FRAGRANCE CLASSIFICATION

Fragrance Wheel info from wikipedia:

The Fragrance Wheel is a fragrance classification chart first developed in 1983 by Michael Edwards, a consultant in the fragrance industry. The wheel is a method for perfume classification which he first designed after being inspired by a fragrance seminar by Firmenich, and seeks to show the relationships between each individual fragrance family. The fragrance wheel has been shown to be highly consistent with previous studies on odor descriptor and odor profile representations.

The chart was first created in an attempt to develop a fragrance classification method and naming scheme without technical jargon that can be used in consumer settings by retailers. The main purpose of the wheel is to allow a retailer to suggest different fragrances in a similar category to ones that their customer's may prefer, which since been put into use by retailers such as Sephora and Nordstrom.

Since its creation, the wheel and the developed fragrance classification scheme has been modified several times through the addition of different groups to encompass different fragrance types.

The four standard families are Floral, Oriental, Woody and Fresh. These are in turn divided into three sub-groups (e.g. in the Floral Family: Floral, Soft Floral, Floral Oriental) and arranged in a circle, each group being related to the next. Each of the subclasses were in turn divided into Fresh, Crisp, Classical, and Rich compositions. Prior to 2010 Fougère family was placed at the center of this wheel since they are a large family of scents that usually contain fragrance elements from each of the other four families; citrus from the fresh family, oak moss and woods from the woody family, coumarin and incense from the Oriental family, and lavender from the floral family.

In this classification scheme, Chanel No.5, which is traditionally classified as a "Floral Aldehyde" would be located under Soft Floral sub-group, and "Amber" scents would be placed within the Oriental group. As a class, Chypres is more difficult to place since they would be located under parts of the Oriental and Woody families. For instance, Guerlain's Mitsouko, which is classically identified as a chypre will be placed under Mossy Woods, but Hermès' Rouge, a chypre with more floral character, would be placed under Floral Oriental. Originally they are:

1983 version
FougèreFloralFloral
Soft Floral
Floral Oriental
OrientalSoft Oriental
Oriental
Woody Oriental
WoodyMossy Woods
Dry Woods
FreshCitrus
Green
Water

With the publication of Fragrances of the World 2008, two new sub-groups: Fruity and Woods, have been added to the wheel.

2008 version
FougèreFloralFloral
Soft Floral
Floral Oriental
OrientalSoft Oriental
Oriental
Woody Oriental
WoodyWoods
Mossy Woods
Dry Woods
FreshCitrus
Fruity
Green
Water


The chart was again modified in 2010, moving the Aromatics/Fougere group to between Citrus and Dry Woods to synchronize the chart with recent studies on smell perception.

2010 version
FloralFloral
Soft Floral
Floral Oriental
OrientalSoft Oriental
Oriental
Woody Oriental
WoodyWoods
Mossy Woods
Dry Woods
Aromatic
FreshCitrus
Fruity
Green
Water


The sub-groups of the fragrance wheel are:
  • Floral (Floral + Fresh Notes). Main notes include fresh-cut flowers.
  • Soft Floral (Floral Notes). Main notes include aldehydes and powdery notes.
  • Floral Oriental (Floral + Oriental Notes). Main notes include orange blossom and sweet spices.
  • Soft Oriental (Oriental + Floral Notes). Main notes include incense and amber.
  • Oriental (Oriental Notes). Main notes include oriental resins and vanilla.
  • Woody Oriental (Oriental + Woody Notes). Main notes include sandalwood and patchouli.
  • Woods. Main notes include aromatic woods and vetiver.
  • Mossy Woods (Woody + Oriental Notes). Main notes include oakmoss and amber.
  • Dry Woods (Woody Notes). Main notes include dry woods and leather.
  • Aromatic Fougère (Fresh Notes). Main notes include lavender and aromatic herbs. This universal fragrance family includes elements from different families: the freshness of from the Citrus family, floral notes of lavender, the spicy-sweetness of a Floral Oriental, the ambery depth of an Oriental and the Mossy Woods warmth of sandalwood and oakmoss.
  • Citrus (Woody + Fresh Notes). Main notes include bergamot and other citrus oils.
  • Water (Fresh + Floral Notes). Main notes include marine and aquatic notes, generally from the chemical calone.
  • Green (Fresh + Floral Notes). Main notes include galbanum and green notes.
  • Fruity (Fresh + Floral Notes). Main notes include berries and other non-citrus fruits


Fragrance Descriptions:


This info not from wikipedia: You may come across descriptions of fragrances that seem to generalize a feeling rather than an actual description of scent, here is a quick guide to help you navigate through these vague details.


Fragrances For Women:

  • Sophisticated/confident: also known as an aldehyde, this has a brilliant, individualistic fragrance that expresses the imagination of the perfume and defies specific description. (Chanel No. 5 is a classic example)
  • Romantic/poetic: Intricately blended bouquet of individual flower notes, combined with fuller woody, green and amber notes
  • Erotic/mysterious: sultry, uninhibited Oriental blends created through the blending of exotic flowers, herbs and fixatives
  • Exhilarating/energetic: includes green scents, which are fresh and zesty, like new-cut grass; spicy scents, which obtain their notes from spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger or flowers such as carnation and lavender; and woodsy-mossy scents with a clean, clear crispness, such as sandalwood, rosewood or cedar combined with oakmoss and fern.
  • Relaxing/understated: includes single florals, which capture the scent of a single flower such as rose, violet or lilac; and fruity, which are blends of clean, fresh, citrusy scents and mellow peachy warmth.



Fragrances For Men:

  • Exhilarating/energetic: includes citrus, a fresh, brisk scent made from oils derived from citrus trees; and spice, a blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, bay and basil.
  • Relaxing/understated: described as “leathery”, this scent is made from birch resin and cade oil from the juniper tree.
  • Romantic/poetic: made from the oils of lavender, this is one of the oldest scents favored by men.
  • Erotic/mysterious: sultry and uninhibited, this is made from exotic flowers, herbs and fixatives.
  • Sophisticated/confident: Includes fern notes made from oakmoss, labdanum resin and geranium oil, and woody notes made from vetiver (an East Indian grass), sandalwood and cedar.





Brief Guide to Women's Fragrances:

In this guide, I have added examples of vintage fragrances that you can still find today.

 

Fresh Citrus- You can include in this classification, those perfumes which have a citrus tang. Usually thought of as a masculine category. These fragrances are deemed clean and sparkling, like the smell of lemons, petitgrain, neroli, oranges, limes, bergamot, hyacinth, tangerine and mandarin.. Examples: 
  • 4711 Cologne by Mulhens - an all purpose floral citrusy scent.
  • Bigarade by Nina Ricci - citrusy blend of bitter orange, bright, a daytime favorite, sporty.
  • cK one by Calvin Klein - unisex fresh clean citrus with pineapple, papaya, rose, bergamot, cardamom, jasmine, musk and amber.
  • Cristalle by Chanel
  • di Borghese by Princess Marcella Borghese
  • Diorella by Dior - outdoorsy, a melding of the most precious floral scents - European rose, orange blossom, jasmine and lily.
  • Eau de Cologne aux Fleurs Fraiches by Christian Dior 
  • Eau de Guerlain
  • Eau Dynamisante by Clarins
  • Eau de Cologne Hermes
  • Eau de Patou
  • Eau de Rochas 
  • Eau Fraiche by Jovan
  • Fresh Lemon by Love's - named for its main ingredient, natural citrus oils captured in a fresh perfume.
  • Eau de Cologne Imperiale by Guerlain - crisp with orange blossom
  • Extra Veille Eau de cologne by Jean Marie Farina - sharply refreshing citrus, fruits, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, rosemary.
  • Hadrien by Annick Goutal - a crisp, fresh citrus burnished with cypress, originally created for men but worn by both sexes.
  • Jean Nate
  • O de Lancome - a mix of southern European herbs, owing its freshness to citrus notes.

CHYPRE:


