake man. Not better than him but different in his approach and views on life that will be shared (but not too much at first) with anyone who will sit down and listen.
This cologne accomplishes that via the citrus top notes. In addition to providing an energizing sense, citrus promotes balance and calm for the user as well as the person experiencing this person and his scent for the first time.
The notes come together to produce a scent that’s spicy, sweet, and manly at the same time.
Top Notes-Amalfi Lemon, Bergamot
Middle Notes-Jasmine, Rose, Vanilla
Base Notes-Carnation, Cinnamon, Clove, French Labdanum, Jasmine, Musk, Oak Moss Patchouli, Woody Notes
*A niche fragrance created by smaller fragrance houses that typically do nothing else but create scents. They usually will not have associated fashion lines
L’Homme Ideal by Guerlain
L’Homme Ideal, released in 2014 quickly became a signature scent after I blind-bought this cologne based on nothing but the notes. I didn’t bother asking anyone in the group about it and didn’t bother to read the reviews before buying.
I’ve seen this cologne described as “mysterious and sensual.” I’ll second that notion. This fragrance of course has a citrus opening. In case you’re wondering, yes, I tend to pick up on colognes that have citrus notes to them. There are two reasons for this. The first is the emotional boost citrus gives me. I’m a huge fan of essentional oils and know of the healing nature and mental boost many of them provide to myself and those around me.
Basic knowledge of essential oils will help you choose “mission” specific colognes that boost YOUR mind and help you to boost others. People love people who make them feel good if only for a short time.
In addition to the citrus, the Ameretto Accord and the Tonka Bean in the basenotes gives the illusion of chocolate. A sure conversation starter if I’ve ever seen one.
I typically wear this in the cooler parts of the year such as Fall, Winter and early Spring but have smelled this cologne a couple times in Florida theme parks during the heat of summer. As with many things in life, there are some rules that can be bent or broken. What works for me in the Spring may work better for you in the dead of Winter.
Top Notes-Citrus, Orange Blossom, Rosemary
Middle Notes-Amaretto Accord
Base Notes-Cedar Wood, Leather, Tonka Bean, Vetiver
Tom Ford Noir Extreme
This “cookie spice” cologne is one of my top picks for a night at the casino. This cologne rates high Projection & Sillage category. By that I mean this cologne can be smelled from a decent distance or in keeping with the casino theme, this cologne may be picked up from 4 or so slot machines away. Sillage, the trail you leave as you flow through a room, be all the bread crumbs they will need to track you down in the bar or burger joint.
This cologne is strong enough to compete with the smells you would expect in a bar, casino or burger joint. Strong projection helps to get you noticed. While I love the top notes that include citrus, in my opinion, it’s the middle and base notes that make this cologne the winner it it. To inspire my comments, I applied a little dab of TF Noir Extreme. As I type, I type, I’m smoking a brisket. I have wood smoke on my clothes.
I just noticed this cologne is shining through “raw” unfiltered wood smoke. If this shines through a wood smoker, it will shine through anything that can be thrown at it.
The custard orange combo offered by the Kulfi and Mandarin Orange is a head turner. The strong base notes as provided by the Amber, Sandalwood and Vanilla notes says the wearer is confident and masculine.
While this is my first choice for the casino, I’ve rocked this in office as well as on a date.
Top Notes-Cardamom, Madarin Orange, Neroli, Nutmeg, Saffron
Middle Notes-Jasmine, Kulfi, Mastic, Orange Blossom, Rose
Base Notes-Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Wood Notes
The One by Dolce & Gabanna
Of my go to Signature Scents, The One by Dolce & Gabbana is probably my favorite. Launched in 2008, I came across this scent prior to a trip to Florida. I reckon this is a favorite because it brings back memories of the lady I travelled with and dated for a time. There were bad times, crazy times and terrible times. There were also good times that I’ll always remember.
One of the benefits of a signature scent is the memories it creates for you and for someone who was kind enough to join you life.
This cologne is best suited for cooler times. However, as I mentioned earlier, I purchased this for a late summer trip to Florida. Florida, especially the theme park areas draw in people from across the globe. One tends to smell the same ole, same ole scents everywhere you go. I’ll have to say, I didn’t recall smelling The One the year I visited with my friend and the year after. Later, the secret was out so to speak.
The One works great as an everyday cologne as well as a special occasion and/or date scent. It also plays well at work or school and has an awesome, long last dry down thanks to the base notes.
Top Notes-Basil, Coriander, Grapefruit
Middle Notes– Cardamom, Ginger, Orange Blossom
Base Notes-Amber, Cedar, Tobacco
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