Did you know that the fragrance you wear says a lot more about your personality that you may think … and if you want people to view you in a certain way, then it might be an idea to switch up your scent!
For example, woody scents are associated with high achievers and citrus notes are favoured by natural leaders. If your personality is friendly and down to earth then you’re likely to be drawn to florals. And to be perceived as fun then opt for a vanilla base aroma.
PerfumeDirect.com’s Jonny Webber explains which fragrance notes are associated with different personality types and provides advice on the popular perfumes they’re found in. Plus which celebrity might be wearing this type of perfume or aftershave based on their personality!
“People’s choice of scent is more than skin deep – we are instinctively drawn to scents that resonate with our personalities, experiences and what feels familiar. This is why if you want to truly know somebody you should pay more attention to how they smell, and how they wear their fragrance (whether heavily applied or a light spritz), rather than just what they say!
“Some people may even use scent to project a personality or character trait that doesn’t come naturally – or to compensate for a character flaw.
For example overconfident and brash people (Boris Johnson, Piers Morgan and Katie Price – we’re looking at you) may opt for over the top and over powering fragrances, whilst the quietly confident people will apply just enough or the right fragrance notes to leave a lasting impression.
“Here are some fragrance notes that closely link to personality types, the perfumes to choose … and which celebrities might be wearing them!
WOODY – For high achievers
Woody fragrance lovers tend to excel in both academia and athletic pursuits and are seen as perfectionists. These people are also highly dependable and reliable who are adventurous and love the great outdoors. Sandalwood in particular is quite a unique scent which is reflected in the high achievers who wear it.
If you want to be seen as high achieving, successful and outdoorsy – like Dragons’ Den favourite Steven Bartlett and tennis superstar Emma Radacanu – then Sandalwood-led woody scents are a great place to start. Try Tom Ford’s Oud Wood and Hermes’ Twilly Eau de Parfum for woody fragrances.
VANILLA – For the life and soul of the party!
Vanilla may have a reputation for being bland and meh, but when it comes to perfume it is in fact quite the opposite. Fans of vanilla scents are loud, outgoing, fun loving and the heart and soul of the party. They have lots of energy and are fun to be around and most likely to be found dancing until dawn.
Adele, AJ Odudo and Ant and Dec sum up personalities who are fun loving and the life and soul of the party. For these personalities you need to think vanilla! Thierry Mugler’s Angel and Paco Rabanne Pure XS are great vanilla based products.
FLORAL – For those friendly and down to earth
Floral fragrance lovers are everyone’s best friend. Considerate and caring, their calm and down to earth energy attracts people to them – think Dermot O’Leary. They also enjoy spending time in nature.
If you are known as being friendly and with the grace and style of Holly Willoughby and Kate Middleton – than floral fragrances are the way to go. Gucci Bloom and Acqua di Parma Colonia are ones to try for a floral fragrance.
ORIENTAL – For sexual and sensual souls
Warm, spicy and musky – people who favour oriental scent notes are said to be naturally sexy and sensual and not afraid to show it. Night owls, they like to draw people in with their bold fragrance – using scent as their own secret weapon.
If you want to bring out your sexy side like Teyana Taylor or David Beckham – then sexy and sensual oriental scents should be top of your shopping list. Popular oriental fragrances are YSL Black Opium and Armani Code.
FRESH, ACQUATIC NOTES – For free-spirited nature lovers
People who are drawn to aquatic-based scents tend to be intellectual and obsessed with nature. They are free spirits who are well respected and liked for their authority on everything to do with our natural world. Cool, calm and collected they are charismatic and likeable.
For free-spirited nature lovers like Greta Thunberg and Prince Harry then aquatic notes are the best starting point. For a fresh fragrance – D&G Light Blue and Issey Miyake Eau de Issey are great choices.
FRUITY – For those looking to off-set their outspoken nature!
Fruity scents might conjure up images of sweetness and light but in fact people who are drawn to these fragrances are said to be irritable, pessimistic, sarcastic and easily annoyed! So personalities like Simon Cowell, Craig Revel-Horwood and Gordon Ramsey might favour these. Try Hugo Boss Orange and Diesel Only The Brave for fruity notes.
Webber adds:
“For us, gone are the days of basing perfume preference on smell alone – when we can delve deeper into which perfume and aftershave notes are favoured and even which ones suit different personalities. Our new online Fragrance Finder is also a great way to take the guess work out of selecting a new scent. It asks you to fill in a few questions and then serves up a number of handpicked product matches based on those answers, making it really easy to narrow down your selection from the hundreds of products out there.
“You can choose to be shown options that are similar to your favourite fragrance or something a little bit different. It’s also a great way to pick out a present for a friend or loved one – using their current favourite scent – or personality trait – as a starting point.”
