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How to Identify Your Fragrance Family
We tend to classify our preferences, whether it's movies like comedies and horror films or music genres such as pop and R&B. The same applies to fragrances and perfumes.
You might have noticed that you tend to gravitate towards perfumes that share a scent profile without realizing it!
It's like we naturally lean towards fragrance families that have distinct scents. One thing we all agree on—our choice of scents may change based on the season.
Well, we humans are creatures of habit and comfort when it comes to our favorite perfumes.
The idea of fragrance families is important for understanding scents vocabulary and terminology.
It serves as a language for perfumers (and those passionate about fragrances) to discuss the unique qualities of various scents.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the intricacies of fragrance families. We have compiled a detailed guide about how to identify your fragrance family and signature scent.
Let’s discuss in detail…
What Are Fragrance Families?
A fragrance or scent family consists of scents that are grouped together based on their traits and compatibility.
The scents that are closely categorized in the group share characteristics in their aroma while those apart are less similar in terms of fragrance notes.
When you're shopping for perfumes, you may realize that scents aren't always organized by their fragrance groups.
This is why it's crucial to know the ingredients in your favorite scent family so that you can decide if the notes in the new perfume you're looking for align with your preferences.
Read also: What Are the Different Types of Perfume?
Common Fragrance Families
The primary categories of scents include floral notes, sweet notes (also known as amber) woody tones and fresh scents. You will naturally incline towards a particular scent category than the others.
Thus, it is recommended to understand the subcategories within your favored scent grouping to discover your ideal fragrance.
WOODY NOTES
The wood family features rich and inviting scents that blend incense aromas such as sandalwood and patchouli with drier cedar notes.
- Subfamilies: Woods, Dry Woods Mossy Woods
- Smells Like: Warm, Powdery, Opulent
- Common Notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli
FLORAL NOTES
Floral fragrances are widely popular and frequently used in perfumes. They typically radiate an essence in their scent profile.
- Subfamilies: Floral, Fruity, Soft Floral
- Smells Like: Fresh Cut Flowers, Powdery
- Common Notes: Rose, Orange Blossom, Jasmine
AMBER NOTES
The amber category, previously known as “oriental scent”. It entails natural elements along with spicy and powdery resin undertones that evoke a sense of sensuality and warmth with a touch of allure.
- Subfamilies: Amber, Soft Amber, Woody Amber
- Smells Like: Herbal, Spicy, or Dry Resin Notes
- Common Notes: Myrrh, Anise, Vanilla
FRESH NOTES
The fresh family is known for its fragrant blends layered with woody undertones.
Subfamilies Include: Citrus, Aromatic, Green, Water
Smells Like: Bright, citrusy, clean, herby, oceanic
Common Notes: White Flowers, Citrus, Bergamot
Read more: What are Niche Fragrances and Niche Perfumes?
What Is the Fragrance Wheel?
The fragrance wheel helps in understanding the organization of scent families and gaining insight into the workings of the perfume industry.
Studying the fragrance wheel helps you understand which scents harmonize or contrast with each other. While contrasts can add vibrancy, harmony remains essential for a blend!
Let’s talk about the background and history of fragrance wheel.
Michael Edwards created the fragrance wheel to assist perfumiers in suggesting suitable perfumes to their customers.
Even though there were types of wheels before it was introduced in 1992, his version became popular and reliable due to its representation of modern scents and how people interpret them.
Edwards created a fragrance wheel that illustrates all scent families and their subfamilies in a diagram making it easier to understand how scents are categorized and mixed together effectively or cause clashes.
Why Identifying Your Fragrance Family Matters
More than 70 percent of customers select scents based on familiarity.
This means that understanding your fragrance category can result in making buying decisions and ultimately feeling more satisfied with your choice.
Here’s why you should identify your fragrance family:
- It helps in discovering scents that complement your style as more than 60 percent of people are attracted by a single fragrance category.
- A unique fragrance can make an impression. It can elevate your confidence levels.
- Understanding your fragrance family makes selecting new perfumes easier.
- Certain types of fragrances such as woody or oriental tend to linger on the skin for a long time.
- You can choose a variety of fragrances that suit each occasion or match different moods.
This leads to our next part…
Tips for Matching Your Fragrance Family to Your Personality and Lifestyle
Just as each person has unique characteristics, signature perfumes blend different layers of scents to ensure you smell fantastic all day!
When choosing a perfume fragrance that suits you best, begin with identifying the scents ("notes") that appeal to you most.
From subtle ones to bolder ones that cater to various personalities and moods in crafting enchanting perfumes for both men and women.
Florals
People with soft personalities often appreciate the fragrance of flowers in their surroundings. If you are caring and compassionate and have an eye for beauty in both nature and style, floral scents may be what you are looking for.
Amber
If you have passion and an air of enigmatic allure, amber notes are the way to go!
Fresh
Those who enjoy a natural lifestyle will appreciate fresh scents. These are designed for individuals with a cheerful personality and a refined yet simple taste in style.
The refreshing fragrances feature lemon and orange scents along with hints of green notes, reminiscent of green tea leaves.
Fruity
Those who love adventure and fun and are not afraid to express themselves appreciate fruity scents like apricot, peach and pear mixed with other notes such as caramel.
Woody
If you enjoy freedom and nature’s beauty in the outdoors, go for scents that are not overly sweet but have a gentle woody essence to them. Perfumes with woody notes are perfect for you.
Read also: Fragrance Recommendations to Match Every Mood
FAQs
How to find your fragrance family?
First decide what scents (or scent) you like the most. Get help from Google for searching for your ideal fragrance family and its connection to your personality! Order samples and relate them with your daily mood and temperament.
Which fragrance family is best?
Generally, every fragrance family has its admirers all over the world. However, floral scents rank top among other categories due to their variety and appeal to many people. These fragrances typically feature flowery notes like roses, jasmine, lilies and peonies. They can vary from soft and subtle to rich and intricate in complexity.
How to classify fragrances?
Different types of fragrances are grouped into categories according to their scent characteristics. Woody scents which give off an earthiness and warmth vibe to a fragrance profile. Fresh fragrances provide a crisp and clean sensation. Oriental fragrances possess richness and spiciness. Fruity scents offer sweetness and playfulness. Each scent family has its own distinctive notes that make it easier to classify and select perfumes accordingly.
What are the 7 types of smell?
The following are the 7 types of smells:
- Floral scents: Reminiscent of the fragrant aroma found in flowers such as roses and jasmine.
- Fruity notes: Vibrant and refreshing with a focus on citrusy flavors like apple and berry.
- Citrus notes: For example, lemons and oranges have a tanginess and zestiness.
- Woody fragrances: These have warmer notes such as sandalwood and cedar.
- Oriental: Spicy notes like vanilla and amber.
- Fresh notes: Energizing scents like an ocean breeze or the vibrant green leaves in the sunlight.
- Herbal: Known for their fragrant qualities like mint and lavender.
What fragrance family is vanilla?
Vanilla is an interesting element that crosses through scent categories effortlessly. It's commonly linked with the Amber fragrance group which was originally known as Oriental until it was revised for being considered inappropriate. This group is renowned for its luxurious fragrances.
Read also: How to Make Perfume Scent Last Longer
Wrap Up
ByShams Perfume Collection brings you signature perfumes crafted to every fragrance family. From refreshing florals to rich woody scents, exotic oriental blends tailored to complement your individuality and taste preferences.
Whether you prefer light, fresh, intense or warm scents, our luxury collection has a scent for every moment.