We already know the ideal house for every zodiac sign and the best healing crystal for your sign, but what about fragrance preferences? Scents can be a total mystery, working perfectly on some and completely clashing on others. So, we thought, why not give the star treatment to our favorite fragrances? To begin, we tapped veteran beauty editor Gabby Shacknai to shed some light on scent families and the perfect products for each. Then, Arizona-based astrologer Molly Cardinal used her knowledge of the zodiac and its elements (earth, fire, water, air) to match each scent to its rightful mate in the stars. Read on for our guide to picking perfume based on your zodiac sign. Find your signature scent and wear it with pride!
Aries (March 21–April 19) | Spicy
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and a fire sign. “Aries make a powerful impact and will enjoy these spicy fragrances that make an equally fiery statement,” Cardinal explains. Bold, ambitious, and competitive, these spicy notes will pair perfectly with the Aries on your gift list.
Taurus (April 20–May 20) | Floral
Taurus, represented by the bull, is an earth sign that connects to floral fragrance notes. “Taurus season is the middle of spring when all the flowers are blooming,” Cardinal shares. “These fragrances are also balanced with grounded notes like suede and bourbon vanilla to honor Taurus’s earth energy.”
Gemini (May 21–June 20) | Citrus
The word Gemini means “twins” in Latin. Its constellation is associated with the Greek mythological twins Castor and Pollux, for whom two of the stars in the constellation are named. How does that play into scents? “The mercurial twins have a curious and stimulating nature,” Cardinal explains. That pairs well with energizing citrus fragrances, which she says is “perfect for the lively and positive Gemini.” Geminis are buzzy, clever, quick-witted people who generally bring the most exciting energy to the table—a personality well suited to revitalizing citrus aromas.
Cancer (June 21–July 22) | Gourmand
Cancer is an intuitive, emotionally charged water sign represented by the crab. “Gourmand fragrances are nostalgic, indulgent, and sweet,” explains Cardinal. “Sentimental Cancer will appreciate these juicy and foodie fragrances that emote the comfort of dessert.”
Leo (July 23–August 20) | Wood
This spirited fire sign, the lion, is the king of the jungle, or in this case, the woods. “Leo energy is romantic, royal, and inclined toward luxury, matching the warm, alluring, and opulent fragrances from the woods category,” Cardinal explains. Leos are well known for being full of life, much like this fragrance family.
Virgo (August 23–September 22) | Green
Virgo, the virgin, is associated with the fall season and industriousness. “Virgo is the sign of the harvest, and these fragrances stir together the aromas of natural goods you’d harvest from a garden,” shares Cardinal. Green fragrances, these fresh, garden-forward offerings, pair perfectly with this grounded earth sign.
Libra (September 23–October 22) | Fruity
Represented by the scales, Libra is an air sign focused, fittingly, on balance. “Libra energy is light, positive, and bright like the fruity fragrances,” Cardinal says. “A Venus-ruled sign, there’s also a natural essence of captivating beauty like ripe fruit.” Libras embrace harmony, which easily connects them to the natural world and fruit-forward fragrances.
Scorpio (October 23–November 21) | Amber
“Scorpios are known for their sensual depth and bewitching quality, an easy match for the evocative nature of amber,” Cardinal says. This water sign is also known for being mysterious and is synonymous with a scorpion icon.
Sagittarius (November 22–December 21) | Sweet
The archer of the zodiac, Sagittarius is a knowledge-seeking fire sign. “Sagittarius loves to have fun and believes life is too short not to have the cookie,” Cardinal explains. “They’re definitely the type of person who would enjoy delicious and slightly overindulgent sweet fragrances.”
Capricorn (December 22-January 19) | Herbal
Capricorn is characterized by the mythical sea goat, an animal with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish. “The herbal fragrances contain strong, spicy notes, along with other earthy scents, perfect for Capricorn, an ambitious earth sign that also matches the straightforward and unfussy nature of this family of fragrances,” explains Cardinal. Capricorns are known for being patient and grounded.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18) | Clean
Aquarius, an earth sign, not a water sign, is represented by the water bearer or healer. Our astrology expert shares: “Aquarians have a dualistic nature of being fixed and attached while also airy and experimental. These clean fragrances match this quality by balancing the light notes with some sturdier sandalwood.” The duality of Aquarius pairs well with the balanced nature of clean scents.
Pisces (February 19–March 20) | Water/Aquatic
It’s no surprise that Pisces, the dreamy fish of the zodiac, matches the aquatic fragrance family. “It’s not simply because Pisces is a water sign, but also because Pisces energy tends to be artistic and transportive, much like the aroma of these fragrances transporting you to the ocean,” says Cardinal.