Smell is an often overlooked part of our key sense. The olfactory memory is a powerful thing, able to conjure up memories long forgotten. In perfumery there are a core group of perfume types that determine the kind of smell you’re going to get. In each subcategory the possibilities for a variety in smells is endless. There are 9 basic types of fragrances. Floral, woody, gourmand, fruity, oriental, green, oceanic, citrus, and spicy.

Floral smelling scents are derived from flowers, and often have a soft, light smell to them. These are often used in perfumery for women. They are a romantic, and versatile scent, with the biggest variety of smells of any fragrance category.

Woody fragrances have a earthy smell to them like walking down a mossy forest path, and having the smell of crushed earth beneath you, and gust of  wind from the creaking oak tress hitting your skin. They also tend to be sharp, and dry. Bergamot, patchouli, sandalwood, and oak moss are the most commonly used woody fragrances.

Gourmand is best described as a food smelling fragrance. Think coffee, honey, chocolate, or vanilla. It is the scent of walking into a kitchen making freshly baked cookies. If you want to walk around smelling like a tasty treat, then this is the fragrance for you.

Fruity fragrances are often sweet smelling, with an almost childlike quality to them. The scent is fun, happy, and playful. Apple, mango, pineapple, peaches, and strawberry are a good example of fruity fragrances.

Oriental fragrances are a mix of earthy, musky, and animalistic scents with warm notes. Amber is the most popular smell in this category due to it’s intimate warmth. This scent is famous for its use in intimate settings. Mixing them with florals is a popular combination, contrasting lightness with sensuality.

Imagine the smell of freshly mown grass, or lying down on a grassy field on a hot summers day. This is the scent of green perfumes. Green scents are ideal for everyday daytime usage, they are light enough not to overpower people, especially if you’re getting hot and sweaty.

This time picture yourself arriving at the beach, with the ocean breeze tingling on your skin, and the taste of salt in the air. This is the scent of oceanic perfumes. Oceanic scents are mostly made from synthetic compounds, because of this they are a recent addition in the fragrance family in the year 1991.

Citrus scents are zesty, and fresh. Making it sharp, awakening, and energetic. These scents make a great companion against hot and humid conditions. Cutting through the heat with whiffs of freshness.

Spicy scents are warm and comforting. Picture yourself walking down the spice aisle and taking in whiffs of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves. These scents are pefect for creating nice cozy atmospheres.

Perfumes also come in different strength combinations which will affect the longevity of the scent.

  • Eau du Parfum: 15% – 20% Aromatic Compounds
  • Eau de Toilet: 5% – 15% Aromatic Compounds
  • Eau de Cologne: 2% – 4% Aromatic Compounds
  • Eau Fraiche: 1% – 3% Aromatic Compounds
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