It’s often difficult to describe the type of scent you’re looking for, and the bored salesgirl working the perfume counter is rarely much help. Here’s a little education on the different types of fragrances and the high points of each. Most ladies never learn this stuff, so you’ll do well to read it!
Fragrance Type: Chypres
- Main notes: Citrus (i.e. bergamot) or florals (often rose) combined with woody and mossy notes like patchouli, oak moss, and labdanum
- Qualities: Deep, dark, mysterious, leathery
- Examples: Dior Miss Dior, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Fragrance Type: Marines (AKA Ozonics)
- Main notes: Synthetics that smell of rain or sea air mixed with cucumber and watermelon or rose and white lily
- Qualities: Watery, natural, crisp
- Examples: Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey, Estee Lauder Pleasures
Fragrance Type: Orientals
- Main Notes: Amber, vanilla and musk; birch tar and other synthetics to create a “fur coat” smell
- Qualities: Warm, sensuous, powdery
- Examples: Must De Cartier, Guerlain Shalimar
Ok this is SO useful!! I never had any idea of these categories of fragrances. I think I like chypres the best. THANK YOU!!
I’m really glad you enjoyed it! I’m definitely an Orientals gal. (Okay, that so doesn’t sound right.)