Chypre: the scent of newly mown hay and lavender bouquets, achieved by bergamot, labdanum, clary sage, patchouli and oakmoss. The scent is natural, forest-like, soft, sweet and warm. Examples:
  • A Gogo by Hattie Carnegie - dry, not sweet blend of jasmine, rose, and dusty woods
  • Alliage by Estee Lauder
  • Animale by Animale
  • Anne Klein by Anne Klein (original 1974) - fresh and exhilarating, for sports and outdoors
  • Armani by Giorgio Armani - bouquet of jasmine, rose, hyacinth and lily of the valley.
  • Audace by Rochas - bold, fragrance with overtones of scented woods and leaves.
  • Australis
  • Azzaro by Azzaro
  • Azuree by Estee Lauder - sun drenched with a light, citrus grove tang.
  • Belle de Rauch - a heady oriental floral mixture of tropical flowers with green leaves, herbs and moss.
  • Blazer by Helena Rubinstein -  aromatic floral chypre fragrance with a spring-like blend of hyacinth, green rose, and raspberry.
  • Cerissa by Revlon - a delicate floral blend.
  • Chamade by Guerlain - a deep blend of natural floral oils.
  • Chanel No. 19 - a tumble of flowers and mosses.
  • Chant d'Aromes by Guerlain - a serene symphony of floral scents.
  • Chypre de Coty
  • Coriandre by Coriandre
  • Courreges 
  • Creation by Ted Lapidus
  • Crepe de Chine by Millot - musky light floral blend of jasmine, rose, carnation, iris, cedar, patchouli and sandalwood.
  • Enigma by Alexandra de Markoff
  • Feminite du Bois by Shiseido
  • Galanos by Galanos
  • Gauloise by Molyneux - blend of ylang ylang, nutmeg, frankincense, sandalwood and musk.
  • Gemini by Helix Fragrances, Inc - a lively bouquet of green lily of the valley, roses and jasmine delicately resting on oriental notes.
  • Gianni Versace by Gianni Versace
  • Givenchy III by Givenchy - a modern blend of subtle florals, sandalwood, amber, musk, ORIENTAL NOTES, oakmoss, patchouli and other greenery.
  • Graffiti by Capucci - the essence of rare trees, green leaves, heady jasmine, rose, hyacinth, ylang ylang and thyme.
  • Halston by Halston - unique fresh green floral top note with sparkling citrus, unusual floral blend of marigold, rose, jasmine and carnation, with oriental overtones with sandalwood, oakmoss, musk and nutmeg .
  • Halston Couture by Halston - a warm chypre with oakmoss and cypress.
  • Imprevu by Coty - a blend of multi-floral essences, sandalwood, clove, musk, tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom/
  • Intimate by Revlon - a lasting, modern sultry semi-oriental fragrance with light floral overtones of ylang ylang, rose, jasmine, and gardenia, with patchouli, cedar, orris, sandalwood and animalic notes.
  • Jean Louis Scherrer by Jean Louis Scherrer - a fresh fruity, green floral chypre, blend of floral notes of rose, iris and jasmine enriched with warm amber, galbanum and spices.
  • Knowing by Estee Lauder
  • Lace by Yardley
  • L'Arte de Gucci
  • Ma Griffe by Carven - a saucy combination of fruit and flower aromatics.
  • Maja by Myrurgia - a clean, bright floral scent with rose, jasmine, soft oriental and mossy chypre undertones.
  • Manyana by Boots - warm oakmoss, florals, citrus and chypre notes.
  • Maxim's - fresh green fruity, floral-oriental tones of narcissus, mimosa, genet, ylang, orange blossom, mandarin, lemon, cassis, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, tuberose, lily of the valley, spices, amber, musk. and moss.
  • Madeleine de Madeleine
  • Memoire Cherie by Elizabeth Arden - a light oriental chypre with woods, fragrant leaves, mosses, rose, jasmine and amber.
  • Metal by Paco Rabanne
  • Musk Oil by Jovan - chypre, patchouli and vetiver lend it a smoky sensuality.
  • Nahema by Guerlain
  • Norell II by Norell
  • Nuit de Noel by Caron
  • Parure by Guerlain
  • Pavillion by Estee Lauder - blend of tuberose, mimosa, narcissus, jasmine, mosses, spices
  • Private Collection by Estee Lauder
  • Pure Silk by Yardley
  • Serpent by Covers
  • Sinan by Jean Marc Sinan
  • Troika by 4711 - tangy, comes on like morning in a flower-fringed meadow, perfect for sports.
  • Tuxedo by Ralph Lauren - a rare tapestry of oriental rose, jasmine, jonquil, ylang ylang, spices, a new floral complex, peach and exotic amber.
  • Tweed by Lentheric - mossy, woodsy scent.
  • Voltage by Dorothy Gray - sophisticated blend of florals, woods, oakmoss
  • Y by Yves Saint Laurent - an essence of brilliant floral notes, jasmine, rose, oakmoss.

Green, also termed Fresh or Chypre Green: the perfumes in this group are perhaps most suitable for the young. They are floral in character and they all possess a distinctive fresh top note. These so-called notes are what the perfumers call "green" notes. Think the scent of freshly cut grass, spring meadows, stems, sap and branches. Typical ingredients are grasses, green leaves, lavender, basil, pine, juniper, fir, sage, rosemary, chamomile, hyacinth and galbanum. They are often termed "sporty" fragrances. Examples:
  • Aire Loewe by Loewe
  • Alfred Sung by Alfred Sung
  • Aliage by Estee Lauder - a fresh, light, woodsy blend of orange, pine, peach, moss, and green leaves for casual wear, perfect for sports.
  • Amour Amour by Jean Patou - this is a fresh young bouquet of morning dew freshness. 
  • Andron for Her by Jovan
  • Appointment by Innoxa - green floral with lemon, bergamot, orange, jasmine, rose, spice and vanilla.
  • Belle de Jovan - natural oils of jasmine, Bulgarian rose, orange blossoms, sandalwood and iris.
  • Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden - delicate blend of meadow flowers, roses and jasmine cooled with oakmoss, fresh lavender, and undertones of spice, warm amber and musk.. 
  • Canoe by Dana - a combination of citrus and fern. 
  • Caline by Jean Patou
  • Celadon by Estee Lauder - field full of jonquils, ylang ylang, fruits and exotic greenery
  • Chanel No. 19 - Dashing yet delicate tumble of fresh jasmine, iris, ylang ylang, rose de mai, anemone, moss, musk and sandalwood.
  • Charlie Go Lightly by Revlon - a green floral blending bergamot, geranium, chamomile, lily of the valley, and rose with a fresh, woodsy finish. 
  • Deneuve by Catherine Deneuve
  • Eau de Ciel by Annick Goutal
  • Enigma by Alexandra de Markoff - a modern floral creation.
  • Farouche by Nina Ricci
  • Fifth Avenue by Avon - rich green floral
  • Geoffrey Beene by Geoffrey Beene (original) - a brightly modern floral creation, green tangerine, baronia, myrrh, rosemary, soft florals and a faint oriental trace.
  • Gigolo by Jean-Pierre Borg - green floral - jasmine, Bulgarian rose, patchouli, new mown hay scent.
  • Inoui by Shiseido
  • Iris Gris by Jacques Fath - a sharp tang makes this perfume cool and refreshing.
  • Ivoire by Balmain - a fresh leafy green top with spices, a rich floral bouquet at the heart and a base of woody notes.
  • Lauren by Ralph Lauren - a light green floral with rose, violets, jasmine, wildflowers and delicate woods.
  • Me! by Coparel
  • Miracle by Lentheric - this  is a typically French perfume with a slightly sweet top note. 
  • Molinard de Molinard
  • Mousse Fleurs by Tussy - a green, herby oriental.
  • MN by Merle Norman - casual light green floral forest blend, aldehydes, ivy, wild jasmine
  • Murasaki by Shiseido - essences of rose, lily, chrysanthemum and moss.
  • Nocturnes by Caron - floral blend of stephanotis, rose, jasmine, tuberose and ylang ylang.
  • Norell by Norell - a b;end of floral and leafy notes.
  • Passionnement (Tailspin) by Lucien Lelong - with a chypre background, this perfume is sweet and fresh with the hint of spice, rich sandalwood and jasmine. 
  • Pheromone by Marilyn Miglin
  • Polo Sport for Women by Ralph Lauren
  • Private Collection by Estee Lauder - a rare and precious fragrance of flowers, leaves and spices.
  • Reverie by Tuvache - spicy flowers with green mosses, warmed by musk and amber.
  • S by Schiaparelli - leafy bouquet.
  • Safari by Ralph Lauren -  a green floral fragrance with citrus notes.
  • Sung Spa by Alfred Sung
  • Tempo by Avon
  • Touch of Class by Faberge
  • Vent Vert by Balmain - a lilting, freshly scented floral touched with balsamic, mossy and leafy notes.
  • Vivara by Emilio Pucci (original) - balsamic green fragrance, vibrant combination of scented blossoms with tangy grasses.
  • Weil de Weil -  fresh green floral with honeysuckle, vetiver, cassie, jasmine, rose, fragrant sandalwood and an underlying hint of musk in a chypre background.
  • Wrappings by Clinique
  • Zen by Shiseido - a delicate, fresh green flowery fragrance with slight mossy undertones.  


Chypre oriental (amber) - with strong notes of patchouli and sandalwood. Examples:
  • Aromatics Elixir by Clinique - a fresh dry chypre, ylang, rose, jasmine, oakmoss, orange blossom, sandalwood, chamomile and civet.
  • Bois des Iles by Chanel
  • Capricorn by Helix Fragrances, Inc - a zesty, spicy cypress resting on ambers, luxuriant, precious woods, vetiver and lavender.
  • Capucci de Capucci
  • Celebration by Lise Watier
  • Dune by Dior
  • Fendi by Fendi (original) - vibrant bouquet of rose, jasmine and ylang ylang subtly intertwined with patchouli, sandalwood, sensual musk and warm amber, with just a hint of leather and spices.
  • Flambeau by Faberge - floral chypre with oriental notes. A haunting blend of pink and white roses with jasmine and exotic eastern florals.
  • Intimate Musk by Revlon
  • Guess by Georges Marciano (original)
  • La Fleur by Dubarry - a mixture of sandalwood, jasmine and patchouli.
  • Magie Noire by Lancome - rich notes of Bulgarian rose, galbanum, patchouli, ylang ylang and jasmine with warm spices, ambergris, woods and hints of moss.
  • Midnight by Tussy - a delightful floral perfume with citrus and spice on a warm woody chypre background.
  • Mink & Pearls by Jovan -  a floral mossy animalic chypre, aromatic essences create a rich, multi-floral fragrance.
  • Mystere by Rochas
  • Red by Giorgio - a soft, fresh floral oriental, it begins with a fruit bowl of peach and orange, a floral heart of ylang ylang, mimosa, touched with aromatics of nutmeg and sage and finished with the warmth of amber, vanilla, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli and oakmoss.
  • Sandalwood by Roger et Gallet
  • Samsara by Guerlain - an amber scented Oriental with prevailing jasmine and sandalwood
  • Sandalwood by Crabtree & Evelyn
  • Sandalwood by Floris
  • Scorpio by Helix Fragrances, Inc - fresh and green spiced with floral richness. Oriental undertones include jasmine, roots and sandalwood.
  • Sikkim by Lancome - an oriental chypre with honeysuckle, rose, jasmine and an undertone of tangy mosses.

