Categories: General

Fragrance 101: Common Scents

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)
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

View Comments

  • Ok this is SO useful!! I never had any idea of these categories of fragrances. I think I like chypres the best. THANK YOU!!

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