What Your Zodiac Sign Reveals About Your Signature Scent – ELLE Decor
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.
Henry Rose Torn Eau de Parfum
“Henry Rose’s Torn perfume is at once warm, sweet, and spicy. With base notes of warm vanilla and top notes of musk, sandalwood, and vetiver, it leaves a lingering, sultry scent with every spritz.” —Gabby Shacknai
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum
“This iconic Tom Ford fragrance is the epitome of warm and spicy, thanks to its creamy tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, and sweet wood sap, putting forward a modern take on a classic tobacco scent.” —G.S.
Nette Laide Tomate Candle
“This candle introduces a swirl of incense and vanilla, alongside hints of charcoal, amber, and resin for a smoky, spicy result.” —G.S.
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.”
Jo Malone London Peony and Blush Suede Candle
“This classic floral blend of peony, jasmine, and rose turns any room into a luxurious garden, while soft blush suede adds a lovely sense of seduction.” —G.S.
Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum
“Tuberose and jasmine join forces in this perfume to offer a sophisticated and modern take on floral.” —G.S.
CHANEL No. 5 by Chanel Eau De Parfum Spray
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“Arguably the most iconic floral fragrance around, Chanel No. 5 has been capturing hearts for over a century, with its powdery rose and jasmine top notes and sultry touch of bourbon vanilla.” —G.S.
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.
Antica Farmacista Lemon, Verbena, and Cedar Perfume
“This intoxicating diffuser boasts notes of tart lemon, orange, and lemongrass, alongside fresh verbena, white florals, and earthy cedarwood.” —G.S.
Maison Margiela Replica Fragrance
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“With a tangy blend of kalamansi lime, green tea, and citrus, with added soft musk, this perfume offers the ultimate light and crisp scent.” —G.S.
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.”
Tom Ford Lost Cherry Candle
“If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your room with the scent of cherry Chapstick—or better yet, a red Jolly Rancher—this candle is for you. Black cherry and liqueur meet a touch of almond in this truly scrumptious scent.” —G.S.
Apple Love Eau de Parfum Spray
“Since its launch a couple of months back, there is quite literally no other scent I’ve worn. I’ve been joking that it’s the official fragrance of fall, but really, who wouldn’t want to smell of a sweet and surprisingly sexy apple orchard all year round?” —G.S.
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.
Phlur Fine Fragrance Eau de Parfum
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“As the name might suggest, Somebody Wood is filled with sultry, sensual woodsy notes like sandalwood, amber, leathery saffron, and a touch of bergamot. Wearing this scent is like a warm, cozy embrace.” —G.S.
Santo Wood Candle
“Palo santo, sandalwood, and musk meet in this soft and natural candle, bringing a hint of the romance and mystery of a forest to any room.” —G.S.
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.
Boy Smells Gardener Scented Candle
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“Leave it to the millennial-loved, gender-bending Boy Smells to capture the fresh, vegetable-filled aromas of the garden in a candle. With its notes of citrus, tomato, orange tree bark, and honeysuckle, you can almost taste the fresh produce as it hangs from the vine.” —G.S.
NEST Fragrances Wild Mint and Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser Liquid
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“This diffuser’s blend of wild mint, eucalyptus, basil, and ginger awakens the senses and turns any space into a stress-free sanctuary.” —G.S.
Frédéric Malle Synthetic Jungle Parfum
“Inspired by the lush gardens of northeastern France, Synthetic Jungle is filled with grassy notes of basil, lily of the valley, jasmine, and patchouli, bringing a certain contemporary chicness to a natural scent.” —G.S.
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.
Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit Eau de Parfum
“If ever there were a smell of summer and sunshine, this is it. With top notes of fig, bergamot, and coconut, this fragrance leads with fruitiness, but a touch of jasmine and vanilla add a beautiful floral balance to the perfectly ripe scent.” —G.S.
Voluspa Kalahari Watermelon Candle
“There’s nothing more satisfying than that first bite of juicy watermelon on a hot summer day. This candle bottles that feeling up and fills your entire house with its sweet, fruity smell.” —G.S.
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.
Estée Lauder Aerin Amber Musk Eau de Parfum
“The quintessential amber scent, this perfume evokes the feeling of cozying up by a snow-covered window with a good book in hand. Notes of amber and musk are joined by rose centifolia to offer a touch of fresh floral to this warm scent.” —G.S.
Homecourt Room Deodorant
“This room spray from Courtney Cox’s Homecourt fills any space with the warmth of a crackling fire, filled with salted amber, fir balsam resin, and cardamom.” —G.S.
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.”
Cioccolateria Candle
“You know that fresh-out-of-the-oven aroma that comes from brownies baking? Well, this candle will fill your home with it—without the calories or hard work in the kitchen.” —G. S.
Kilian Women’s Love Don’t Be Shy Eau de Parfum
“This delicious scent from Killian Paris is like marshmallows, cotton candy, and sweet orange all rolled into one—and it’s just as addicting as your favorite sweet treat.” —G.S.
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.
D.S. & Durga Coriander EDP Spray
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“With leading notes of coriander seed, green pepper, and clove, this scent is spicy and cool with fresh aromas.” —G.S.
Antica Farmacista Room Spray Desert Sage
“The desert may not immediately bring to mind herbal richness, but trust me, this room spray hits the mark. It offers notes of wild sage, rosemary, and lavender that are instantly inviting and have a calming effect.” —G.S.
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.
5 Sens Twin Flame Eau de Parfum
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“Nothing says clean and crisp quite like fresh laundry, and this Hotel Lobby candle has it down to a tee. With notes of linen, pink peppercorn, and sandalwood, this scent will have you reaching for the eye mask and crawling back into bed.” —G.S.
Hotel Lobby Core Collection Linen Candle
“This clean and crisp perfume boasts key notes of cucumber, sandalwood, and white musk, leaving a delicate and airy aroma with every spritz.” —G.S.
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.
D.S. & Durga Big Sur After Rain Scented Candle
“The coastal Californian town of Big Sur is wholly synonymous with water—from the river running through the surrounding mountains to the vast views of the Pacific seen from every bend of the highway. This candle captures that aquatic aroma and takes it even further, drawing inspiration from the alluring scent of rain and combines eucalyptus and fog to transform your room into a calming and natural environment.” —G.S.
Skylar Salt Air Eau de Parfum
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“This perfume, from clean fragrance brand Skylar, offers that fresh-out-of-the-ocean saltiness in a bottle.” —G.S.