Fruity Chypres - a heavier variation is the fruity theme, which imparts a mellow warmth to the classic chypre composition. Typical ingredient, peach. Examples:
  • Diorama by Christian Dior -  an exotic blend of tropic plants and flowers with spicy overtones.
  • Femme by Rochas - a warm blending of jasmine and rose, pungent patchouli and mellowed with succulent peaches.
  • Fete by Molyneux - fruity green floral chypre blend of lavender, rosemary, oakmoss, bergamot, tangerine, jasmine, rose, orange, lilac, cedar, sandalwood, ylang ylang, ambergris and musk.
  • Gem by Van Cleef & Arpels - a warm and sumptuous scent of jasmine, tuberose, ylang, rose, iris, clove, cardamom, coriander, sage, plum, peach, myrtle, artemisia, patchouli, cypress.
  • Mila Schon by Mila Schon - fruity, floral blend with cool green notes of bergamot, and cloves. Floral essences enrich the body and woody aromas fill the base.
  • Miss Lentheric - a flowery and slightly fruity aroma, bergamot, coriander, lemon, ylang, carnation, lily of the valley, rose, ambergris, sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver.
  • Mitsouko by Guerlain - a forest scent of mosses, sweet woods and pungent leaves.
  • Mollie Parnis - fruity floral chypre with jasmine, jonquil and tuberose.
  • Quadrille by Balenciaga - a chypre blend of floral notes and spices with jasmine, orange and bergamot.
  • Stork Club by Le Galion - jasmine, roses, lily of the valley, amber, musk and precious woods, delicate but intense.


Chypre Floral Animalic - the fullest interpretation of the chypre theme is achieved through the blending of florals and animal essences. Typical ingredients are civet, castoreum, musk, and ambergris. Today, these are generally synthetic reproductions. Examples:
  • Cuir de Russie by Chanel
  • Miss Dior by Dior - roses, sandalwood and more.
  • Ysatis by Givenchy - mandarin, rose, ylang ylang, iris, orange and vanilla.

Chypre Floral - a lighter version of the above classification is the chypre floral, made by downplaying the animal notes and moving rich florals to center stage. Typical ingredients are rose, gardenia, citrus, woody patchouli, oakmoss. Examples:
  • Cachet by Prince Matchabelli - a tangy, modern blend of complex florals with lingering notes that are ambery, mossy, woody, and musky. Very sparkly.
  • Calandre by Paco Rabanne - lily of the valley, citrus, bergamot, oakmoss, chypre base.
  • Cancer by Helix Fragrances, Inc - a cool blend of green citrus with hidden flowers of rose, cyclamen and delicate undertones of musk and moss.
  • Courant by Helena Rubinstein - a tangy aldehydic floral chypre with lily of the valley.
  • Desert Rose by Shulton - light aromatic citrus and jasmine blend with a woody-mossy-leafy chypre base.
  • Diorling by Christian Dior - a light floral chypre with a delicate blend of jasmine, honeysuckle and rose attar.
  • Diva by Ungaro - musky amber with florals, oakmoss, sandalwood, roses and jasmine.
  • Eve Reve by Rigaud -  its citrus notes are given by bergamot and orange, blend of tender spring flowers on a heady, woody Chypre base.
  • Feraud 2 by Louis Feraud - a young, sophisticated aldehydic floral chypre with woods, mosses and fragrant leaves.
  • Genny by Genny Moda - a warm, complex floral that blends flowers such as rose, ylang ylang, iris and jasmine with spices, and a base of patchouli, musk and amber.
  • Geoffrey Beene by Geoffrey Beene - crisp green-floral, woodsy, green tangerine, orange leaves, jasmine, boronia, tuberose, myrrh, rosemary, musk, sandalwood.
  • Hypnotique by Max Factor - florals, precious woods, oriental essences.
  • Justine by Louis Feraud - Rose and jasmine in a zesty, sparkling perfume, a modern woodsy floral scent.
  • Ma Griffe by Carven - crisp green mossy chypre floral fruit blend
  • Maroc by Ultima II - blend of Moschata rose, Moroccan rose, Moroccan jasmine, rich undertones of patchouli and oakmoss.
  • Masumi by Coty - floral-green chypre, a quiet oriental blend, light and blossomy.
  • Misha by Mikhail Baryshnikov - a floral chypre combining oranges with rose, jasmine and ylang ylang with woods and mosses. Distinct and strong.
  • Muse by Coty - soft perfume, a woody touch.
  • Paloma Picasso by Paloma Picasso - a lushly floral fragrance with woody heart and a warm amber base.
  • Red Door by Elizabeth Arden - a light but lasting blend of ylang ylang, orchid, lily of the valley and red rose, the scent is anchored by vetiver and sandalwood.
  • Replique by Raphael - floral chypre of jasmine, rose and incense.
  • Scassi by Scaasi - an opulent mix of fruity mandarin and apricot nestled in a rose bouquet building to a soft, lasting finish of spicy warm woods, mosses and amber.
  • Sea Jade by Yardley - green floral chypre, light and refreshing, rose, tuberose, jasmine and lily of the valley.
  • Shendy by Roger et Gallet - rose, jasmine, mossy chypre base.
  • Stevie B by Max Factor - sparkling aldehydes and brisk citrus top notes, its heart possessing a teasing cascade of fresh garden flowers blended with pungent dry spices, and a woodsy, mossy base with the sensuous undertones of musk and seductive amber.  
  • Vacarme by Madeleine de Rauch - a warm green woody floral fragrance with a pronounced jasmine and rose facet.
  • V'E by Versace
  • Vivre by Molyneux - Sophisticated modern blend, aldehydes, Bulgarian rose, wild essence of fragrant woods, orange blossom, subtle spice.
  • Zibeline by Weil - floral chypre, fascinating and distinctive, rich in oils of rose, jasmine and orange.

Dry Chypre - has dry wood and smokey tones. Examples:
  • Aphrodisia by Faberge - dry, sophisticated, a piquant blend of modern floral notes with a rich undertone of green moss.
  • Aromatics Elixir by Clinique'
  • Cabochard by Gres - a French floral bouquet of rose, jasmine, meadow flowers, woods, mosses, musky and amber undertones.
  • Cuir de Russie by Chanel
  • Geminesse by Max Factor
  • Jardins de Bagatelle by Guerlain
  • Jolie Madame by Balmain - sweet, yet sophisticated with mixed floral woodsy notes.
  • La Nuit by Paco Rabanne
  • Mystique by Lentheric
  • Projets by Worth - a dry, sweet perfume for outdoor wear or sporting events.
  • Taurus by Helix Fragrances, Inc - warm cypress with dry mosses, gentle cedarwood notes and sparkles of vetiver.

Woody: You can easily recognize these perfumes by their undertones of aromatic sandalwood and rosewood by their warm, resinous notes of fragrant gums and balsams lightened by flowery chords. Given a green note by leaves, stems and grasses. Made from aromatic woods like sandalwood, rosewood and cedar, oakmoss and fern give a subtle facet. Examples:
  • Andiamo by Princess Marcella Borghese - a modern, tingling floral bouquet with undertones of woods and ferns.
  • Bois des Iles by Chanel - subtle, woody undertones are caught in this fresh, light perfume.
  • Canasta by Jacques Fath - a provocative perfume, which is smart and stimulating.
  • Caleche by Hermes - a rich woodsy scent. Floral blend of jasmine, rose, iris, lily of the valley, gardenia and lilac. Added notes of crisp pine, gentle touch of patchouli and precious notes of musk and amber.
  • Calvin Klein by Calvin Klein - composed of natural jasmine, violet leaves, ylang ylang, rose and warmed with delicate touches of spices and oils.
  • Chanel No. 19
  • Clique by Saville - the smooth dry tones of wood and musk are blended in this sophisticated perfume which has a blend of orange flowers.
  • Crescendo by Lanvin - sensuous sandalwood.
  • Dahlia by Arlene Dahl - woods mixed with flowers, spices, green grasses and citrus.
  • Emir by Dana - chypre type, woodsy.
  • Flair by Yardley - this is a warm perfume with woody sweetness.
  • Golden Autumn (also known as Golden Woods) by Max Factor - fresh, mossy, crisp leafy floral oriental fragrance with warm, woodsy notes.
  • Green Sky by Tussy - woodsy
  • Hypnotique by Max Factor - an oriental perfume with sultry undertones, sparkling overtones, florals and precious woods.
  • Incanto by Simonetta - floral-woody blend with jasmine and mignonette undertoned with tobacco and oakmoss. Brilliant Sicilian jasmine and a rare woody tree oil provides an exquisite top note; rose and mignonette from Northern Italy all contribute to the memorable fragrance.
  • Infini by Caron - opulent blend rich with the scent of roses daffodils, lilies, jasmine and tuberoses.
  • Madame Rochas by Rochas - wild narcissus, tuberose, jasmine, green notes.
  • Mirage by Goya  the odors of jasmine and ylang ylang sweeten this perfume with the basic tang of wood.
  • Missoni by Missoni a rich floral bouquet blended with woody notes, jasmine and rose.
  • Murasaki by Shiseido
  • Persian Wood by Avon - green, mossy, sandalwood
  • Promesse by Max Factor - light, woodsy floral.
  • Quartz by Molyneux - green, floral, citrusy, woods
  • Ritual by Charles of the Ritz -  a blend of floral, sultry spices, jasmine, rose, and sweet woodsy notes, like spring in a mossy forest.
  • Silences by Jacomo - subtle blend of narcissus, cassis and iris.
  • Sylmar by Merle Norman - light woodsy perfume, roses, fruit blossoms, citrus
  • Tantalize by Dorothy Gray - woodland scents and flowers.
  • Tortue by Polly Bergen -  fresh, green, earthy, woodsy, ferny, with a foresty fragrance; it isn't too floral, and carries with it a sexual note, essence of tropical blossoms with amber and light, fruity tones.
  • Tuxedo by Ralph Lauren
  • Vers le Jour by Worth - a heavy perfume of oriental background.
  • Volcan d'Amour by Diane von Furrstenberg - violets reign at top note and heart of fragrance.
  • Vol de Nuit by Guerlain - for those who favor lavender against a woody background.
  • Wind Song by Prince Matchabelli - dry woods mixed with tree blossoms and field flowers for a breezy, young fragrance.
  • Woodhue by Faberge - Casual and outdoorsy notes of balsam and sandalwood with crisp green leaves, herbs, ferns and fresh grasses. 
  • 1000 de Jean Patou - viola, rose, jasmine, osmanthus

