Fragrance has a wide range of ingredients utilized by perfumers. Fragrance families later were developed and categorized by British fragrance historian, Micheal Edwards in 1984. He built out a fragrance wheel to categorize and classify fragrance by family, note and sub-note. Today, they are still building and adding new fragrances to their data base and fragrance family. In this article, we will describe the seven fragrance families and what notes are included for your reference.
Fragrance Families
Floral
The floral fragrance family is characterized by the scent of flowers. This fragrance family is versatile and can range from light and airy to heady and intense. Some common floral notes include rose, jasmine, lily, and iris. Floral fragrances are often associated with femininity and romance.
Fresh
Fresh fragrances are refreshing and energizing, with a crisp and clean scent. They are typically made up of top notes such as lemon, bergamot, and grapefruit, and are often used in fragrances for both men and women. Citrus fragrances are great for summer and daytime wear. They are also noted as citrus fragrances.
Woody
Woody fragrances are characterized by earthy and masculine scents such as cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli. These fragrances are warm, sensual, and grounding, often with a hint of spice. They are popular in men’s fragrances but can also be used in women’s fragrances to add depth and complexity.
Amber
The Amber fragrance family is rich and exotic, often incorporating notes of vanilla, musk, and amber. These fragrances are warm, spicy, and sensual, with a hint of mystery. They are often associated with luxury and are popular in evening wear. This fragrance family was originally called Oriental, which was founded to be offensive due to it’s colonialism history and changed in 2022.
Aquatic
Aquatic fragrances are fresh and clean, often inspired by the scent of the ocean. They are made up of notes such as seaweed, salt, and water. These fragrances are popular in summer and daytime wear and are often used in fragrances for both men and women.
Fruity
Fruity fragrances are bright and playful, with a juicy and sweet scent. They often include notes such as peach, raspberry, and strawberry, and are popular in fragrances for women. Fruity fragrances can be mixed with other fragrance families to create a unique and complex scent.
Gourmand
The gourmand fragrance family is characterized by sweet and edible scents such as chocolate, caramel, and vanilla. These fragrances often evoke childhood memories and are popular in women’s fragrances. They are best worn in the cooler months and can be mixed with other fragrance families to add warmth and depth.
Importance of Fragrance Families
The industry has adopted these terms to describe how fragrances smell and how they are made. You can reference these families as you shop for a fragrance online or in-store. You may hear additional terms like ‘Soft Floral’, ‘Soft Amber’, and ‘Woody Amber’ as descriptive terms that showcase a blend of two families or a softer feel of a fragrance. Do not be afraid to explore which terms and scents feel best for you.
Examples of Fragrances in Fragrance Families
Floral:
- Chanel No. 5 by Chanel: A classic floral fragrance with prominent notes of rose and jasmine.
- Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf: This fragrance combines floral notes like freesia and orchid with a touch of patchouli.
Fresh (Critus):
- Acqua di Parma Colonia by Acqua di Parma: An iconic citrus fragrance with bright notes of lemon, orange, and bergamot.
- Jo Malone London: A refreshing scent featuring notes of mandarin, peppery basil, amber wood, and aromatic white thyme that brings an unexpected twist.
Woody:
- Terre d’Hermès by Hermès: A woody fragrance with earthy notes of vetiver and cedar.
- Gucci Guilty by Gucci: A modern woody scent with patchouli and cedarwood.
Amber:
- Shalimar by Guerlain: An amber fragrance with notes of vanilla, amber, and incense.
- Opium by Yves Saint Laurent: A spicy amber fragrance with rich notes of myrrh, cinnamon, and patchouli.
Aquatic:
- Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana: A popular aquatic fragrance with a fresh and breezy character.
- Cool Water by Davidoff: An iconic aquatic scent with notes of sea breeze and lavender.
Fruity:
- Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent: A fruity-floral fragrance with blackcurrant and pear notes.
- Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture: A sweet and fruity fragrance with notes of wild berries and mandarin.
Gourmand:
- Thierry Mugler Angel: A famous gourmand fragrance with notes of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla.
- Prada Candy by Prada: A sweet gourmand scent with caramel and benzoin notes.
