The Search for a New Signature Perfume — Understanding the Notes

Turning 30 feels like a milestone, especially as I reflect on something that still feels elusive—finding not only my personal style— but my signature scent. Despite never finding the one, I’ve enjoyed a variety of perfumes, mists, you name it, gifted by family over the years, particularly from my aunties, who seem to have an instinct for picking “the good stuff.” I’ll admit, I was never instantly captivated by any one fragrance. Instead, each scent has grown on me over time, revealing layers that make me appreciate it more with each wear. I’ve been lucky that way; even though I’m a bit skeptical about gifting perfumes or receiving them as gifts, my family has a knack for finding scents that somehow feel just right—and they have not disappointed me.

As I wrote down the ones I’ve used over the years, I noticed something fascinating: the perfumes I’ve been drawn to share many of the same key notes—just rearranged or emphasized differently. These notes have become like familiar friends, comforting and evocative. It’s as if they’re woven into my personal history, subtly shaping my identity over the years. But now, I’m ready to take that knowledge and seek out a scent that feels uniquely mine—a fragrance that isn’t just familiar but truly captures the essence of who I am.

Join me as I dive into my little discovery about the similar notes across all the perfumes I’ve worn and wear. I didn’t notice it at first, but a pattern emerged when I started investigating each fragrance’s composition, bringing me one step closer to finding the one.

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FRAGANCES I WORE IN THE PAST. . .

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I used to love wearing 'Sheer Love' by Victoria’s Secret—it felt like the perfect 'fresh' scent for everyday life and on-the-go moments. Alongside it, I also used 'Pure Seduction' (sadly not pictured here), and these two became my go-to fragrances for years. My teenage era was practically wrapped in their familiar notes.

However, there was a turning point. My aunt brought one of these fragrances for my mom from the U.S., and when I tried it again, it smelled completely different—too strong for my sensitive nose. Since then, I haven’t gone back to them. Although my tastes have changed, I’m grateful for the memories they hold from that phase of my life.

'Velvet Petals,' also by Victoria’s Secret, became my pick after I found the previous two fragrances a bit too strong for my liking. I wore this mist for a while, and I think it was part of my university years—though my memory is a bit hazy. It’s hard to recall exactly how it smelled now, but it holds a faint, nostalgic charm from that time in my life.

'Blissful Garden' by Victoria’s Secret is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites. Launched in 2022 as part of their Lunar New Year collection (I think?), it quickly became a staple for me. I only wish it hadn’t been a limited edition!

The fragrance notes—Black Currant, Vanilla Orchid, and Balsam Fir—created a perfect blend that was woody, fruity, and floral, with a subtle powdery undertone. While I’m no expert in describing scents, I remember how beautifully it lingered on me all day long. This gem was also a gift from my aunt, which makes it even more special. I loved it so much, and I still miss it! She nailed it with this one! Thank you, tía A. ♥

Samsara Eau de Parfum by Guerlain: Launched in 1989, Samsara is an Oriental Woody fragrance for women. This wasn’t a gift but rather my mom’s favorite perfume, making it extra special to me. Over the years, I’ve worn it mostly for special occasions, and if I were ever able to get my hands on it again, it would remain a scent reserved solely for those meaningful moments.

I even wrote a blog post about it about four years ago, which you can read here. :)

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CURRENTLY WEARING. . .

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Legacy Eau de Parfum by Coach: This was another thoughtful gift, this time from one of my grand-aunties, and it’s been my current go-to fragrance—especially for Sundays when I’m heading to church. It adds a beautiful mix of floral warmth and powdery softness to my life, striking a polished yet approachable balance that works perfectly for both casual and special occasions.

Through this perfume, I’ve realized how much I love floral scents with a hint of woody depth. It also made me notice that many of the fragrances I’m drawn to have a mix of floral and wood accords.