Fougere Chypre - with dominant notes of citrus, herbs, fresh green fern, lavender, sweet spices, tonka bean, amber and earthy oakmoss. Florals, woods and animal notes may round out the fragrance. These are the perfumes which carry the tang of the countryside, beloved by so many women. Today, fougere notes are more often used in masculine fragrances. Many have the earthy of green tones found in oakmoss, herbs, geranium and lavender, but because of their deeper notes, they are as suitable for wear by the outdoor girl as the sophisticate. The fresh variety tends to be crisp and clean. Examples:
  • 20 Carats by Dana - a floral fougere highlighted with warm spices
  • Aviance Night Musk by Prince Matchabelli
  • Bolero by Dana - a fern type perfume with a top floral bouquet.
  • Chypre by Coty - one of the more popular perfumes, it has an underwood, moss and resin fragrance enhanced by sweet floral notes of jasmine, iris and rose.
  • Eau de Love by Love's - lemon, jasmine orange blossom, oakmoss, rose, geranium, sandalwood, lavender
  • Eau de Recolte by L'Occitane - green leaves, lavender, freesia, marigold, frosted peach and woody and musky aromas.
  • Elle-Elle by Lucien Lelong - this perfume has a pronounced autumn type fragrance with a heavy, moss type overtone.
  • Flor de Blason by Myrurgia - a dusky garden scent filled with citrus fruits, orchid, jasmine, rose, and light floral blossoms and other exotic scents of the Alhambra, slightly sweet.
  • French Fern by Morny - a perfume with a rich, smooth note against a slightly sweet and floral background.
  • Gingham by Innoxa - floral top notes with leafy fougere, and a woody, musky background.
  • La Liberte by Jean Patou
  • London Mist by Herb Farm Shop - sandalwood and lavender.
  • Jicky by Guerlain
  • Mitsouko by Guerlain - warm and open air with a deep mossy perfume.
  • On Dit by Elizabeth Arden - a bittersweet perfume.
  • Ormonde by Floris
  • Straw Hat by Faberge - woody floral fougere with a sparkling blend of tangy balsam with sandalwood, green grasses, a hint of hay, powdery violets and spices. Bright and breezy.
  • Straw Hat II by Faberge - light touch of herbs and grasses, jasmine, sandalwood, mimosa, oakmoss and lavender.
  • Tweed by Lentheric - the fragrance of all outdoors is captured in this classic perfume.

FLORAL:


Floral: the most popular category, this can be a combination of several flowers or a single bloom - jasmine, rose, ylang ylang, carnation, lilac, narcissus, hyacinth, honeysuckle, tuberose, lily of the valley, lavender, orange blossom, magnolia, iris, violet, gardenia or others. 

Single florals are generally made with the oil of one kind of flower. For some simple perfumes, the perfumer must blend fragrances in the same family to achieve the perfect note of a single flower. Examples: 
  • Apple Blossom by Helena Rubinstein - fresh floral reproducing true apple blossoms
  • April Violets by Yardley- this perfume is reminiscent of the fresh smell of a fragile posy of Parma violets. 
  • Bellodgia by Caron - a sweet, heady. spicy carnation based floral fragrance with a wisp of jasmine.
  • Black Rose by Goya - the notes of rose dominate in this sophisticated perfume.
  • Bluebell by Penhaligon's
  • Blue Hyacinth by Ann Haviland - the complete beauty of hyacinth caught in a splendid fragrance.
  • Blue Orchid by Woods of Windsor - fresh and flowery, with an intriguing light, spicy touch. 
  • Diorissimo by Christian Dior - a bouquet of fresh lilies of the valley, calm, nostalgic.
  • Early Iris - Tussy 
  • English Bluebell - Floris - dewy and fresh
  • English Violet by Floris
  • Fracas by Robert Piguet
  • Gardenia by Chanel
  • Jasmine by Floris
  • Jontue by Revlon - tender floral
  • June Roses by Morny - the fragrance of the living rose is reproduced in this perfume
  • Jungle Gardenia by Tuvache - a striking combination of sweet wild gardenia, rich jasmine and heady tuberose, very long lasting.. 
  • Honeysuckle by Yardley
  • Lavender by Yardley - dingle floral, herby tang.
  • Lilac Time by Highland Lilac - summery scent of lilac.
  • Lily of the Valley by Penhaligons - here you will find a reproduction of the lovely freshness of the living flower. 
  • Moroccan Rose by Tuvache - true rose
  • Muguet des Bois by Coty - delicate lily of the valley
  • Muguet de Bonheur by Caron - youthful lily of the valley
  • Narcisse Noir by Caron - exptic blend of rose and jasmine with orange blossom.
  • Night Scented Stock by Herb Farm Shop - a carnation-jasmine-rose blend.
  • Nina by Nina Ricci - a warm floral bouquet.
  • Oleander by Lili Bermuda - this is a rich perfume with a warm tropical note. 
  • Pois de Senteur de Chez Moi by Caron
  • Red Roses by Yardley - velvety rose petals.
  • Rose Geranium by Floris
  • Rose is a Rose is a Rose by Houbigant - true rose
  • Roses Roses by Avon - soft rose
  • Spanish Geranium - rich, robust floral.
  • Stephanotis by Floris
  • Tea Rose by Perfumer's Workshop
  • Tubereuse by L'Artisan Parfumeur
  • Tubereuse by Annick Goutal
  • Violet by Tuvache - sweet violets
  • White Lilac by Dorothy Gray
  • White Magnolia by Helena Rubinstein - fresh breath of spring, light floral scent.
  • Wild Jasmine by Avon
  • Wild Strawberry by Skinny Dip - sweet strawberry aroma
  • Ylang Ylang by Tussy - an exotic, semi-oriental floral
  • Also in this category you will find gardenia, jasmine and essence of true jasmine, Mitcham violet, Devon violets, pink, purple, red and white lilac.
Floral Bouquet: All perfumes contain some flower notes, but the fragrances in this group are a subtle harmony of several floral notes. The term floral bouquet refers to a blend of flower scents. They usually have other distinguishable notes, but they are always of secondary importance to the flowery overtones Examples:
  • 273 by Fred Hayman - a fresh, contemporary floral, it grabs you with gardenia and jasmine and smolders to a conclusion with the heat of amber and sandalwood gentled with vetiver.
  • Acacia by Tussy - sweet floral bouquet
  • Adolfo by Francis Denney 
  • Albert Nipon - blend of rose, carnation, jasmine, orange blossom, cpices and amber.
  • Amazone by Hermes
  • Anais Anais by Cacharel - tender floral of jasmine, lily, rose and light touch of musk.
  • Andiamo by Princess Marcella Borghese
  • Aquarius by Helix Fragrances, Inc - a rich, white floral bouquet of bergamot, jasmine, gardenia and lily of the valley in harmony with honey and cinnamon accents.
  • Armani by Giorgio Armani
  • Aureate by Dorothy Gray - rose, jasmine & sandalwood perfume
  • Bain Nouveau by Houbigant - rather intricate blend of lush florals of rose, sweet jasmine, lily of the valley and rare spice tones with an unexpected touch of musk.
  • Beautiful by Estee Lauder - a sensuous melange of many flowers laced with citrus freshness and velvety woods and spices.
  • Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden
  • Bond Street by Yardley - rose and jasmine.
  • Bridal Bouquet by Dana -  a classic white floral, garden fresh with rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, vetiver, sandalwood, angelica, clove
  • Cabriole by Elizabeth Arden
  • Capricci by Nina Ricci - a rich jasmine and rose scent, with a tingling freshness.
  • Cardin de Cardin - rare flower oils of jasmine, rose, ylang ylang and hyacinth combined with exotic spices, herbs, citrus, precious woods, musk, amber and earthy leaves for an oriental touch.
  • Casaque by Jean D'Albret - an appealing floral ambrosia incorporating royal jasmine, rose d'Orient, lily, narcissus, and hyacinth..
  • Celadon by Estee Lauder
  • Chanel No. 22 - a pure white floral bouquet.
  • Charlie by Revlon - young and high spirited citrus-floral creation.
  • Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld - spirited green top notes, intense tuberose, orange blossom, honeysuckle and ylang, undertones of oakmoss and patchouli, final chord of sensual musk and ambergris.
  • Cristalle by Chanel - a crisp, modern floral bouquet, jonquil, hyacinth, honeysuckle, jasmine, warmed by amber, ylang ylang, moss and woods.
  • Eau de Gucci
  • Eau Fraiche by Elizabeth Arden
  • Ecco by Princess Marcella Borghese - jasmine and rose, a classic, modern floral.
  • Enjoli by Charles of the Ritz
  • Estee by Estee Lauder - a citrusy-floral scent combining tuberose, lily of the valley, mosses, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and rose.
  • Eternity by Calvin Klein
  • Fath de Fath - jasmine, rose, iris, violet and other flowers are blended in this perfume to give a delicate aroma of sophistication. 
  • Fidji by Guy Laroche - a memorable blend of sweet flowers, evocative of paradise, touches of musk and amber with green mossy notes, very contemporary.
  • First by Van Cleef & Arpels - a sophisticated fragrance that is both spicy and floral.
  • Flamingo by Tussy 
  • Fleurs du Monde by Faberge - a blend of flowers gathered from the far corners of the world.
  • Great Lady by Evyan - exotic floral bouquet
  • Heaven Sent by Helena Rubinstein - medley of flowers and spices.
  • Intoxication by D'Orsay - floral and woody scents are blended with field and garden flowers to give this distinctive perfume color. 
  • Joy by Jean Patou - a precious blend warmed by jasmine, rose and oils of exotic plants. A classic fragrance.
  • L de Loewe
  • Lady Stetson by Coty - romantic floral bouquet sparkling with jasmine, rose, ylang ylang, layered over oriental and woodsy notes of amber, oakmoss and sandalwood.
  • Le De by Givenchy - classical light floral bouquet with jasmine, lily of the valley, violet, sandalwood and vetiver.
  • Lahana by Avon
  • L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci - classic floral and spice, gardenia, jasmine, carnations
  • Le De by Givenchy - jasmine, cyclamen, rose, moss and ferns.
  • Libra by Helix Fragrances, Inc - floral bouquet comprised of green rose, gardenia, jasmine and mimosa leading to soft green ambers and fresh woods.
  • Lumiere by Rochas - blends honeysuckle, jasmine, gardenia, magnolia, tuberose, orange blossom, with touches of coriander and amber.
  • Madame de Carven
  • Mary McFadden by Mary McFadden
  • Memento by Maurice Rentner - here is a bouquet of miniature rock garden flowers with the lily predominating. 
  • Meteor by Coty - jasmine, tuberose and rose are deepened with musk and civet for this perfume.
  • Moment Supreme by Jean Patou - lavender, jasmine, mimosa, oakmoss.
  • Moon Drops by Revlon - a romantic blend of floral essences.
  • Most Precious by Evyan - a mixture of flowers with fruity undertones.
  • Must Eau de Toilette by Cartier
  • My Sin by Lanvin - a spicy floral with musky undertones.
  • New Horizons by Jean Patou - floral bouquet
  • Night Breeze by Sakowitz
  • Nights in White Satin by Yardley
  • Norell by Norell - light and elegant floral with a mossy tang.
  • Nuit de Longchamp by Lubin - heady jasmine.
  • Orgia by Myrurgia - a blend of jasmine, rose, lily of the valley and musk, very exotic.
  • Paris by Coty - floral bouquet, lilac note.
  • Paris by Yves Saint Laurent - a floral-bouquet with rose, mimosa, geranium, cassia, hawthorn, sandalwood, violet, iris, amber, musk.
  • Pavlova by Payot - heady blend combines jasmine, tuberose, hyacinth and rose petals.
  • Paul Smith Floral - this is a tribute to the 70s flower power, with citrus and ginger top notes a heart of white magnolia, orchid and osmanthus blossom; and a base of amber, woods, musk and tonka beans.
  • Perhaps by Ann Haviland - feminine floral blend of rose and jasmine, sandalwood, herbs, roots, leaves.
  • Plaisir by Raphael - delightful floral 
  • Prisme by Prisme
  • Queen's Ransom by Herb Farm Shop - jasmine and rose.
  • Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant - a classic multi-floral bouquet.
  • Red Jeans by Versace - sparkling floral, freesia, gardenia, waterlily, Kashmir wood, sandalwood, vanilla, musk.
  • Ritz by Charles of the Ritz
  • Tatiana by Diane Von Furstenberg - a lingering flower base.
  • Tiffany by Tiffany & Co (original)
  • Virgo by Helix Fragrances, Inc - a floral bouquet of coriander with Bulgarian rose, gardenia, lily and jasmine with soft sandalwood accents. 
  • White Shoulders by Evyan - a modern classic of combined floral scents, tuberose, jasmine, lilac, sandalwood, amber, oakmoss, civet.
  • Zarolia by Zarolia
  • 1000 de Patou

