Finding a signature fragrance is a personal journey. Sure, I've smelled plenty of perfumes that appeal to me, but discovering the scent that embodies who I am as a person has taken me a very long time.
In the process, I came across Scentbird and Noteworthy, two online brands that ask you to take a quiz in order for them to match you with perfume recommendation. I liked this concept because I have no idea how to describe my favorite notes, and I'd much rather leave that to the professionals.
Here's the tea on which fragrance matcher worked best for me:
1. Scent Quiz Accuracy & Personalization... Noteworthy
First, I must clarify: Scentbird has a revolving catalog of designer perfumes to try, while Noteworthy has a selection of personalized fragrances based on a year-long study with 150+ women and men.
Both of these brands ask you to take a short online quiz (like a personal stylist for your nose) before they present perfume recommendations. The Noteworthy Fragrance Finder quiz was a bit longer, but I ended up absolutely LOVING three out of the four samples I ordered from them. I received two that were more citrus-y (my favorite! 🍊) and two that had subtle floral hints. I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised... I mean they do report an 89% success rate in recommending a fragrance you love.
On the other hand, I felt that the Scentbird quiz was less specific and I only liked one of the four perfumes I tried from their recommendations. And even then, I loved my custom Noteworthy fragrances more, especially No. 307. 😍
2. High Quality Scents That Actually Last... Noteworthy
Noteworthy only sells Eau De Parfum, which is stronger than Eau De Toilette because they have a higher concentration of perfume oil. I found that my Noteworthy scents lasted about 10+ hours on my skin—I could smell the lingering scent of Noteworthy in my clothes hamper even days later!
Scentbird has an impressive selection of designer fragrances, but I’ve found that Noteworthy fragrances last much longer than a lot of the retail perfumes I bought from Scentbird. I hate having to re-apply perfume throughout the day, especially when I don't have extra room in my purse to carry it.
3. Bang For Your Buck... Tie
Scentbird and Noteworthy have different product offerings, so this depends on how you look at it. Both offer great solutions to save money on your search to find a signature scent. Basically, you can sign up for a Scentbird monthly subscription to try one new scent per month, or you can order the collection of four curated Noteworthy Discovery Kit samples before committing to a full-sized bottle.
- Scentbird's Monthly Subscription ($16.95): includes one 0.27 oz. (8ml) fragrance every month and free shipping
- Noteworthy's Fragrance Discovery Kit ($24.99): includes four 0.05 oz. (1.5ml) personalized fragrance samples, free shipping, and a $25 credit towards your first full-size bottle
I don't want to spend half the year looking for my new perfume, so I prefer Noteworthy's Fragrance Discovery Kit option. Plus, their scent recommendations were super accurate so I already bought the full sized bottle of Noteworthy No. 307!
4. Designer Brand Selection... Scentbird
If you're the type of person that loves designer name brands, then you'll be impressed with Scentbird's rotating collection of 700 scents in their perfume library. It's true that there's something luxurious about treating yourself to a perfume from one of these recognizable designers. However, the downside is that a gazillion other ladies out there are wearing that perfume, so they're not unique to you at all.
Final Thoughts
While Scentbird is arguably the more well known fragrance subscription service, Noteworthy really emerged as the clear winner in my experience. I found their online quiz to be more accurate, plus their scents are unique, personalized to my preferences, and last sooo long!
I cannot tell you how many compliments I've received on my new signature scent, Noteworthy No. 307 (my boyfriend is especially obsessed with it)!
If you're on the hunt for a unique perfume that truly matches your personality, you have to try Noteworthy. With 240K+ Discovery Kits sold and an 89% success rate, I'm confident you'll fall in love with your new smell.