I’ll admit, my first impression wasn’t great—I wasn’t sure I’d like the scent when I sniffed it straight from the bottle. But once I spritzed it on and wore it throughout the day, I fell in love. It’s now one of my favorites, though I’m sadly down to about 5mm in the bottle, and I know I won’t be able to replace it. It’s incredibly long-lasting on me, and I’ve even shared it with my mom a few times. It holds a special place in my collection and my heart. Thank you, tía M. ♥

Red Jeans by Versace: Red Jeans is bold, memorable, and full of personality—just as its name suggests. It carries a vibrant, sweet floral energy that feels young at heart, and even now, at thirty, I’ll always consider myself young at heart. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of its unique charm. It’s been my go-to fragrance for both summer and now “winter,” proving just how versatile and timeless it truly is.

This perfume was another thoughtful gift from my grand-auntie earlier this year. I’m already running low on my first bottle as I've been sharing it with my mom as well, but luckily, my grandma gave me hers (also gifted by my grand-auntie). That should last me a little while longer until I can get it myself. Thankfully, I know I can always find it at local perfume stores when the time comes. 

Sunrise Waves by Victoria's Secret: Sunrise Waves captures the essence of the ocean with its fresh, aquatic notes. It feels breezy and energizing, a scent that instantly brings to mind sunny days and open skies. Despite its summery name, I’ve found it’s actually more suited for fall and winter. It offers a refreshing and uplifting feeling that perfectly complements the cooler months—though, of course, it doesn’t get too cold where I am, so I’ve been wearing it for a month now, almost two.

This one is definitely my favorite after Blissful Garden. I absolutely love the smell and how long-lasting it is. It’s sweet, but to me, it’s a very bearable sweetness and I am already considering the idea of getting one or two more just in case. 

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What I've learned from this Journey 

Perfume notes are more than just ingredients—they’re the building blocks of a scent, each layer bringing its own story. Top notes are what you notice first, a fleeting introduction that captures attention but fades quickly. Heart notes, or the "middle" notes, give a fragrance its true character, lingering longer on the skin and revealing the perfume’s essence. Finally, the base notes provide depth and warmth, grounding the scent with lasting impressions that stay with you throughout the day.

For me, understanding these notes has been a game-changer in my search for a signature scent. I’ve realized that the fragrances I gravitate toward share specific notes: floral [especially white flowers], woody, powdery, amber, citrus, sweet, and fruity. These aren’t just smells; they represent memories, emotions, and pieces of my story that I’ve collected over the years. The right blend of notes can make a fragrance feel like an extension of myself—something familiar yet unique, and unmistakably me..

This understanding also helped me narrow down my options when I was searching for a new Victoria’s Secret fragrance mist. I had five choices in mind, and when I went to the store, I tested each one. Without hesitation, I chose Sunrise Waves. It made the whole process quicker and easier. This knowledge will continue to guide me as I hunt for a new signature perfume in the future.

Where Can You Find This Information? 

You can visit the website Fragrantica and simply type the names of your favorite perfumes—or even those you used to wear and loved the scent of. The site will help you find similar fragrances or allow you to search by your favorite notes, offering perfume options based on that.

I truly appreciate that a site like this exists because it makes it so much easier for me to search for the notes I’m most drawn to. It also gives me a variety of perfume options, and I’ve already created a list from it, so when the time comes I can look for specific perfumes rather than going into the store and not knowing exactly what I am looking for. 

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A Journey of Scents

This post has been about my journey in finding a signature fragrance, but it also feels like a bit of a review, sharing what I’ve learned and what I love about each scent. Perfume isn’t just a fragrance; it’s a story, a reflection of who you are at any given moment. Finding the right fragrance is an ongoing journey, one that mirrors our evolving tastes and experiences. Every scent I’ve explored has taught me something new about my preferences, and I’m excited to continue discovering new notes that feel like “me.”

If you’re in the midst of finding your signature perfume, remember—there’s no rush. Let your nose guide you, and enjoy the process of uncovering the fragrances that make you feel truly yourself. After all, the right perfume can be more than just a scent; it can become a part of your story.

I’d love to hear from you!

What’s your signature scent, or are you still on the hunt for one? Let me know in the comments below—I'd love to hear about the perfumes that have captured your heart, or any tips you have for finding the perfect fragrance! Until next time! xx