GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

Which Fall Fragrance Suits Your Personality?

Scent experts weigh in on how to find the perfume that's right for you
Photo 1/7
For most of us, choosing a perfume is as simple as "it smells good" (or, real talk -- by which bottle will look prettiest on our vanity). But Mark Crames, the CEO of the all-encompassing fragrance library Demeter, and Jacquelyn Lang, CEO of Beauty Encounter, say our choices go far beyond that.

You may actually choose a fragrance based on a memory you associate with scent, a particular time of the year, or what may be most telling, certain notes that are reflective of your personality.

"Over the years, I've seen personalities gravitate to the same notes," says Lang. "A scent certainly can be an extension of one's personality." Whether you're bold or reserved, a romantic or a realist, adventurous or a wallflower, there's a new fall scent to match your personality. Here, the fall fragrances sure to become your signature scent.

Photo 2/7
 If You Dream of Being a CEO
The scent you'll love: Lang says powerful women are drawn toward bold, floral scents. "Florals have a powerful, yet feminine presence. They are pleasant and don't overwhelm the senses, allowing the woman -- not the perfume -- to make the statement."

Notes to look for: In the fall, it's important to look for bigger fragrance notes, as lighter, more transparent scents don't stand up to cold weather, says Crames. "Jasmine is a good fall floral, because it's more effusive. It's spicy and earthy." Also look for gardenia and musk for the perfect blend of bold and feminine.

Try this:
Burberry My Burberry, $125
Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic, $100

Photo 3/7
If You Would Spend 365 Outdoors
The scent you'll love: "Athletes and adventurous women like fresh, citrus scents," says Lang. "The notes evoke the feeling of being in nature. They settle quietly on the skin and don't overpower the scents of your surroundings, allowing you to breathe it all in." Because these scents are so light, Crames cautions that you may have to apply them more often in the fall and winter.

Notes to look for: Fragrances containing notes of orange blossom, grapefruit and pear have just the right amount of zest.

Try this:
Guess Dare, $52
Halle Berry Wild Essence, $28
Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Bergamot, $210

Photo 4/7
If Pearls and Polka Dots Are Your Go-Tos
The scent you'll love: Girly-girls gravitate toward sweet, fruity fragrances time and time again, says Lang. "[These fragrances] have a distinct sweetness that exudes femininity."

Notes to look for: Unlike the fruity, citrus scents adventure-seekers love, these fragrances pair zesty grapefruit notes with peach and green apple for a softer, sweeter scent. Mandarin and lychee are also fun and flirty fragrance notes.

Try this:
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream, $94
Christian Siriano Silhouette, $92
Fendi Fan Di Fendi Blossom, $86
Repetto Paris Eau de Toilette, $75

Photo 5/7
If Louboutins Are on Your Lust List
The scent you'll love: Fashion-lovers aren't afraid to express themselves -- whether it's with a trendy new accessory that hasn't hit the mainstream, or with bold, statement-making colors. Likewise, fashionistas prefer expressive fragrances, says Lang. "Soft floral scents are always fresh and in style." Combine that floral scent with musk undertones for "noticeable richness." "Many best-selling designer fragrances are built on a combination of these notes."

Notes to look for: Combinations of peony, jasmine, violet and lily of the valley will appease your senses. Warm, earthy florals like violet have strong staying power in colder months, says Crames.

Try this:
Tom Ford Velvet Orchid, $159
Giorgio Armani Si, $115

BY HAYLEY MASON | SEP 30, 2014 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.