Perfumes are classified into olfactory families , which are like "groups" based on the predominant notes in their composition. This classification helps you better understand what type of scent you're choosing and which one best suits your personality or a specific occasion.
Each family offers a unique sensory experience that can significantly influence the choice of perfumes.
Here are the main olfactory families :
Floral Family
- Dominant notes: flowers (rose, jasmine, lily, peony…).
- Subfamilies: soft floral, fruity floral, aldehydic floral.
- Ideal for: romantic, sweet and feminine people.
- Example: Dior J'adore or Chanel No. 5 .
Citrus Family (Hesperides)
This family is primarily composed of fresh and luminous notes, derived from the peels of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, and bergamot. Fragrances in this category are typically energizing, perfect for everyday wear.
- Dominant notes: citrus fruits such as bergamot, lemon, orange, mandarin.
- Very fresh and light.
- Ideal for: warm climates, daily use, or active people.
- Example: Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani or CK One .
Aromatic Family
- Dominant notes: herbs such as lavender, rosemary, mint, basil.
- Common in men's perfumes.
- Ideal for: free, fresh and natural spirits.
- Example: Dior Sauvage or Versace Pour Homme .
Fougère Family (Fern)
- Typical notes: lavender, oakmoss, bergamot, coumarin.
- A classic in men's perfumery.
- It conveys elegance and masculinity.
- Example: Drakkar Noir or Azzaro Pour Homme .
Woody Family
- Dominant notes: woods such as sandalwood, cedar, patchouli, vetiver.
- They tend to be warm, enveloping, and sophisticated.
- Ideal for: evenings, autumn-winter.
- Example: Terre d'Hermès or Santal 33 by Le Labo .
Oriental Family (Amber or Spiced)
- Dominant notes: spices, vanilla, amber, resins.
- Intense, sensual and mysterious aromas.
- Ideal for: date nights or cold seasons.
- Example: YSL Black Opium or Tom Ford Black Orchid .
Gourmand Family
- Edible notes: caramel, chocolate, coffee, vanilla.
- Super sweet and modern.
- Ideal for: playful, daring, and young people.
- Example: Prada Candy or La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme .
Cyprus Family
Renowned for its sophistication, this category is based on a complex composition that includes notes of bergamot, moss, and patchouli. Chypre fragrances offer a distinct and elegant olfactory experience.
Other Common Olfactory Families
- Fruit trees
- Spiced
- Aquatic
- Leather
These additional families also play an important role in the perfume industry, expanding the spectrum of options and allowing each individual to find the fragrance that most resonates with their personality.
The Olfactory Pyramid
The Olfactory Pyramid is a fundamental concept for understanding how a fragrance develops from the moment it is applied. It is composed of three levels that describe the evolution of the aromas and their characteristics.
Exit Notes
Top notes are the first impressions you get when you apply a perfume. They are usually fresh and light, immediately capturing your attention. Citrus fruits, like lemon and orange, are key ingredients in this group. These notes mark the beginning of the olfactory experience and, although fleeting, they typically last between 10 and 15 minutes. Their function is to attract and stimulate interest in the fragrance.
Heart Notes
The heart notes represent the core of the fragrance and emerge once the top notes have faded. This is where the true essence of the perfume unfolds. Generally, these notes are more complex and can include floral, fruity, or spicy aromas. Their duration can extend up to six hours, providing depth and character to the fragrance.
Background Notes
The base notes are the deepest and heaviest in the olfactory pyramid. They reveal themselves several hours after applying the perfume and are responsible for its longevity. Often composed of woody, musky, or amber ingredients, these notes provide a sense of warmth and persistence. The interaction of the base notes with the other layers creates a complete and complex olfactory experience.
Relationship Between Personality and Olfactory Families
Fragrances have an intrinsic link to the personality of those who choose them. Each olfactory family can reflect specific aspects of a person's character and emotions, influencing their perception and how they are perceived by others.
Citrus Fragrances and Vitality
Citrus fragrances, such as those found in fresh and energizing perfumes, are often associated with vibrant and dynamic people. These scents evoke a feeling of freshness and lightness that can be interpreted as a symbol of vitality. Fruits like lemon, orange, and bergamot are common in these fragrances.
- They reflect energy and optimism.
- They are ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
- They are associated with an extroverted and cheerful personality.
Floral Fragrances and Romanticism
In this group, floral notes often evoke softness and romance. Essences of rose, jasmine, and lily are typical in perfumes that convey sensitivity and tenderness. Those who prefer these fragrances tend to have a deep and emotional nature, valuing both aesthetics and interpersonal relationships.
- They express a connection with feeling and beauty.
- Ideal for dreamy and artistic personalities.
- They reinforce the perception of closeness and empathy in interactions.
Woody Fragrances and Sensuality
Woody notes lend a more intense essence, often associated with sensuality and sophistication. Ingredients like sandalwood and cedar add warmth and depth to these fragrances. They are often chosen by those with a strong and passionate personality, who seek to express their allure in a subtle yet effective way.
- They convey confidence and an aura of mystery.
- Associated with people with a strong sense of style.
- They represent a connection with what is natural and authentic.
Market Trends and Preferences
The evolution of the fragrance world has led to a significant shift in market trends. Consumer preferences are influenced by seasonal, cultural, and emotional factors, which determine which fragrance families are most popular at any given time.
Seasonal Preferences in Perfumes
Fragrances often experience peaks in popularity depending on the season. During spring and summer, fresh and light scents take center stage. Citrus and aquatic notes resonate with the vibrancy of these seasons. On the other hand, in autumn and winter, warmer and deeper fragrances, such as oriental and woody scents, gain ground, appealing to those seeking warmth and comfort.
Preferred fragrance types according to the season:
- Spring: Floral and fruity fragrances that evoke freshness.
- Summer: Aquatic and citrus aromas that bring lightness.
- Autumn: Woody and spicy notes that suggest warmth.
- Winter: Oriental and gourmand fragrances that offer a deep intensity.
Discovering Your Olfactory Family
Finding the fragrance family that best suits your personal preferences can be an enriching process. There are various ways to explore and discover the fragrances that resonate most with each individual.
The trial and error process
Finding your ideal fragrance family requires patience and experimentation. Trying different scents and observing your personal reaction to each is essential. Often, perfumes blossom and change over time, meaning that a scent initially unappealing can become a favorite over time. The key is to enjoy the process and be open to new aromatic experiences.
Tips for choosing according to your mood:
- Feeling daring and mysterious ? → Go for an oriental or an intense gourmand.
- active, sporty day ? → A citrus or aquatic fragrance will be ideal.
- Want to feel elegant and confident ? → Wood or leather never fails.
- Looking for a sweet and playful ? → A gourmand will delight.
