How to Choose a Perfume for Myself – A Guide by Scents N Stories

Choosing the perfect perfume isn’t just about smelling good; it's about discovering a scent that reflects your individuality, uplifts your mood, and becomes a part of your signature style.

With so many options available, finding “the one” can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, Scents N Stories is here to guide you every step of the way.

One of our goals at Scents N Stories is to make our customers more aware of perfumery so that they can make informed choices whenever they go perfume shopping, even if it’s from some other brand.

Whether you love fresh florals, warm woods, or bold orientals, if you are wondering how to choose a perfume for myself online or in stores this guide will help you. 

1. Understand Fragrance Notes & Scent Families

Before choosing a perfume, it’s essential to understand how perfumes are built:

WHAT ARE NOTES

Notes are the different components that make up a fragrance’s scent. 

Broadly speaking, there are 8 types of olfactory families—fougere, oriental, leather, citrus, floral, aromatic, chypre, and woody. To learn more about these families, click here.

Each perfume is made up of a unique combination of different notes. This combination of notes is mostly categorized into three layers—top notes, middle notes, and base notes.

• Top Notes: The first impression. They’re light, fresh, and evaporate quickly (e.g., citrus, herbs).
• Middle/Heart Notes: The soul of the perfume. These last longer and define the character (e.g., rose, lavender, spices).
• Base Notes: The lingering scent. They’re rich and long-lasting (e.g., vanilla, musk, sandalwood).

This is to explain that fragrances are made up of layers, and as each layer dissipates, another one reveals itself. 

Thus, fragrances change over the time period in which they are on you. That’s how they are made. The scent you smell at the perfume shop will not stay the same; it will evolve. 

So, for perfumes, the first impression is usually not the last impression. This is why it is a good idea to first buy testers or samples of perfumes that you would want to try. 

Use them and see their evolution. And only buy the ones you really like.

Check out our samples here.

2. Fragrance Families to Explore

3. Test the Perfume on Your Skin

Always try before you buy. Scents smell different on each person due to unique skin chemistry.

One rule that you should ALWAYS follow when applying perfumes is DO NOT RUB IT! People often apply perfume on their wrists and rub them together. 

We’re not sure who made this act popular, but it completely destroys the top notes of the perfume. 

Tips for Testing Perfume:

• Test the perfume on your skin instead of the testing strip. 

• Let it settle and evolve over 15-30 minutes.

• Smell it again after a few hours to understand its longevity and dry down.

Also, make sure that you do not smell the perfume immediately after applying. Give it a few seconds to settle down and then smell it. 

Right after spraying, a perfume gives the sharp smell of alcohol, which takes a few seconds to evaporate.

4. Think About the Season

Just like you switch your wardrobe with the changing weather, your perfume should adapt to the season too. 

Temperature, humidity, and even sunlight can dramatically impact how a fragrance develops, projects, and lingers on your skin.

Spring & Summer Scents

In warmer months, your body temperature is higher, which can amplify a scent. That’s why it’s best to wear light, airy fragrances that feel refreshing and uplifting.

Ideal Notes:

• Citrus (lemon, bergamot, grapefruit)

• Aquatic/Oceanic (sea breeze, marine accords)

• Green (grass, tea leaves, fresh herbs)

• Fruity florals (peony, freesia, lychee)

Spring & Summer Top Picks from Scents N Stories

Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to embrace fresh, floral, fruity, and aquatic scents that uplift and energize. 

Here’s a curated selection ideal for warmer weather from Scents N Stories:

These fragrances include the top 10 perfume for male in Pakistan, making you feel clean, crisp, and energized, perfect for hot, sunny days, beach outings, or brunch in the garden.

Click here to browse more Spring and Summer Perfect Perfumes from Scents N Stories

Fall & Winter Scents

Cooler weather calls for richer, deeper scents that provide warmth, sensuality, and comfort. 

These fragrances cling closer to the skin and unfold beautifully over hours, making them ideal for cozy evenings, formal dinners, or festive gatherings.

Ideal Notes:

• Amber

• Oud

• Vanilla

• Spices (clove, cinnamon, cardamom)

• Woods (cedar, sandalwood)

Winter & Fall Top Picks from Scents N Stories

Fall and winter call for intense, deep, and warm scents that feel comforting and powerful in cold air. Whether you’re dressing up for an event or staying in with a good book, these perfumes provide richness, warmth, and serious staying power.

Here's your ultimate cold-weather lineup:

Click here to browse more Fall and Winter Perfect Perfumes from Scents N Stories

5. Match the Scent with Your Personality

Your perfume should reflect you.

FAQs

How do I choose the right perfume for me?

To choose the right perfume try different scents on your skin, not just on paper. Go for notes you naturally enjoy (floral, woody, spicy, etc.) and see how they evolve over time.

How do I know what perfume suits my body?

Everyone’s skin chemistry is different. Test perfumes on your wrist, wait 15–30 minutes, and see how they smell later. If it blends well and still smells great, it suits you.

How to choose a perfume that suits your personality?

Match scent styles to your vibe:

• Bold? Try spicy or oud.

• Calm? Go for light florals or musks.

• Creative? Go for unique and try gourmand or niche blends.

How do you know which perfume is good for you?

A good perfume lasts well on your skin, gets compliments, and makes you feel confident and happy. Trust your nose and how it makes you feel.

Final Words

If you are thinking of how to choose a perfume for myself, this process is a deeply personal journey. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a fragrance enthusiast looking for something new, let your scent speak your truth. 

Follow your instincts, learn what you love, and let your signature scent become part of your legacy.