In an ideal world, a signature scent serves as a personal scent memory to cherished friends and loved ones. A fragrance can linger on clothes, in rooms, over the air, causing thoughts like: Jayden’s was here.

But getting to that point is difficult, yea? thanks to the complications of finding a signature perfume.

Well; the short answer for how to find your elusive, signature fragrance is merely: Find the one that you like.

It sounds simple. But as they say in life, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. And the journey to finding a fragrance can feel bit like a scent version of understanding.

So! If you’re having difficulty picking out a signature scent: you’re not alone. Here are 5 simple tips on how to learn to trust your nose, follow your instincts, and commit to a signature scent.

1. Try out only three scents a time.
Initially, especially if you don’t really have an idea of what you like, smell everything. But limit your explorations to sniffing only three scents.

2. Rebound with a fragrance.
Unlike rebounding with a bad boyfriend, if you keep returning to a sample and liking it, something about the fragrance is drawing you in. Request a sample of that fragrance and spray it on yourself, as body chemistry can affect how a fragrance smells.

3. Try to understand what you are smelling.
This will help you ask for more of the same thing or vocalize what you don’t like.

4. Start with lighter scents first.

It’s better to start with more aqueous or musky scents first; Muskier scents are more clean-laundry-type scents; aqueous ones are fresher. Go from musky to citrus to fruity florals into heavier woods.

5.  Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t like oud or other unfamiliar scents.
Everyone is talking about their love for oud and all, but don’t be concerned if you don’t like it. Fragrance preference is often rooted in familiarity. If you smell an oud and have never worn one before, it’s not that you don’t like it, it’s that your nose is learning, so do you get a headache when you wear the scent? Is it making you feel the mood you want to feel?” These are questions you should ask yourself as you’re trying out fragrances.

Hope this helps.