Fresh Floral: includes all floral themes that incorporate spring-like, light impressions based on hyacinth, lily of the valley, and orange blossom, and which can also be freshened with bergamot or other citrus components of lemon and bergamot. Delicate springlike freshness. Some fragrances may have "oceanic" notes. Located here, as well are pure Eau de Cologne themes, combined with jasmine and fresh-herbaceous accords.
  • Anais Anais by Cacharel - romantic floral bouquet of natural rose, jasmine, oros, orange blossom, ylang ylang plus woody notes for freshness.
  • Aquamarin by Revlon - light, refreshing floral
  • Balalaika by Lucien Lelong - gay floral with hyacinth highlight.
  • Brigitte by Brigitte Bardot - soft floral essence.
  • Camp Beverly Hills - soft crisp white floral with orange notes.
  • Ce Soir Ou Jamais by Annick Goutal - rose, lime blossom, ambrette, wild flowers, pear and peach.
  • Destiny by Marilyn Miglin
  • Diorissimo by Christian Dior
  • Evasion by Bourkois - hyacinth and honeysuckle.
  • Fashion by Leonard - iris and lily of the valley.
  • Gay Mood by Frances Denney - bright jasmine and tuberose.
  • L’Eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake - pure floral with musky, woody tones. 
  • Le Jardin by Max Factor - blend of citrus, tagetes, orange blossom, oakmoss, cassis, tuberose, jasmine, amber and exotic myrrh.
  • Liz Claiborne by Liz Claiborne (original) - a fresh bouquet of jasmine, freesia, rose, ylang, lily of the valley, carnation and marigold touched with sandalwood and oakmoss, softened with amber and musk.
  • Moods by Krizia
  • Muguet des Bois by Coty
  • Nosegay by Dorothy Gray - a citrus, light floral bouquet and lavender perfume, youthful
  • Sung by Alfred Sung - a light white floral.
  • Trapeze by Corday - light and breezy floral, youthful.
  • Tres Jolie by Tussy - romantic, light floral.
  • Valentino by Valentino (original)

Fruity: these perfumes are evocative of fruit ripening in the sun. Fruity perfumes often possess the warm and quite distinctive smell of peach, also the note of fresh clean citruses, lemon, lime, grapefruit, bergamot, mandarin, tangerine. Examples:
  • Amazone by Hermes
  • Ciao by Houbigant
  • Cocktail Dry by Jean Patou - a feature is the crisp, fashionable odor. This is a full, deep and clinging perfume. 
  • Colors by Benetton
  • Dewberry by The Body Shop
  • Green Apple by Max Factor - tangy and tart
  • Escape by Calvin Klein
  • Fantastique by D'Orsay - a fresh, fruity perfume suitable for the young in heart. 
  • Le Vertige by Coty - for gala events, this perfume is a fruity blend with an amber background.
  • Lauren by Ralph Lauren
  • Liz Claiborne by Liz Claiborne
  • N by Lucien Lelong - not too dry, reminiscent of a bouquet of fresh fruit. 
  • Nahema by Guerlain - sensual with rose, passionfruit and exotic wood.
  • No. 7 by Boots - a peach odor predominates in this heavy fruity perfume. 
  • Scoundrel by Revlon
  • Sculptura by Jovan


Fruity Floral: Also termed Fruity Fresh Florals, these are fragrances whose character is produced by succulent radiant-fruity elements and ethereal lightness, some of them highly dominating. Here cassis, melon, pineapple, mandarin, mango, guava, passionfruit, coconut, raspberry, plum, apricot, peach, strawberry or apple accords are combined with light floral themes such as lily of the valley, so that they represent a direction in their own right among the floral perfumes. Examples:
  • Aries by Helix Fragrances, Inc - peach, cherry and citrus blend resting on a floral bouquet with spice and vanilla accents.
  • Bijan Wicked - a floral scent that has a fruity top, floral mid notes and a dry down of sandalwood.
  • Byblos by Byblos
  • Calyx by Prescriptives - refreshing, exhilarating, mandarin, passionfruit, mango, papaya, guava, plus floral notes with touches of moss and wood.
  • Colony by Jean Patou - pineapple
  • Delicious by Gale Hayman
  • G Gigli by Romeo Gigli - fruity floral with ivy, wild fig, cherry, violet, clove, musk, sandalwood, heliotrope, mulberry
  • Gio by Giorgio Armani
  • Giorgio Beverly Hills - jasmine, rose, gardenia, orange blossom, chamomile, patchouli, sandalwood, mandarin, amber
  • Il Bacio by 
  • Insolent by F. Millot - fruity floral.
  • Lauren by Ralph Lauren
  • Nicole miller by Nicole Miller
  • Summer Shower by Prince Matchabelli - fruity, citrus laden floral bouquet.
  • Tresor by Lancome


Floral Sweet: often termed Florientals (floral ambers) - heavy, intense, ambery fragrances, are sweetly spiced soft florals. Vanilla, balsams, resins and spice add heady, warm Oriental sweetness to rich floral compositions. Some may even have sugary notes of caramel, toffee, chocolate, molasses, or maple. Examples:
  • Anne Klein II by Anne Klein -  soft fresh green oriental floral, rose oil, orange blossom, tangerine, peach, apricot, jasmine, lily, freesia, musk, vanilla, civet, myrrh and sandalwood.
  • Babe by Faberge - sweet, spicy florals and woodsy notes with a hint of amber and musk.
  • Bal des Fleurs by Atkinsons - a sharply sweet floral perfume with lily of the valley and heliotrope, perfect for daytime. 
  • Breathless by Avon (originally named Beguiling) - overtones of oriental spices and flowers mixing with exotic woods and incense.
  • Bijan by Bijan (original)
  • Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden - a light floral bouquet with jasmine, rose, lavender.
  • Blue Orchid by Delavelle - a fresh and flowery floriental with a light, spicy touch.
  • Boucheron by Boucheron - a refined semi-Oriental floral grabbing your attention with fruity tope notes of mandarin and apricot. The middle notes are a floral blend of tuberose, ylang ylang, jasmine, orange blossom and narcissus. And its finish is as soft as rain with sandalwood, amber and vanilla.
  • Byzance by Rochas - a heady semi-Oriental floral, a complicated scent of citrus and cardamom combined with jasmine and tuberose nestled in base notes of sandalwood, musk and vanilla.
  • Caesar's Woman
  • Canoe by Dana
  • Champagne by Germaine Monteil - sparkling miz of sweet florals and fresh fruits with rose, nectarine, anise, mint, lychee, on oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver base.
  • Colors of Benetton
  • Command Performance by Helena Rubinstein - sophisticated mingling of sandalwood, spices, violet and rare roses.
  • Comtessa by Dubarry - exotic blend of sensuous oriental and floral oils.
  • Consent by Charbert - breath of florals especially jasmine, rose and violet blended with oriental notes and amber.
  • Crescendo by Lanvin -  a blend of linden blossoms, magnolia and marigolds layered over a base of musk and amber.
  • Dionne Warwick by Dionne Warwick - elegant orienta bouquet of rose, jasmine, bergamot, vanilla and orange blossoms. Reminiscent of Shalimar.
  • DNA by Bijan
  • Encore by Alfred Sung - floral heart of tangerine, neroli, jasmine, tuberose, and rose with sandalwood, musk, vanilla and patchouli.
  • Escada by Escada
  • Euphoria by Calvin Klein - this oriental floral aims to contrast exotic fruits, including pomegranate and persimmon, and florals, such as lotus blossom and black orchid, but with a creamy signature.
  • Far Away by Avon - complex floriental with freesia, ylang, karo karounde, osmanthus, vanilla, cocoa, sandalwood, musk, rose.
  • Fiamma by Princess Marcella Borghese - A light oriental with a warm rich blend of exotic oils of flowers, sweet woods, spices and other far eastern essences.
  • Gala by Loewe
  • Halston Night by Halston - sweet-floral oriental. Citrus with a precious rose/jasmine complex, rich fruity notes, with spices, leather, incense, orange blossom, touches of rare woods and amber.
  • Heaven Sent by Helena Rubinstein - combination of oriental floral essences and seasoned fruit notes.
  • Indigo by Dorothy Gray - rich jasmine tuberose, ylang, warm sandalwood, patchouli and deep notes of Far Eastern balsams.
  • Kiku by Faberge - fresh, delicate oriental floral 
  • L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain - nostalgic blend of spices and flowers.
  • L'Or by Coty - heady, voluptuous, long lasting floral
  • Lou Lou by Cacharel - a rich soft floral-oriental aldehyde, musk, heliotrope, tonka, vanilla, incense, sandalwood, jasmine, orange blossom, cassia, ylang
  • Moschino by Moschino
  • Navy by Noxell/Cover Girl - a classic floral oriental.
  • Noa Noa by Helena Rubinstein - sultry oriental notes mixed with intense tropical florals and lilacs, rose, jonquils, jasmine and lily of the valley.
  • Oscar de la Renta by Oscar de la Renta - a mix of all white flowers including jasmine, grasses, herbs, sweet spices and rose with oriental undertones.
  • Panthere by Cartier
  • Passion by Elizabeth Taylor - a floral oriental with jasmine, rose, gardenia, ylang ylang, lily of the valley
  • Pavilion by Estee Lauder - tuberose, jasmine, mimosa, narcissus, patchouli, warm spices and mosses.
  • Poison by Christian Dior
  • Primitif by Max Factor - vibrant amber and floral tones.
  • Spellbound by Estee Lauder - spicy sandalwood.
  • Sun Moon Stars by Karl Lagerfeld - fresh fruity floral-oriental with peach, freesia, heliotrope. orange blossom, amber, musk, sandalwood.
  • Tiffany by Tiffany & Co (original) - a blend of Indian jasmine, violet leaves, sandalwood, amber and vanilla.
  • Unforgettable by Revlon
  • Vanderbilt by Gloria Vanderbilt
  • Venet by Philippe Venet - sensual blend of jasmine with a spicy rose.
  • Venezia by Laura Biagiotti
  • Volupte by Oscar de la Renta
  • Xi'a Xi'ang by Revlon

