What are the categories of aromas? What is the difference between chypre compositions and Aromatic fragrances? This post is in a brief description of the main types of perfume.
When searching for the perfect fragrance, it can be challenging deciding where to start. After all, there are hundreds of scents. If you’re not familiar with the different notes, the process of finding out what scents you like can feel daunting.
That’s why it’s helpful to know the fragrance wheel and scent families before you start. It’s likely you have smelled each of the scent families at some point in your life, whether it be out in nature, the kitchen or otherwise!
Citrus fragrances
Those are the lightest, freshest and unobtrusive scents. The key notes include orange, bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, as well as neroli smels.
Infused with the tangy essence of citrus fruits, these perfumes are lively and energetic. They are best enjoyed as a daytime delight, just the thing to wake you up in the morning before you’ve had that second coffee. Wear a citrus perfume to meet your girlfriends for brunch, brighten a baby shower, or ride your bicycle to the organic market. Here are a few of our favourites: Clinique Happy, Burberry Weekend for Women, Cartier Eau de Cartier for Women, Jo Malone Grapefruit, Calvin Klein CK One, The Gap Close.⠀
Chypre (Woody) fragrances
⠀The main difference of this category is an oak notes (moss). These are purely fresh, rich and sensual scents with green, woody, grassy and mossy notes. They are fresh, liqueur and rich scent . Here are a few of our favourites: Jo Malone Vetyver Cologne, Chanel No. 19 Eau De Parfum, Tom Ford Noir de Noir Eau de Parfum, Clinique Aromatics Elixir Eau De Toilette, Guerlain Mitsouko Pure Perfume, Citizen Queen Juliette Has a Gun.
Aromatic fragrances
Unlike chypre aromas, aromatic is always fresh. Woody notes are combined with oak moss, coumarin, lavender or bergamot.
Aromatic fragrances are almost exclusively designed for men, and so are an especially good choice if you’re in the market for something unquestionably masculine. A scent is considered ‘aromatic’ when it’s herbal in nature – think cumin, sage, rosemary, lavender and other plants. Aromatic compositions are frequently combined with notes of citrus and spice for balance.
Leather fragrances
⠀Associated with expensive leather goods perfumers create a skin aroma with the help of labdanum, different types of musk, ambergris, tobacco and resins. Example: a series of leather fragrances MEMO Paris, Ombre Leather by Tom Ford; Memoir by Amouage, Bibliotheque by Byredo.
Smoky fragrances
Such compositions include frankincense, labdanum, rosin, quinoline, woody notes or castoreum. They remind of fire and oriental incense. Example: Back to Black from Kilian, Bakhoor from Montale, Black Afgano from Nasomatto.
Gourmet fragrances
The main trend in modern perfumery. I want to enjoy these flavors as desserts. The composition may include vanilla, pralines, sugar, milk, tonka beans, ice cream, coffee, gingerbread cookies, spices, fruits and even alcoholic notes. Recently, figs have been very popular. Example: Black Phantom by Kilian, Attar Crystal Love
Oriental (Eastern) fragrances
The oriental fragrance family consists of rich exotic scents. When you think of oriental scents think herbs and spices or dry, powdery, resin notes. Opulent and heady, these notes are often times softened with amber or sweet notes. It’s common to describe this family as exotic and seductive.
Intense aromas with spicy and exotic notes (resins, balms, vanilla, opoponax, cinnamon, cloves, oud, ambergris, musk, etc.). Example: Chergui by Serge Lutens, Plum Japonais by Tom Ford
