Instant happiness in a bottle.
There’s something special about the idea of a “signature” scent – a uniquely-you olfactory extension of your personality. I love when I can smell someone’s perfume, and it tells me a little bit about them — like a spritzed-on secret code that gives a little insight into who they are.
So many memories I have can be tied to a particular smell. Whether it’s the detergent my Grandpop used to use, the way my childhood best friend’s house smelled, or even the air on the beach I grew up going to — sometimes a smell hits me, and I’m taken right back to a specific moment in time.
I feel like nothing has the capability to do this quite like perfume. My mom always wore the same perfume when I was growing up and now, every time I catch a whiff of a similar fragrance, I’m instantly reminded of her. The fresh, slightly zingy floral scent is something I find comfort in. I’ve even searched for it when picking my own perfume. I wanted something that felt like a continuation of my personality and the things I love.
Once I found my own go-to fragrance, I began to wonder what drew the people around me to theirs. So, I rounded up a few of my Free People friends to find out what their signature scents are, why they picked them, and what they hope these fragrances evoke.
Caitlin, Copywriter
Abbott NYC Montecito Eau De Parfum
The Scent: Citrusy notes with fresh floral undertones
When it comes to fragrance, I love a scent that boosts my mood or reminds me of a certain memory. I’m pretty picky about the perfume I’ll wear — I don’t like anything overwhelmingly sweet or too powdery. I prefer to stick to bright, fresh scents with notes of citrus. Montecito by Abbott NYC is instant happiness in a bottle. It’s really fresh and natural but leans a little more light and feminine. Every time I smell it, I’m reminded of being outside in the warm sun. I also love that it’s a scent that sticks around — I smell it throughout the day and so can the people around me. It’s such an uplifting scent. I like to think it makes people smile when I pass by.
Grace, Product Development Coordinator
Free People 1809 Collection Surf All-Natural Fragrance
The Scent: A warm floral and citrus blend, with ylang ylang, jasmine, tropical coconut, and lemon
1809's Surf fragrance is one that evokes a deep emotional response in me. The scent brings me back to the freedom that comes with the summertime. I think of riding bikes, swimming until sunset, crunchy beach hair, and dinner on the porch. When I first started wearing this fragrance, it was peak summertime, which also happens to be when my birthday falls. Because of that, I have all of these amazing memories in which I can still smell 1809 Surf as I think back on them. While I don't reach for it as often in the colder months, I like to spray 1809 Surf on my pillow every once in a while after a long cold day because I feel it gives me something to look forward to.
Hillary, Senior Beauty Buyer
DedCool Milk Layering Eau De Parfum
The Scent: Blended undertones of amber, hues of musk, and brightness of bergamot
DedCool Milk is a perfect go-to fragrance — sometimes, I wear it on its own, but I also love to layer this over my other favorite scents when I’m feeling extra special. It always makes me feel ready to go — scent is the last thing I put on when I am starting my day (or night), so I just feel energized when I put this on. I love the idea that this specific fragrance was made to enhance other scents when worn layered with different perfumes, but it also smells beautiful by itself. I always look for scents that speak to me. This one is so light yet subtly sensual at the same time. I’m not usually a “signature scent” type of person — I like to play around with fragrance depending on my mood, outfit or event that I’m going to, but I find myself reaching for this a lot. Whenever I wear it, someone always says, “You smell so good! What is that?”
Jules, Beauty Product Copywriter
Ellis Brooklyn SALT Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
The Scent: A fresh, slightly woody scent with musky undertones
One of my absolute favorite fragrances is SALT by Ellis Brooklyn. It’s a fresh, slightly masculine scent that always prompts people to ask, “What perfume are you wearing?” I tend to gravitate towards a cleaner, woodsy scent profile, reminiscent of just stepping out of the shower and feeling refreshed. I can’t leave the house without spritzing perfume on — seriously, I keep a bottle by the front door at all times. My godmother has worn the same perfume since I can remember, and I know when she’s in the room just by scent alone. Having a signature scent is something I’ve definitely romanticized because I love the idea of someone associating a particular smell or olfactory experience with me, especially since memories associated with scents are so unique and memorable. Knowing that I smell good is such a confidence booster, and it feels a little luxurious to have a “signature” scent. Perfume is a personal experience because each scent smells a little different on everyone, so when people smell my perfume, I want them to be able to know it’s me right away — even after I’ve left the room.
Christine, Associate Director of Product Development
Free People 1809 Collection Zen All-Natural Fragrance
The Scent: A sensual woodsy blend, with sandalwood, guaiac wood, patchouli, and eucalyptus
Zen from the Free People 1809 Collection is my go-to daily fragrance. For me, it has an immediate calming and peaceful effect. Like that deep breath feeling during yoga or the stillness felt while reading a great book. It contains two of my favorite scents – sandalwood (grounding) and eucalyptus (fresh air). It plays well with other fragrances and is fun to layer under other perfumes, giving you a true signature scent.