 ORIENTAL (AMBER) FRAGRANCES:


Oriental (now called Amber/Ambery fragrances): markedly sweet fragrances using ingredients sweet balms, Arabian resins, precious spices. These are the heaviest fragrances, warm and sultry, perfect for cool weather and evening wear. They use a combination of musk, civet, ambergris, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka beans, benzoin, and ground pepper. Examples:
  • Ai by Bronzini - a lavish fragrance, deep and rich with a refreshing overtone. Long lasting Tibetan musk, African civet and amber are balanced with mossy and woody notes and a slight accent of spice. Under this complex composition are rose and Grasse jasmine.  
  • Alexandra by Alexandra de Markoff
  • Angel by Thierry Mugler
  • Bakir by Germaine Montell
  • Bal a Versailles by Jean Desprez - an elegant, lasting combination of Bulgarian rose, tuberose and jasmine, sandalwood, musk, ambergris with orange and many more precious oriental resins and essences.
  • Basile by Basile
  • Beloved by Prince Matchabelli - a blend of the sultry oils of exotic plants - ylang ylang, patchouli, sandalwood and musk. Very heady oriental notes and Mediterranean blossoms.
  • Burberry Brit Gold - magnified amber infused oriental with magnolia, blackcurrant, vanilla and intense musks.
  • Chanel No. 22
  • Chantilly by Houbigant - a medley of fifty ingredients including rose, jasmine, spicy oriental notes, musk and ambergris, sweet woods, leaves and mosses.
  • Charles of the Ritz by Charles of the Ritz - semi-oriental 
  • Chatelaine by Merle Norman - romantic oriental essences
  • Chimere by Prince Matchabelli
  • Ciara by Revlon - thoroughly feminine, sweet and flowery with soft spice undertones.
  • Coco by Chanel - top notes of angelica and peach, heart of rich spices and an opulent floral bouquet of rose, frangipani, jasmine, mimosa and orange blossom, base of softened sandalwood, amber, opoponax, leather and tonka bean.
  • Eau de Caron
  • Emeraude by Coty - heady, rich, sweet Oriental with exotic plants, sandalwood and musk with a citrus note.
  • Figurine by Dorothy Gray - fresh, jasmine and lily floral woodsy oriental perfume
  • Flair by Yardley 
  • Galore by Germaine Monteil - an exotic oriental mix of zesty herbs combined with fresh flowers.
  • Golden Moments by Frances Denney - patchouli, orange blossom, civet and ambergris.
  • Great Lady by Evyan - a rich and heavy, long lasting oriental perfume with soapy aldehydes, hundreds of opulent florals, sweet tangy notes and a smoky, animalic base.
  • Herbessence by Helena Rubinstein - a vibrant blend of herbs and spices with floral undertones.
  • Hope by Frances Denney - romantic bouquet of roses and jasmine and delicate traces of Far Eastern spices.
  • Interlude by Frances Denney - very contemporary, a tangy floral, fresh and exotic with ylang ylang, rose de mai, sophora base, sandalwood and musk.
  • Isadora by Isadora
  • J'ai Ose by Guy Laroche
  • Jardanel by Jean Desprez - a floral with woods, mosses, ambergris and musk.
  • K de Krizia - a flowery green top of hyacinth and narcissus, that develops into a spicy, woody blend of cloves, moss, sandalwood, vetiver and dries to an amber base touched with vanilla.
  • Khadine by Yardley - oriental with mosses and spice
  • KL by Karl Lagerfeld - lush fruits,  sumptuous flowers, pungent spices, smoldering woods.
  • Le Must de Cartier
  • Livia by Livia Parfums
  • New Life by Frances Denney - orange blossom, jasmine, rose, lily, French gardenia, spices, roots, vetiver, sandalwood, balsams.
  • Nuit de Noel by Caron - crisp floral-woody-amber that is dry, spicy, rosy, smoky, rose, sandalwood
  • Obsession by Calvin Klein - mandarin, bergamot, green notes, jasmine, rose, orange blossom, spices, amber, okmoss and woods.
  • Ombre Rose by Jean Charles Brosseau - a blend of sweet and powdery florals that linger softly.
  • Opium by Yves Saint Laurent - features musk, spice, sandalwood, vetiver, styrax, patchouli.
  • Plaisir by Raphael - jasmine, roses, woody notes.
  • Private Collection by Estee Lauder - violet, jasmine, rose de mai, Bulgarian rose, ylang, benzoin, cassis, vetiver, labdanum, cypress, sandalwood.
  • Realm by Realm
  • Royal Purple by Herb Farm Shop - oriental
  • Royal Secret by Germaine Monteil - a heady oriental mixture of the deepest spices and jasmine, sultry fragrant oils, amber and woods.
  • Sagittarius by Helix Fragrances, Inc - a melange of sweet precious balsams and spicy vanilla blended with sandalwood and jasmine.
  • Shalimar by Guerlain - a sensuous oriental blend of bergamot, sweet vanilla, earthy patchouli, green woodsy notes, precious sandalwood and musk - exotic and tropical.
  • Shocking by Schiaparelli - rose and jasmine.
  • Sirocco by Lucien Lelong - exotic amber.
  • Spellbound by Estee Lauder - a modern oriental with jasmine, tuberose, spices, sandalwood, citrus and lily of the valley.
  • Tabu by Dana - rose, jasmine, patchouli, orange blossom, oakmoss.
  • Teatro alla Scala by Krizia - a modern floral blend of jasmine, rose, lily of the valley with musk, amber and tobacco.
  • Tigress by Faberge - musk, amber, civet, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli - an exotic blending.
  • Tuscany Per Donna by Estee Lauder - woody oriental with rose, vanilla, musk, carnation, frankincense, honeysuckle, peony
  • Vol de Nuit by Guerlain
  • You're the Fire by Yardley - a sultry blend of bois de rose, orange blossom, herbs, myrrh, vetiver, oakmoss, sandalwood, ambergris and ylang, an incense laden oriental.
  • Youth Dew by Estee Lauder - a floral bouquet reminiscent of a spring morning, heightened by deep notes of balsams and resins.
  • Zadig by Emilio Pucci - Rare tropical flowers, jasmine, warm sweet woods, civet, musk, mosses and amber.

Fruity Orientals - typical oriental with additional notes of ripe fruits: peaches, apples, mango, melons, berries, apricots, oranges, etc. Examples:
  • Casmir by Chopard - delicious ingredients such as peach, coconut, mango, vanilla and jasmine.
  • Detchema by Revillon - fruited top notes with warm undertones of jasmine, lime blossom, musk, rose, vetiver, patchouli, ylang ylang and sandalwood.
  • On Dit by Elizabeth Arden - spicy oriental with woodsy, mossy undertones offset by fresh peach top note.

