Fragrance is one of the most powerful and personal things out there. One whiff can instantly bring back memories. It can boost your mood. It can even add a layer of comfort or confidence to your outfit of the day. But with endless options, it’s hard to know where to start.

To others, your signature scent is a way they'll remember you, albeit subconsciously. To you, it can be a strong factor in determining what kind of day you're going to have and what type of mood you want to set. Regardless of who it's for, your signature scent is unabashedly yours.

Today, we introduce a new series as we talk to different personalities and ask them about finding their fragrance.

Interviews by NANA VALDUEZA

Tell us what you like about perfumes in general.

Nicole: I was a fragrance girl before I was a beauty girl, and I’ve been into perfumes and collecting them since I was in grade school. I shop across fragrance segments, from high street and designer to niche, and this has allowed me a better appreciation of the art of perfumery. I love how the power of scent is undeniable, bringing us back to favorite moments and taking us to new places and experiences. It can conjure the most vivid of memories and remind us of nearly forgotten details of places, people, and milestones. And because it's so attached to memories, it means we can use it to earmark new moments as much as use it to take ourselves back in time.

How do you decide on the perfume you purchase?

Nicole: I’m a beauty journalist and editor who is also a self confessed "fraghead" with a varied collection of perfumes. I usually purchase from reputable fragrance houses and designer brands, and I find myself having more than one perfume of brands that work for me and my taste. Years of buying perfumes has allowed me to understand the DNA of many fragrance houses, and this helps me decide on my next purchase and even blind buys. My taste has evolved over the years and I usually get phases when it comes to favorites. There was a stretch I was mostly in search of youthful rose perfumes before I delved into the more sweet and gourmand picks. I had also a fruity, citrus phase. I think what I value most when buying perfumes are quality, composition, and complexity as much as the notes and accords that appeal to me. There is always beauty in a well thought out and composed perfume–it will always tell the story the perfumer wants to convey without saying much words but truly from the scent and the bottle.