Scent as Self-Expression: What Your Fragrance Says About You

The Science of Scent

We’ve all walked past someone and wondered what perfume they were wearing, as our senses are flooded with sensuous, distinctive aromas. You’re almost instantly drawn to them without even exchanging a word. This is the invisible yet powerful effect of scent. It can stir emotion, awaken memory, and shift your mood in a moment based on its unique notes.

But why might one scent make us feel complete while another might not be our vibe? One could say the answer is simply personal taste. But what informs our taste, or preference? It turns out that scent actually has a measurable impact on our brain’s chemistry, influencing mood, focus, and overall well-being as the stimulus is processed. The part of the brain that processes smell, called the olfactory system, is closely linked to the centers that control emotion and memory, and different smells can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Because we are all unique, each with our own memories/experiences and personalities, scents are perceived differently from one person to the next as well. That connection is why certain scents can instantly take you back to a specific place or time and produce a positive or negative impression of that scent, all in a split second.

Finding Your Scent

Your scent tells a story, revealing parts of your identity in a way that words can't. But for those who are new to fragrance or who haven’t yet found their favorite scent, the fragrance world can seem a bit overwhelming. With so many brands, scents, new warnings about ingredients, and more, how do you find what was meant for you? Luckily, some bright minds in the fragrance world established scent families a long time ago to help us understand the domain. To make things even clearer, fragrance legend Michael Edwards then created the fragrance wheel (shown below) to show the relationship between the different types of scents.

The fragrance wheel gives us a visual to understand the fragrance landscape. Beyond that, did you know that each scent family correlates with certain personality qualities? So, whether the wheel helps narrow down your ideal scent to certain notes or you want to reverse-engineer your personality to find which scent family is likely to suit you best, we have it all laid out here, so keep on reading.

Floral Notes

The floral scent family, potent with sweet powdery notes of jasmine, rose, lily, or geranium, is designed to mirror the beauty of nature in bloom, evoking the gentle freshness of a garden filled with flowers. If you gravitate toward these scents, you carry a gentle confidence and feminine energy that draws people to you. You likely have a romantic heart and a deep appreciation for beauty in all its quiet forms. You find meaning in small rituals: fresh flowers on your nightstand, handwritten notes, or the simple joy of a morning routine. 

For you, scent can be a gentle reminder to slow down and reconnect with the present. Choosing a floral fragrance isn’t just about making a statement; it’s about surrounding yourself with something that reflects who you already are: thoughtful, nurturing, and in tune with your emotions. It’s your way of cultivating calm and softness in a world that often moves too fast.

Our Humble recommendation: Bungalow

           

Amber Notes

If you’re drawn to warmer amber scents with rich notes of vanilla, cardamom, or a hint of musk, you likely carry a calm yet captivating energy. There’s a depth to your presence that people gravitate toward. You tend to be grounded but never predictable, maybe even a little mysterious. You’re drawn to things that last, whether that’s a connection, a memory, or a fragrance that lingers long after you’ve left the room. Those who enjoy ambery scents are often described as self-assured and charismatic, leaving behind a sense of intrigue wherever they go.

Our Humble recommendation: Ember and Dulce

                    

Woody & Earthy Notes

If you lean toward the woody or earthy scent family, with subtle notes of sandalwood, pine, vetiver, or patchouli, you likely possess a strong sense of self and are often described as kind, thoughtful, and dependable. You’re likely drawn to things that feel organic and real, like a well-worn leather bag, a hot cup of coffee, or an early morning walk. Your space likely reflects your personality: simple, inviting, and warm. Lovers of woody scents appreciate quality over quantity and find comfort in slow, intentional living. This scent family is also perfect for the cooler months when there's a nip in the air, as they convey an inviting, calm sophistication. For you, earthy fragrances have a way of clearing mental clutter and bringing focus back to the present moment. 

Our Humble recommendation: Royale and Chalet

              

Fresh & Aquatic Notes

If you’re drawn to fresh or aquatic scents, you radiate optimism and a sense of calm clarity. You prefer things that feel clean but never sterile. Fragrances with crisp notes of citrus, sea salt, and mineral water often reflect your love for open spaces, natural light, and the feeling of renewal. You tend to thrive on routines that keep you feeling refreshed and balanced, and you favor a minimalist aesthetic that conveys effortless composure. Those who love these aromas often appreciate simplicity and an understated sense of elegance. Fresh scents become a reset button, washing away the noise of yesterday and inviting a sense of focus and possibility. 

Our Humble recommendation: Garden and Sunroom

               

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn to warm, earthy aromas or light, uplifting ones, choosing a fragrance is an intimate expression of who you are. Whether it’s a perfume, room spray, or candle, the scents you gravitate toward reveal a lot about your energy and the kind of atmosphere you like to create around you.

At Humble Abode, we have worked to create a fragrance lineup that represents each of the scent families, so there is something for everybody. And importantly, all of our fragrances are made without endocrine-disrupting chemicals (and without other bad stuff too), so when you find your signature scent, you can truly enjoy it without risking your health. 

To explore our collection of clean, thoughtfully-crafted fragrances and find the one that feels like you, click here! 

References: 

Fragrances of the World. (n.d.). Fragrances of the World. Retrieved October 13, 2025

Herz, R. S. (2016). The role of odor-evoked memory in psychological and physiological health. Brain Sciences, 6(3), 22. 

Sowndhararajan, K., & Kim, S. (2016). Influence of fragrances on human psychophysiological activity: With special reference to human electroencephalographic response. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 84(4), 724-752.