How to Build Scents That Make an Impact
From fragrance layering to strategic spraying, here’s how you can create signature scents that define your presence
It takes two—or more
You read that right: it’s not enough to have just one signature scent.
As you will learn below, a lifestyle that takes you across various engagements—the boardroom, the bar, or even after the gym—demands a library of fragrances, with each product used for a specific occasion.
What becomes your ‘signature’ then isn’t so much a singular scent than the way you use fragrances to your advantage. People do take notice; if you smell great, whenever and wherever, it leaves a lasting impression.
Here are some habits to build:
Know your fragrance families (and how to layer them)
Scents are broadly classified into four categories: woody, oriental, floral, and fresh.
The first two are described as ‘warm:’ woody fragrances often recall earthy, leather, and smoky scents, while oriental ones lean into ‘spicier’ smells. Floral is self-explanatory; fresh scents are on the brighter and zestier side. It’s best to apply your heavier scents first before layering a lighter one, and make sure to apply on the same spots.
Also pay attention to the notes of your scents to understand which smells will surface at certain times.
Top notes will immediately introduce themselves upon application; the ‘heart’ presents itself after the top notes disappear, lasting longer and forming the ‘body’ of the fragrance; the base stays the longest and is often what you (and other people) will remember the most.
Build a rotating collection based on function
As mentioned above, different events in your day work best with a variety of scents. You’ll become more intriguing at date night if you come in with a dark, woody, and elegant scent, as compared to a fruity and bright fragrance. The latter, on the other hand, works well if you’ll be at an outdoor daytime event, or if you just want to feel reinvigorated after a workout.
If you want some recommendations on how to build your collection, check out how model and football player Santino Rosales does it in this episode of VMAN Vanity:
Be strategic with where you apply
While it’s tempting to just spray your fragrance all around—or, worse, create a mist cloud and walk through it—there are scientific reasons why many recommend focusing the product on pulse points instead.
As they emit more heat than other parts of the body, pulse points help diffuse and amplify scents better. Your wrists, neck, and the spots behind your ears, often always exposed, are foolproof sites for your fragrances.
If you’re wearing a short-sleeved shirt, spray on your inner elbows; if you’re donning shorts or pants with breathable fabric, applying behind the knees can also help.
Fragrances sprayed on the chest only unlock their full potential if there are openings for the product to seep through, so if you want the focus to be there, undo a button or two.
Use complementing self-care products
When prolonging scents, body lotions are your best friend. The added layer and hydration they offer help the molecules of your chosen product stick longer. And if they’re also fragrant to begin with, they can add another note to your overall signature.
On the other hand, effective deodorants ensure that there won’t be any competing odors—in fact, certain variants smell good enough to function as a fragrance. Again, this can add complexity to your scent.
One of our VMEN, Cole Micek, swears by a certain deodorant that allows him to achieve this effect—check it out on his episode of VMAN Vanity:
Also, don’t forget your head and feet.
Especially amid the Southeast Asian heat, dirt, grime, and sweat often collect on the hair and scalp—counter that with a hydrating hair mist, which has a touch less fragrance than its body counterpart, but strong enough to leave a subtle, pleasing smell.
And whether you’re stepping out in flip-flops—a hot trend this season—or walking in your best shoes, it’s best to ensure that your feet are kept odor-free, whether by a mint-based spray or a cooling powder. You’ve come this far to smell great everywhere else, so don’t leave them behind.
Photos courtesy Pexels
Photography Ronnie Salvacion
Chief of Editorial Content and Creative direction Patrick Ty
Grooming Xeng Zulueta
Hair Bryan Eusebio
Models Karl Gragasin and Yiyoung Park (Mercator)
Fashion Ryuji Shiomitsu
Production Jones Palteng
Photography assistant Joey Arboleras
Fashion assistants Bithia Reyes, Raki Lucas, and Shella Liwanag