Soft Orientals (ambers) - spices, flowers, incense and amber notes. Typical ingredients are cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, pepper, clove, ginger, coriander and cardamom. Also known as Spicy Floral Orientals. Examples:
  • Byzance by Rochas - heavy and opulent aroma, soft oriental notes, sweet spices, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, allspice.
  • Cinnabar by Estee Lauder - persistent, peppery
  • Coco by Chanel
  • Dioressence by Dior
  • Enchante by Tussy - spices, sandalwood, floral.
  • Epris by Max Factor
  • Frankincense & Myrrh by Jovan - strong incense notes
  • Indiscret by Lucien Lelong - sophisticated floral with spice.
  • Jungle Elephant by Kenzo
  • Kari by Merle Norman - oriental perfume, jasmine, rose, spices, incense, sandalwood
  • KL by Karl Lagerfeld
  • Krizia by Krizia - green and slightly flowery with hyacinth, narcissus, cloves, sandalwood, vetiver, amber, vanilla and moss
  • Opium by Yves Saint Laurent
  • Opoponax by Tussy - a fresh oriental with an amber accent.
  • Stradivari by Prince Matchabelli - semi-oriental blend of woody, mossy, spicy notes.
  • Teatro alla Scala by Krizia
  • Toujours Moi by Corday - florals, incense, woodsy, mossy, leafy, exotic herbs. Brilliant and lasting.
  • Ultima by Ultima II - light, contemporary with sparkling floral notes.
  • Youth Dew by Estee Lauder - a spicy woody fragrance with warm amber, vanilla, carnation, clove and much more.
Oriental Ambery - this fragrance subset puts a citrusy culinary spin on the Oriental theme. Typical ingredients are citrus notes, amber and vanilla. Examples:
  • Baroque by Merle Norman - sophisticated spicy floral, musk, sandalwood, herb, spice notes
  • Leo by Helix Fragrances, Inc - a modern amber oriental with hints of fruit notes blending into exotic woods, spices and mosses.
  • Obsession by Calvin Klein - sensuous blend of rich jasmine, rose and orange blossom with exotic spices and warm amber.
  • Roma by Laura Biagiotti - a fresh Oriental, awakening with a fruit salad of orange, mandarin and apricot notes, ending with the deep, warm tones of powdery balsamic, light, airy and warm.

Spicy: There are many perfumes which fall into this wide group. They are pungent perfumes which derive their character from the true spice ingredients of cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cardamom, ginger, pepper, cloves, with herbal notes of coriander, thyme, and sage. They are characterized by ingredients which make them heady and clinging. These blends can be heavy when the deep tones of musk, amber, vetiver, patchouli or civet are added or they can have a distinct sweet aroma distinguished by jasmine, rose or vanilla. Examples: 
  • 20 Carats by Dana - spicy floral, carnation and rare spices.
  • A'Suma by Coty - exotic top notes are included in this warm, piquant spicy perfume.
  • Cachet by Lucien Lelong - a spicy perfume with green top notes.
  • Carnet de Bal by Revillon - floral laced with spice.
  • Chasuble by Carven - a heavy and mysterious perfume with a rich blend dominated by musk and amber.
  • Fame by Corday - bittersweet light floral bouquet, spicy, citrus.
  • Flora Danica by Royal Copenhagen
  • Jeux d'Eau by Roger et Gallet - exotic with pungent touch of clove oil.
  • Just Musk by Lentheric
  • Kif by Lamborghini
  • L'Heure Attendue by Jean Patou - for a queenly type of person, this perfume is classic, quiet and noble with a light touch of jasmine.
  • Magnificence by Molyneux - if she's got a fur, then this is the perfume for her. It is heavy and spicy.
  • Mon Image by Lucien Lelong - a hint of carnation here to give a top floral note against a background of sandalwood. 
  • Moschino by Moschino
  • Must de Cartier
  • Night and Day by Elizabeth Arden - another floral perfume, but with a bittersweet aroma.
  • Ninja by Parfums du Coeur
  • Obsession by Calvin Klein
  • On Dit by Elizabeth Arden - spicy oriental with woodsy, mossy undertones offset by fresh peach top note.
  • Pagan by Picot - a quietly exciting perfume with a musky undertone and light overtones.
  • Rue Royale by Molyneux - if she's a brunette, this is the perfume for her. It is spicy, light and subtle a perfect blend for daytime wear. 
  • Scherrer II by Jean-Louis Scherrer - heavy, spicy, sensual.
  • Stradivari by Prince Matchabelli - spicy, woodsy
  • Tabu by Dana - heady tropical oils - orange blossom, jasmine, precious florals, oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver, with musky undertones.
  • Tuvara by Tuvache - sweetened, tingly aromatic spices.
  • Wedgewood by Dorothy Gray - a spicy floral



Leather: or "cuir" perfumes, as they are often called, are warm and sophisticated. They are tangy and often have a true tobacco note. Examples:
  • Bandit by Robert Piguet - a brilliant modenn scent, fresh and spicy
  • Cabochard by Gres
  • Chanel No. 5 - a sophisticated version of a Russian leather type perfume.
  • Cuir by Lancome - this is a clear, determined leather perfume. Below the leather fragrance is an elusive scent of a mixed bouquet of French garden flowers.
  • Donna Karan New York by Donna Karan - leathery chypre with casablanca lily, suede, patchouli, amber, sandalwood, heliotrope, apricot, vanilla, musk, incense, ylang
  • Fendi by Fendi (original)
  • Forever Krystal
  • Gianni Versace (original)
  • Miss Balmain by Pierre Balmain - leathery floral woody chypre, a distinctive bouquet of exotic flowers.
  • Miss Dior by Christian Dior - mosses, woods, fruits and flowers, roses, jasmine, oakmoss, gardenia, patchouli, leather.
  • Montana by Montana - A floral that combines jasmine with leather and honey, mysterious semi-Oriental notes, amber and musk.
  • Passion by Elizabeth Taylor
  • Tabac Blonde by Caron - a woodsy fragrance, exotic and smoky.

Animalic: a musky odor that holds fragrances together. Musk comes from musk deer, civet from an Ethiopian cat, castoreum from the beaver, and ambergris from the sperm whale. These scents form the base because they are too heavy to wear on their own.
  • Musk by Tussy - a dusky scent with a few florals added to sweeten it.
  • Wild Musk by Coty
  • Jovan Musk

ALDEHYDIC:


Aldehydic Modern Blends: pure aroma chemicals not found in nature, used to give a fresh sparkling, exhilarating, sharp, elegant, powerful or effervescent smell throughout all layers of fragrance. Some of these may be termed as soft florals, or powdery fragrances.
  • Ambush by Dana - airy, sophisticated bright bloom of flowers, rose and sweet jasmine, crisp outdoors, citrus and orchids.
  • Amour Amour by Jean Patou - a lingering blend of exotic flowers.
  • Anais Anais by Cacharel
  • Arpege by Lanvin - classic aldehydic floral with gardenia, jasmine, wild lily of the valley, Bulgarian rose, honeysuckle and a trace of spice.
  • Calandre by Paco Rabanne - a soft, crisp aldehydic floral chypre, a contemporary mixture of jasmine, rose and citrus essences and forest greens.
  • Caleche by Hermes - fresh bouquet of lilies, jasmine, gardenia, rose, lilac, iris, patchouli, musk, amber, orange blossom, tangerine and pine.
  • Calvin Klein (original)
  • Casaque by Jean d'Albret - fresh aldehydic floral with patchouli, honeysuckle, hyacinth and lily.
  • Chanel No. 5 - a mix of jasmine, rose, patchouli, iris and jonquil toned with amber and musk.
  • Demi-Jour by Houbigant
  • Espace by Cheramy - completely modern with star-sparkling overtones.
  • Evening in Paris by Bourjois
  • Fleur des Fleurs by Nina Ricci - hyacinth, white flowers, jasmine, may rose, ylang ylang, and soft, subtle woody undertones and a lilt of iris.
  • Fleur de Rocaille by Caron - light, fragile rock garden floral with fruits.
  • Germaine by Germaine Monteil - a blend of precious floral scents including lilting jasmine that is fresh and contemporary.
  • Gucci No. 1 - seaside florals with elegant mastery of rose and jasmine.
  • Infini by Caron
  • Je Reviens by Worth - totally feminine romantic floral expression with jasmine, wild narcissus, orange blossoms, vetiver and musky undertones.
  • L'Aimant by Coty - containing a blend of jasmine, rose and sparkling aldehydes against a musky background.
  • Le Jardin by Max Factor
  • Lutece by Houbigant - floral aldehyde with hints of peony, rose de may and mandarin.
  • Madame Rochas by Rochas - fresh and sophisticated creation of mosses and woods blended with the choicest flowers.
  • Michelle by Balenciaga - modern, rich bouquet of rose, gardenia, jasmine blended with greenery, spices, fruit and woods.
  • Missoni by Missoni
  • Nuance by Coty - aldehydic floral with hyacinth, jonquil, rose and jasmine, with a deep note of oakmoss.
  • Oh La La by Ciro - modern blend
  • O Intense by Lancome
  • Ombre Rose by Jean Charles Brosseau
  • Ondine by Suzanne Thierry -  modern floral bouquet with Bulgarian rose, jasmine, sandalwood
  • On the Wind by Bourjois - a modern type fragrance
  • Panache by Lentheric
  • Perry Ellis by Perry Ellis
  • Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent - a medley of woods, mosses, plants and leaves with bright floral undertones.
  • Seven Winds by Dubarry - sparkling floral blend of rose, jasmine and tones of myrrh.
  • Snob by Le Galion -  a rich blend of rare floral notes: French jasmine, juniper, blue hyacinth, Bulgarian rose, and seductive Tibetan musk.
  • Sortilege by Le Galion -  Powdery aldehydic top, floral with a rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, orchid, camelia, honeysuckle heart, and a sweetened balsamic, precious woods against a chypre base.
  • Tosca by 4711 (Mulhens)
  • Uninhibited by Cher - aldehydic floral, potent with lily, peony, bergamot, dried fruits and rum.
  • Vis a Vis by Helena Rubinstein - clear sparkling with jasmine tone/
  • Wrappings by Clinique
  • White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor - floral with rose, tuberose, narcissus, jasmine, warm amber, oakmoss, patchouli and sandalwood.
  • White Linen by Estee Lauder - crisp roses, jasmine, orange blossom, lily of the valley and lavender.
  • White Satin by Yardley
  • Yendi by Capucci - patchouli, cascarilla bark, cinnamon, jasmine, orange blossom and vetiver.

Aldehydic Woody Floral: a powdery scent created by combining fresh aldehydes with oakmoss, sandalwood, cedar, and patchouli.

