The idea of a signature scent is appealing.

One likes to imagine wafting through rooms leaving a lingering essence of who we are; a perfume that captures our spirit and, in its traces, evokes our memory.

This however is easier said than done and things get even trickier when choosing a fragrance for someone else.

To help on this quest, we called in the experts. Penny Williams, a fragrance specialist with more than two decades experience and council member of the British Society of Perfumers, and Emma Leslie, fragrance expert from leading online beauty advisor.

Read on for Penny and Emma’s top 20 perfumes with tips on finding your signature scent and how to choose perfume as a gift (just in time for Valentine’s Day – HINT, HINT!!)

Beyond Paradise, Estée Lauder

“A  blend of tropical wetness, zesty freshness and bursting floralcy.”

Who this perfume would suit: “Someone optimistic, open-minded and elegant,” says Penny.

Fragrance tip:  

“To qualify as your signature scent, a fragrance should be one that’s closely associated with you,” says Penny.

“Put another way, you need to wear your signature scent regularly so it becomes a recognizable part of you, an extension of your personality and appearance.”

J’Adore, Dior

“Sweet and vibrant Damascus rose, seductive and luminous Arabian jasmine and powerful Indian tuberose.”

Who this perfume would suit: “This scent would suit a sophisticated woman who loves luxury and rich florals,” advises Emma.

Fragrance tip:

“Ask yourself what kind of a fragrance you would be happy to wear across different facets of your life,” says Penny.

“A bit like choosing underwear, the expensive, special occasion varieties that would be whorn rarely may not be the best choice for a signature.”

Flower, Kenzo

“With Bulgarian Rose, wild hawthorn and vanilla.”

Who this perfume would suit: 

“This fragrance is blossoming and feminine yet understated,” says Penny.

Fragrance tip:

“Really use your nose to explore the fragrance: what does it communicate to you and does this resonate with your personality?” says Penny.

Dot, Marc Jacobs

“Top notes of juicy red berries and exotic dragonfruit, together with a touch of sunny honeysuckle.”

Who this perfume would suit: “Someone fashion-conscious. A girl who likes something a bit quirkier,” says Emma.

Fragrance tip:

“Do you like simplicity, extravagance, fun or the mysterious?” asks Penny. “All these things and more can be communicated by scent and a perfume is especially successful when worn by someone with the personality to match.”

DKNY Women

“Refreshing notes of citrus, orange and tomato leaf with yellow waterlilies and daffodils.”

Who this perfume would suit:

“This fragrance conjures up a person who is alert, bright and unafraid,” says Penny.

Fragrance tip: “Finding your signature scent isn’t always a conscious process,” says Emma. “It requires hours of wear, feedback from others, and association with important memories.”

Roberto Cavalli

“Pink pepper with a twist of green mandarin; orange flower and Mirabelle plum.”

Who this perfume would suit: “Cavalli would work on a confident woman who prefers sexy scents,” says Emma.

Fragrance tip: “Often, its other people telling you that a certain perfume you wear reminds them of you that makes you realize a perfume has become your signature scent,” says Emma.

Miracle, Lancôme

“Top notes of freesia and lychee, middle notes of magnolia and base notes of jasmine and amber.”

Who this perfume would suit:  “Someone joyful and determined,” says Penny. “A confident achiever.”

Fragrance tip: “If you want to retain your scent signature, it’s important to choose one which also has the best chances of longevity in the marketplace,” says Penny.

Thierry Mugler Angel

“Sweet fruits mingle with the richness of chocolate and patchouli.”

Who this perfume would suit: “This is a sweet, chocolaty scent for those who like to stand out,” says Emma.

Fragrance tip: “For your signature scent, choose something that is timeless and easy to wear, but is also interesting and exciting,” says Emma.

.