The olfactory families of perfumes: what they are and how to recognize them
The perfume we use and choose often says a lot about our personality, even if our choice, when we buy it, is not considered.
But do you know how perfumes are created? Do you know what types of "olfactory families" exist? Below you will find the best known, from floral - the most widespread - to leather.
See also
The main olfactory families and subcategories
Floral family
They are all those perfumes that have, as main essences, those of flowers. It is the most widespread family for women's perfumes and can take advantage of both a set of flowers, which create a floral symphony, and on the Soliflore, which is inspired by a single flower. It is also one of the olfactory families with more sub-categories, probably because it is the most used in the creation of new fragrances.
Aldehyde floral
This subgroup was introduced with the creation of the everlasting Chanel No. 5, which used an important dose of aldehydes, synthetic components that give freshness and lighten a composition. (Chanel no.5, Lanvin Arpège, YSL Rive Gauche)
Aquatic floral
These are floral compositions combined with fresh notes of flowers or aquatic eras. (Biotherm Eau Oceane, Bvlgari Omia Green Jade, CK Eternity Summer)
Fruity floral
The olfactory pyramid of these fragrances is characterized by sweet, light and fruity notes. (Boucheron Jaïpur, Bvlgari Omnia Coral, Dior J "adore)
Fruity floral gourmand
The union of fruity floral notes of caramel, sugar or chocolate. (Diane von Furstenber Love Diane, Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire, Maison Martin Margiela Beach Walk)
Green floral
When flowers meet the freshness of grass, to bring out the scent of a freshly picked flower in the mind. (Cartier Baiser Volé, Diptyque Particuliere)
Woody floral
The primary notes of flowers are enriched with woody or musky scents that add depth and warmth to the composition. (Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir, CK be, Chanel Coco Noir)
Citrus family (Acqua di Parma Colonia, Creed Jardin d "Amalfi, Jo Malone Grapefruit) Perfumes composed of essential citrus oils such as orange, mandarin, lemon, bergamot, most often combined with a component of flowers d" orange. Most colognes belong to this family. The subcategories are:
Gourmand citrus
Variation that is composed using sweeter essential oils or by combining citrus notes of vanilla or caramel. (DKNY Sweet Delicious Tart Key Lime, Lush 25:43, Laura Tonatto Plaisir)
Aromatic citrus
Fresh citrus notes meet aromatic herbs such as lavender, rosemary, cumin and mint. (Bois 1920 bitter citrus from Sicily, CK One, Eau de Cartier)
Floral chypre
Flowers such as rose, lily of the valley or jasmine are often used to create this variation. (Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Costume National So Nude, Histoires D "Eaux Ne me quitte pas)
Fruity chypre
A variation that combines the powdery notes with fruity notes such as peach, apricot, wild strawberry or exotic fruits. (Azzaro Duo Women, Burberry Body, Jimmy Choo)
Aromatic (Carthusia Io, Cartier L "heure Vertueuse III, Diptyque Volutes) This family includes all those scents that are characterized by notes of aromatic herbs such as sage, rosemary, cumin, lavender and the like, combined with spicy and citrus notes. These compositions are used mainly for men's perfumes.
Aquatic aromatic
The olfactory pyramid is composed of aromatic notes combined with notes of sea water. (Bois 1920 Oltremare, Davidoff Cool Water, L "Artisan Parfumeur Cote d" Amour)
Aromatic fougère
Aromatic herbs are combined with notes such as lavender, geranium, musk, woods and tonka bean. (CK Eternity, Gucci Guilty Black Pour Homme, Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Beau Male)
Fruity aromatic
The pungent freshness of aromatic herbs meets the most exotic and fruity notes. (Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Tropical, Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Toit, Montale Wild Pears)
Aromatic green
As in the floral-green family, notes that smell of leaves and grass are added to the composition. (Cerruti Image, Nasomatto Hindu Grass, YSL La Collection Rive Gauche Pour Homme)
Spicy aromatic
These fragrances are characterized by spicy notes that make the aromatic herbs fresher and more persistent. (CK Free Blue, Carthusia 1681, Diptyque L "Eau de Tarocco, L" Artisan Parfumeur Tea for Two)
The minor olfactory families
Amber family
Also called oriental, the fragrances of this family, with vanilla essence and slightly spicy, are suitable for very feminine women with a strong character! (Shalimar, by Guerlain).
Woody family
Woody scents are composed of citrus and woody notes, most often mixed with lavender essence for a fresh and warm composition.
Fougère family:
As with the woody ones, the fougère fragrances are born from the combination of lavender with warm and woody notes and create a contrast between hot and cold.
Leather family:
The perfumes of this family are usually masculine but can also be used by women. Their fragrance recalls the characteristic smell of leather to which notes of tobacco or honey are mixed.
