How to Find Anyone’s Scent Profile — A Self-Test for You and Others

What is a Scent Profile?

A scent profile is the unique combination of fragrance notes, moods, and preferences that make a person enjoy certain aromas above others. This can be shaped by memories, personality, culture, or simply by what feels comforting or exciting. Understanding your own scent profile, or that of a friend or family member, can transform candle shopping from a guessing game into a truly enjoyable experience.

Understanding the 7 Fragrance Families

Fragrance families group scents by their main characteristics and notes. At Scentual Candles, we use these seven categories for clarity and consistency. Each family has its own personality and feel.

Oriental 

Includes warm, exotic, sometimes spicy or resinous fragrances. Lavender is an example that combines floral softness with oriental warmth.

Floral

Is all about blossoms, from soft and powdery to lush and heady. Jasmine, Gardenia, Honeysuckle, Australian Florals & Honey, and Lavender all belong here. Australian Bush is also a floral blend with native wildflowers.

Fruity

Features sweet, juicy, or tangy notes like Watermelon, Pineapple, Cucumber Melon, Blood Orange, and Coconut Lime.

Gourmand

Covers edible, dessert-like scents. Caramel, Chocolate, Vanilla, Vanilla & Cinnamon, Banana Bread, and Vanilla Patchouli & Sandalwood all fall under gourmand, with some also touching woody or floral families.

 Woody

Deep, grounding, and sometimes creamy or spicy. This family includes Patchouli blends, Vanilla Patchouli & Sandalwood, and Australian Sandalwood.

Earthy

Offers grounded, green, sometimes mossy or soil-like notes. Australian Sandalwood and Australian Bush both fit this family, providing depth and natural richness.

Fresh

Captures clean, airy, aquatic or green scents. Think Rainforest, Cucumber Melon, Pineapple Mint, and Australian Bush, which bring lightness and clarity.

How Fragrances are Built

Every fragrance is constructed in layers. Top notes are what you smell first, often citrus, fruits, or light herbs. Heart notes form the main character, usually florals, spices, or soft woods. Base notes are the foundation and linger the longest, such as woods, musk, or creamy vanillas. Most candles are designed to deliver a balanced scent experience, revealing different aspects as they burn.

Self-Test: Yourself or Anyone Else

Use this practical test to figure out which fragrance family is the best match. Write down your answers as you go. 

What’s your favourite treat?
A. Fresh fruit
B. Chocolate cake or caramel slice
C. Herbal tea
D. Wood-fired bread
E. Earthy mushrooms
F. Vanilla custard
G. A bouquet of flowers

Which mood feels best?
A. Energetic
B. Comforted
C. Relaxed
D. Grounded
E. Adventurous
F. Uplifted
G. Nostalgic

Dream holiday?
A. Beach resort
B. Paris bakery tour
C. Spa retreat
D. Rainforest hike
E. Wildflower fields
F. Mountain escape
G. Exploring ancient cities

Favourite home vibe?
A. Bright and lively
B. Warm and cozy
C. Calm and green
D. Rustic and natural
E. Earthy and peaceful
F. Light and airy
G. Elegant and floral

What scents do you dislike?
A. Heavy spice
B. Overly sweet
C. Sharp citrus
D. Strong woods
E. Musty earth
F. Powdery florals
G. Synthetic perfumes

How to use your answers:
Count which letter you chose most often. Then match your result:

A = Fruity
B = Gourmand
C = Fresh
D = Woody
E = Earthy
F = Oriental
G = Floral

If you have a tie, you may like scents that blend those families, such as Australian Bush (Floral, Fresh, Earthy) or Vanilla Patchouli & Sandalwood (Gourmand, Woody, Floral).

Here’s how Scentual Candles fragrances fit into each family.

Oriental: Vanilla and Cinnamon, Lavender for its warm, spicy depth.

Floral: Jasmine, Gardenia, Honeysuckle, Australian Florals & Honey, Lavender, Australian Bush.

Fruity: Watermelon, Pineapple, Cucumber Melon, Blood Orange, Coconut Lime.

Gourmand: Caramel, Chocolate, Vanilla, Vanilla & Cinnamon, Banana Bread, Vanilla Patchouli & Sandalwood.

Woody: Vanilla Patchouli & Sandalwood, Australian Sandalwood, Australian Bush.

Earthy: Australian Sandalwood, Australian Bush.

Fresh: Rainforest, Cucumber Melon, Pineapple Mint, Australian Bush, Blood Orange, Coconut & Lime

Profiling Friends and Family

To find the right scent for someone else, pay attention to what they love in other products like hand soaps, perfumes, or even snacks. Do they gravitate toward sweet foods, herbal teas, floral bouquets, or a particular style in their home? If they mention loving walks in the forest or time at the beach, that can also hint at their scent preferences. If you are unsure, blended or universal scents like Vanilla, Australian Bush, or gentle florals are almost always a safe choice.

Tips for Exploring and Gifting

Start with mini sampler candles so you or your loved ones can experience several fragrance families without committing to a large candle right away. Don’t be afraid to experiment with scents outside your usual favourites—sometimes, the best discoveries come from trying something new. For gifts, use what you know about a person’s tastes and personality, and remember that layered or hybrid scents often have the broadest appeal.

Further Learning and Resources

To explore fragrance families and scent profiles in more depth, see the guides at FragranceX  and Bespoke Unit 

Conclusion

Understanding scent profiles and fragrance families makes choosing candles more meaningful and enjoyable, whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift. With Scentual Candles’ wide range and this practical guide, you can confidently find the perfect scent for every personality and occasion.