If you put any stock in your horoscope, then there’s a pretty good chance you also believe that your zodiac sign determines a fair few things about you: your personality traits, your day-to-day experiences, your future … and maybe even your signature scent?
Out of the five senses, scent is the one most intrinsically tied to memories and emotions, so it makes sense that taking your personality and the way you express yourself into account could help guide you to the perfect fragrance. And that’s where the zodiac comes in—if the day you were born can predict the course of your life, it may just be able to predict the types of scents that suit you.
We asked perfumer Julia Zangrilli, founder of NOVA, to use her expert nose to pin down which notes play best with every sign, then we added added our favorite scents according to her tips.
Aries
Fire Starter. Contrarian. Thrill-seeker.
“I am.”
To channel Aries, Zangrilli says to try warm and spicy notes like black pepper, with a sharply masculine base. A romantic floral scent with a soft, luxurious base will help to balance the sign.
Our Pick: AERIN Evening Rose ($110)
Taurus
Sensualist. Decadent. Cultivator.
“I have.”
To channel Taurus, look for subtle and precious scents, like violet, grounded by a lushly green base. To balance, try deep, mysterious, smoldering fragrances with plenty of warmth, similar to oud.
Our Pick: Tocca Florence Eau de Parfum ($68)
Gemini
Insider. Influencer. Communicator.
“I think.”
Channel Gemini with effervescent, refreshing notes like green cognac with a clean, woody base. To balance your sign, opt for exotic, fiery fragrances like ylang ylang with a leather or musk base.
Our Pick: Le Labo Ylang 49 ($160)
Cancer
Nurturer. Supporter. Imagineer.
“I feel.”
To channel Cancer, choose warm, leathery scents with a cozy, clean base. Balance with cool incense notes, like frankincense, with a more grounded base.
Our Pick: Diptyque Eau Duelle ($125)
Leo
Creative. Expressionist. Ringleader.
“I will.”
Look for bright citrusy notes, like bergamot, to channel Leo, with a fresh, woody musk base. To balance, go ozonic by layering aquatic and white musk notes with metallic, green bases.
Our Pick: Nova Chakra ($120)
Virgo
Perfectionist. Craftsman. Healer.
“I analyze.”
Bitter fruits with sharp, earthy bases like green fig are perfect for channeling Virgo, while soft scents with clean, dreamy bases are ideal for balancing.
Our Pick: Byredo Pulp ($145)
Libra
Tastemaker. Peacemaker. Advocate.
“I balance.”
Channel Libra by wearing romantic florals with a soft, luxurious base, like rose-based scents, or try warm, spicy, more masculine scents to balance.
Our Pick: Histoire de Perfumes 1899 ($105)
Scorpio
Seducer. Power player. Truth seeker.
“I desire.”
Deep, dark notes best channel Scorpio, while the sign is best balanced by sweet, subtle notes backed by a lush green base.
Our Pick: Atelier Cologne Oud Saphir ($250)
Sagittarius
Adventurer. Nomad. Intellectual.
“I see.”
To channel Libra, choose strong, fiery notes grounded by a musky base. Balance with refreshing, sparkling scents with fresh, woody bases.
Our Pick: Etat Libre d’Orange Vraie Blonde ($250)
Capricorn
Master. Acquirer. Authority.
“I use.”
To channel this sign, look for cool, incense-inspired scents with a clean, grounded base. Warmer, leathery notes with soft, clean bases are best for balancing Capricorn.
Our Pick: Chanel Coco Noir ($130)
Aquarius
Inventor. Mobilizer. Philanthropist.
“I know.”
Think water: Channel Aquarius by opting for, well, aquatic notes paired with a green base. To balance, try brighter citrus notes with strong, woody bases.
Our Pick: Commodity Moss ($99)
Pisces
Artist. Philosopher. Spiritualist.
“I believe.”
Look for clean, dreamy scents to channel Pisces. To balance the sign, try a green, fruity scent with an earthy base.
Our Pick: Kiehl’s Original Musk ($42.50)