So many memories I have can be tied to a particular smell. Whether it’s the detergent my Grandpop used to use, the way my childhood best friend’s house smelled, or even the air on the beach I grew up going to — sometimes a smell hits me, and I’m taken right back to a specific moment in time.
I feel like nothing has the capability to do this quite like perfume. My mom always wore the same perfume when I was growing up and now, every time I catch a whiff of a similar fragrance, I’m instantly reminded of her. The fresh, slightly zingy floral scent is something I find comfort in. I’ve even searched for it when picking my own perfume. I wanted something that felt like a continuation of my personality and the things I love.
Once I found my own go-to fragrance, I began to wonder what drew the people around me to theirs. So, I rounded up a few of my Free People friends to find out what their signature scents are, why they picked them, and what they hope these fragrances evoke.
Caitlin, Copywriter
Abbott NYC Montecito Eau De Parfum
The Scent: Citrusy notes with fresh floral undertones
When it comes to fragrance, I love a scent that boosts my mood or reminds me of a certain memory. I’m pretty picky about the perfume I’ll wear — I don’t like anything overwhelmingly sweet or too powdery. I prefer to stick to bright, fresh scents with notes of citrus. Montecito by Abbott NYC is instant happiness in a bottle. It’s really fresh and natural but leans a little more light and feminine. Every time I smell it, I’m reminded of being outside in the warm sun. I also love that it’s a scent that sticks around — I smell it throughout the day and so can the people around me. It’s such an uplifting scent. I like to think it makes people smile when I pass by.
Grace, Product Development Coordinator
Free People 1809 Collection Surf All-Natural Fragrance
The Scent: A warm floral and citrus blend, with ylang ylang, jasmine, tropical coconut, and lemon
1809's Surf fragrance is one that evokes a deep emotional response in me. The scent brings me back to the freedom that comes with the summertime. I think of riding bikes, swimming until sunset, crunchy beach hair, and dinner on the porch. When I first started wearing this fragrance, it was peak summertime, which also happens to be when my birthday falls. Because of that, I have all of these amazing memories in which I can still smell 1809 Surf as I think back on them. While I don't reach for it as often in the colder months, I like to spray 1809 Surf on my pillow every once in a while after a long cold day because I feel it gives me something to look forward to.
Hillary, Senior Beauty Buyer
DedCool Milk Layering Eau De Parfum
The Scent: Blended undertones of amber, hues of musk, and brightness of bergamot
DedCool Milk is a perfect go-to fragrance — sometimes, I wear it on its own, but I also love to layer this over my other favorite scents when I’m feeling extra special. It always makes me feel ready to go — scent is the last thing I put on when I am starting my day (or night), so I just feel energized when I put this on. I love the idea that this specific fragrance was made to enhance other scents when worn layered with different perfumes, but it also smells beautiful by itself. I always look for scents that speak to me. This one is so light yet subtly sensual at the same time. I’m not usually a “signature scent” type of person — I like to play around with fragrance depending on my mood, outfit or event that I’m going to, but I find myself reaching for this a lot. Whenever I wear it, someone always says, “You smell so good! What is that?”
Jules, Beauty Product Copywriter
Ellis Brooklyn SALT Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
The Scent: A fresh, slightly woody scent with musky undertones
One of my absolute favorite fragrances is SALT by Ellis Brooklyn. It’s a fresh, slightly masculine scent that always prompts people to ask, “What perfume are you wearing?” I tend to gravitate towards a cleaner, woodsy scent profile, reminiscent of just stepping out of the shower and feeling refreshed. I can’t leave the house without spritzing perfume on — seriously, I keep a bottle by the front door at all times. My godmother has worn the same perfume since I can remember, and I know when she’s in the room just by scent alone. Having a signature scent is something I’ve definitely romanticized because I love the idea of someone associating a particular smell or olfactory experience with me, especially since memories associated with scents are so unique and memorable. Knowing that I smell good is such a confidence booster, and it feels a little luxurious to have a “signature” scent. Perfume is a personal experience because each scent smells a little different on everyone, so when people smell my perfume, I want them to be able to know it’s me right away — even after I’ve left the room.
Christine, Associate Director of Product Development
Free People 1809 Collection Zen All-Natural Fragrance
The Scent: A sensual woodsy blend, with sandalwood, guaiac wood, patchouli, and eucalyptus
Zen from the Free People 1809 Collection is my go-to daily fragrance. For me, it has an immediate calming and peaceful effect. Like that deep breath feeling during yoga or the stillness felt while reading a great book. It contains two of my favorite scents – sandalwood (grounding) and eucalyptus (fresh air). It plays well with other fragrances and is fun to layer under other perfumes, giving you a true signature scent.
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