  • Antilope by Weil - a floral-woody aldehyde chypre, a deep woodsy fragrance with leaves and stems of plants and trees used as a base. Refreshing, lively.
  • Arpege by Lanvin - classic floral.
  • Aviance by Prince Matchabelli - woody and powdery with ylang ylang, meadow greens, rose and musk.
  • Carnet de Bal by Revillon - aldehydic floral chypre with spices.
  • Cie by Shulton - crisp aldehydic floral chypre, a lively floral blend with rose, jasmine, ylang, warm spices, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver.
  • Crown Jewel by Prince Matchabelli - aldehydic woodsy floral with rose and jasmine.
  • Essence Rare by Houbigant - woody mixed floral aldehyde , a sweet blend of roses, jasmine, hyacinth and amber.
  • Joya by Myrurgia - aldehydic floral woody with carnation, spices, jasmine, woods
  • L'Interdit by Givenchy - a soft classical floral-aldehyde with red roses, tuberose, jasmine, carnation, geranium, sandalwood, and rare oils with an exotic peppery base.
  • Megara by Le Galion
  • Miss de Rauch - aldehydic floral woody, jasmine with amber and fragrant woods.
  • My Sin by Lanvin - exhilarating floral.
  • Parce Que by Capucci -  subtle, sophisticated blend of iris, tuberose, cassis, orange blossom and Tonkin musk.
  • Possession by Corday - a modern aldehydic floral oriental with rose, jasmine and hints of vetiver, sandalwood and musk.
  • Prophecy by Prince Matchabelli - a woody floral complex laced with amber notes and highlighted with delicate, modern aldehydic accents. East Indian sandalwood, vetiver, Damascene rose, Italian jasmine, French freesia.
  • Trigere by Pauline Trigere - Moder blend with precious ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, hyacinth, oakmoss and pungent woods and warm musk and ambergris tones.
  • Via Lanvin by Lanvin - bright, contemporary aldehydic floral chypre, mixing flowers with citrus.


Brief Guide for Men's Fragrances:


Fancy Cologne: a note based on a mixture of citrus odors, harmonized with more complex scents.  Fancy colognes are more exclusively masculine, but classical colognes have been traditionally used by both sexes for over 200 years. Example: 
  • Andrade by Lise Watier
  • Chanel for Men
  • Eau Sauvage by Dior
  • Monsieur Givenchy by Givenchy
  • Vintage By Gruene - fresh citrus with tangerine, lavender and geranium.
  • YSL Pour Homme

Eau Fraiche: the eau fraiche has a soft citrus top note built on complex but varying lower notes. It's fresh but tenacious. Example: 
  • Bogart by Jacques Bogart
  • Vetiver by Carven

Chypre - a blend of citrus, labdanum, patchouli, tonka bean, amber and oakmoss. These are warm and mossy fragrances. Examples: 
  • Aramis by Aramis
  • Black Tie by Johnson Products
  • Boss by Hugo Boss - aromatic chypre with patchouli, oak, and a fruity tang.
  • Eau de Sport by Lacoste - brisk, fresh fragrance with a base of musk and patchouli.
  • Lancer by Parfums de Coeur
  • Mediterraneum by Proteo - bergamot, coriander, tarragon, pepper, geranium, cinnamon, iris, lavender, musk, amber, patchouli, guaiac wood, cypress 
  • Monsieur Jovan
  • Polo by Ralph Lauren
  • Preferred Stock by Coty
  • Tribute by Mary Kay

Green: these fragrances can be leafy, forest-like or earthy, with a light country feeling. A green fragrance is never heavy.
  • Devin by Aramis
  • Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene - pungent collaboration of crisp greenery, fine woods, amber and warm musks.
  • Hero by Prince Matchabelli - green woody with citrus, amber, musk and vanilla.
  • Royal Pub by Revlon 
  • 1-12 by Halston - a distinctive crisp citrus and woody blend, of neroli, lime, tangerine, warm mix of geranium, rosemary and coriander, a trace of patchouli enhances a base of vetiver, sandalwood and moss. Sporty, clean, refreshing.


Leather-Tobacco: a combination of woody-powdery chemicals and warm honey effects of balsam. The "burned" notes transform the tobacco note into the typical scent of leather. Example: 
  • Aramis by Estee Lauder
  • Black Watch by Prince Matchabelli - leather tobacco aroma undertoned with deep woody notes.
  • Snuff by Schiaparelli - dry masculine blend with tobacco notes.
  • Tabac Original - refreshing citrus, bergamot, lavender, field flowers, warm woods and subtle spices.
  • Z-14 by Halston - sparkling, warm, spicy and mossy, with a resinous woody bouquet. A special crisp blend of fresh citrus oils, sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, cedar, grasses, herbs, amber and musk.

Fougere: the fougere note is built on a harmony of amber, bergamot and oakmoss. The addition of lavender or geranium gives a fougere its aggressive personality. Example: 
  • Bleu Marine by Cardin - a fresh woody oriental aromatic masculine fougère, a clean blend of Italian lemon, bergamot, lavender, warm florals, woods and exotic spices.
  • British Sterling by Speidel
  • Brut by Faberge
  • Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche
  • Egoiste Platinum by Chanel - fresh, crisp, lavender, geranium, tree moss.
  • Eternity for Men by Calvin Klein
  • Fougere Royale by Houbigant - forest-fresh notes.
  • Francesco Smalto - aromatic fougere with spices, woods and floral notes.
  • Jazz by Yves Saint Laurent - aromatic fougère with artemisia, coriander, juniper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, jasmine, lily of the valley, incense, sage, rose geranium, amber and musk.
  • Nobile by Gucci - aromatic fougère with citrus, ambergris, spices, smoky tobacco, woods and musk.
  • Phantom Pour Homme by Creative Fragrances - lavender, patchouli, musk and sandalwood.
  • Programme Homme by Lancome - aromatic fougere, fresh citrus cool and green pine, warm leather and spices, sensual blend of woods and balsams.

Aromatic: an aromatic note is based on the fragrance of savory herbs, such as thyme, sage, mint, rosemary, coriander, marjoram, basil, and anise. It seems clean and natural. Example: 
  • Colorado Sage
  • Joseph Abboud (original) - le,om, orange, basil, pepper, jasmine, chamomile, cedar, sandalwood, coriander, thyme, ginger.
  • Paco Rabanne by Paco Rabanne - a fougere with rosemary, wild thyme, sandalwood and musk. 
  • Polo Black by Ralph Lauren - the aromatic wood fusion fragrance blends iced mango, silver armoise, an her grown in France and patchouli noir.
  • Xeryus by Givenchy - spices, musk, floral tones and woodsy harmonies are in the background. 

Woody: not as dry as greens, these scents usually have notes of dried wood such as cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, guaiac, ebony, rosewood, oud, driftwood, roots or even vetiver often joined by a citrus accent note. Example: 
  • Byblos Uomo by Byblos - bergamot, lime, artemisia, tarragon, rosemary, orange blossom, jasmine, oak, musk, sandalwood, patchouli.
  • Chaz by Revlon
  • Derrick by Orlane
  • Escape by Calvin Klein
  • Givenchy Gentleman
  • Kanon by Scannon
  • Monsieur Rochas by Rochas
  • Mr. Carnegie by Hattie Carnegie - sandalwood based.
  • Pino Silvestre by Vidal
  • Safari for Men by Ralph Lauren
  • Sandalwood for Men by Elizabeth Arden
  • Tsar by Van Cleef & Arpels - woody aromatic with bold citrus notes. rosemary, thyme, lavender, spices, jasmine, oakmoss, patchouli, sandalwood.
Spicy: these pungent notes can include cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, mace, nutmeg, ginger, pepper, or a floral note such as carnation which gives off the scent of cloves. Example: 
  • Chanel Pour Homme
  • Fendi Uomo by Fendi - bold blend of aromatic woods, leather, spice and chypre notes.
  • Old Spice by Shulton

Oriental (Ambery): an oriental note is marked by a complex, strong, heavy scent like musk, ambergris or civet. The familiar sweet odor of vanilla is often there too. Example: 
  • Escada Pour Homme by Escada - citrus, cognac, spice, woods.
  • JOOP! Homme by JOOP! - an ambery oriental 
  • Lagerfeld by Lagerfeld - blend of rich wood notes and subtle spices, a touch of tobacco.
  • Nightflight by JOOP! - this fresh masculine scent is rich in fragrance, with fruity aromas as well as warm exotic spices.
  • Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein - blend of mandarin with pungent spices of clove, nutmeg and coriander touched with sandalwood, myrrh and sage.
  • Old Spice by Shulton
  • Pierre Cardin for Men - woody spicy oriental, a blending of citrus, patchouli, spices, woods and amber
  • Photo by Lagerfeld - grapefruit, rich woods, sensuous leather.
  • Egoiste by Chanel
  • Realm for Men
  • Royal Copenhagen Musk by Swank
  • Santa Fe by Shulton - fresh woody oriental with citrus, juniper, warm woods and spice notes
  • Stetson by Stetson

Flowery: based on a blend of flowers, generally in combination with other notes. The flowery note is much more important in feminine perfumes, but certain successful men's products with flowery notes have a loyal masculine following. Example: 
  • Aramis 900 by Aramis
  • Macho by Faberge
  • Tabac by Maurer & Wirtz
  • Tenere by Paco Rabanne - floral-fruity and woody with spices.

Fruity/Citrus: maybe based on lemon, lime, orange or even grapefruit. These fragrances possess the crisp notes of citrus, and are classical continental men's fragrances. Examples:
  • Cool Water by Davidoff - fresh and citrusy, ideal for the fit and sporty man.
  • Lacoste Eau de Toilette by Lacoste - cool combination of citrus and floral with a touch of sandalwood.
  • English Leather by Dana
  • Gravity by Coty
  • Jet for Jentlemen by Corday - a citrus scented cologne.
  • That Man by Revlon - citris and sandalwood.

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This is not your average perfume blog. In each post, I present perfumes or companies as encyclopedic entries with as much facts and photos as I can add for easy reading and researching without all the extraneous fluff or puffery.

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