When I look at the array of bottles and tubes that sit atop my dresser, I wonder why I have so many when I only use about four. But when I open and take a whiff of my old perfumes, I remember.
Fragrances bring back memories of pastimes in a way that nothing else can. I know when I smell the aroma of CK One (one of my first perfume purchases!), vivid images of my freshman year of college come to mind. And the few drops I have left of Clinique Happy smell like my old best friends.
Despite my connection to these wistful scents, I always have trouble choosing a fragrance to make new memories with! Over the years, I would just go to the store and pick the smell I liked most (a cute bottle was always a plus too!).
I didn't think there was a rhyme or reason to why I chose a specific scent. Then I discovered Marie Claire's Fragrance 101, which taught me that choosing a fragrance typically depends on emotions, but logic is also important because favorite scents often belong to the same family.
I wasn't convinced until I took the fragrance finder quiz! I was asked a variety of questions from what's my favorite season to what type of male celebrity am I attracted to. By the end, I had several intriguing suggestions to choose from!
My results were rather accurate, describing me as calm, yet confident. And I loved how they said my "boho-chic aesthetic is more glam than granola," suggesting that I might enjoy a scent that's sexy yet earthy and unconventional. It turns out MC's recommendations are similar to my old favorites!
Try out the Fragrance Finder and discover your signature scent!
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Also, check out our different collections, including Flashback Fragrances!
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
Taylor Swift Breaks Yet Another Music-Industry Record
This is pretty much the norm now, no?
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
A Chic Perfume Oil Will Switch Up Your Scent Wardrobe
Your new spring scent awaits.
By Tatjana Freund Published
-
Finding the Perfect Perfume
More polarizing than politics, the wrong perfume can be a relationship deal-breaker. Fragrance-phobe Martha McCully sniffs out her soul mate. Still looking for your signature scent? Use our fragrance finder to discover your perfect perfume.
By Martha McCully Published
-
How The Women of Lost Stay Gorgeous
Just in time for the 100th episode of Lost, we talked to Emily Katz, Makeup Supervisor for the show, on some behind-the-scenes makeup tips.
By Marie Claire Published
-
Hermès Perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena On Why a Signature Fragrance is Like True Love
The search is just as arduous.
By Lauren Valenti Published
-
The TED Talks of the Fragrance Industry Hits NYC
The Fragrance Awards hits New York City in January.
By Claire Fontanetta Published
-
You Can Thank Marie Claire for Revealing Marilyn Monroe's Obsession with Chanel
It was Marie Claire's Editor-in-Chief Georges Belmont who discovered Marilyn Monroe only wore Chanel No. 5 to bed, and now the iconic star appears as the new face of the classic fragrance.
By Tara Lamont-Djite Published
-
News Feed: Love Note
The latest in makeup, hair, skincare, and more.
By Jennifer G. Sullivan Published
-
Tory Burch Releases Fragrance and Makeup Line
Tory Burch releases a new makeup line and fragrance.
By Tara Lamont-Djite Published