Choosing the perfect fragrance can be challenging. With so many different scents and beautiful bottles out there to explore—and innovative new products being added all...
07 April 2025Choosing the perfect fragrance can be challenging. With so many different scents and beautiful bottles out there to explore—and innovative new products being added all the time—you could be forgiven for not knowing where to begin.
According to our perfume expert, Aude Asklöv, the answer could lie in creating your own personal guide to scent identity with a fragrance mood board.
Like making a Pinterest board to define your fashion style, plan your new kitchen, or organise your dream wedding, a fragrance mood board helps you capture the inner vibe of the person you're buying for, whether that’s yourself or someone else. It’s not just about picking a nice-smelling bottle—but more about discovering perfumes that tell your story, fit your lifestyle, and capture the authentic essence of you.
It’s essentially a curated collection of ideas, visuals, and traits that reflect an individual’s essence—think style, personality, lifestyle, fashion choices, daily routine, hobbies, and even the memories they cherish. It’s a beautiful way to translate who someone is into scent form.
“Choosing a fragrance is about identity, memory, and emotion—as much about understanding the person as it is about the perfume itself,” explains Aude. “It’s like a wardrobe. You don’t wear the same thing every day—why would you smell the same?”
Whether you're expanding your own fragrance wardrobe or trying to find the perfect gift, a creative mood board approach makes scent shopping far more meaningful—and a lot more fun!
1. Start with your personal style
Your wardrobe and fashion sense are a great starting point for figuring out your scent identity. Does your personal style run to tailored blazers, neutral tones, bright colours, floaty dresses, or bold prints? Structured style often pairs well with clean, minimalist scents like Armani Acqua di Gioia, while romantic or playful wardrobes often lean toward florals and gourmands.
Pro tip: If you love soft pastel colours, think delicate floral scents like peony, iris and violet. If your style is slightly edgier and you live in your leather jacket, go for spicy or smoky accords that have a bit of attitude—something along the lines of Byredo Black Saffron.
2. Identify your key personality traits
Next, think about your personality. Are you confident and outgoing, calm and nurturing, quiet and introverted, or adventurous and free-spirited? Your scent should ideally reflect who you are just as much as how you dress. If you’re a romantic at heart, drawn to dreamy moments and soft aesthetics, look for fragrances with notes like jasmine, rose, or vanilla. If your vibe is more minimalist and refined, fresh citrus and airy musks will suit you perfectly. For the creatives and rule-breakers, explore niche scents with notes like oud, incense, or amber. And if you feel most at home in nature, go for fresh fragrances with vetiver, green tea, or leafy herbal tones.
3. Consider your lifestyle and routine
Do you love quiet nights in or thrive on spontaneous weekends away? Are you the outdoorsy type who loves being out in nature, or someone who thrives on the hustle and bustle of a busy city? If cosy evenings and slow Sundays are your thing, you’ll probably enjoy warm, comforting scents with notes like vanilla, amber, or tonka bean. If you're always on the go in a fast-paced urban setting, reach for energising citruses or sleek woody blends that feel polished and modern. And if you’re drawn to the outdoors, look for fresh herbal notes, breezy marine scents, or anything that captures that just-stepped-into-nature feeling.
4. Search for scent clues
The types of scents and aromas you already love can provide invaluable clues to the kind of perfume that will resonate with you. Think about what you naturally gravitate toward in your everyday life—whether it’s a favourite candle, body lotion, or even a sweet dessert or a strong coffee—and add those to your mood board. If your go-to is vanilla-scented shampoo and skincare, chances are a sharp green chypre won’t feel like quite your vibe.
5. Match to a fragrance family
Once you’ve spent time gathering all your inspiration, it’s time to narrow it down to a fragrance family that fits your vibe. These fragrance families can then help guide you to the scent that perfectly matches your essence.
Sparking citrus scents are perfect for sporty, energetic personalities who love a burst of energy, while soft florals are ideal for romantic daydreamers who crave a light, delicate touch. Oriental fragrances and those containing notes of spicy woods suit bold, confident people who enjoy a rich, warming fragrance. Aromatic woods and musks are great for those with a classic, elegant style who appreciate something timeless and refined.
If you're still unsure, you can draw inspiration from cultural icons to help align fragrances with different personas. For instance, Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance might make you think of soft notes like iris, violet, and aldehydes, while James Dean’s rebellious charm could be captured with tobacco, leather, and smoky woods. For a vibrant, energetic vibe like Zendaya, solar florals with a touch of unexpected spice could be the perfect match. Or if you're drawn to Harry Styles' unique flair, go for unisex blends featuring notes of suede, fig, or patchouli. Use your favourite icons as muses to help build a fragrance mood board around the vibe you’re looking to capture.
At Perfume Direct, we believe fragrance should be an extension of your identity. So, whether you're crafting a fragrance mood board for yourself, or to find the perfect present for a loved one, our curated collection of designer and niche perfumes is here to help you find the perfect fit.
Explore the full range now at PerfumeDirect.com
Share
Spring Aftershave, Fragrances and Perfumes Sale
