What are the olfactory families ?





Perfumery, the exquisite craft of scent creation, is an intricate world where fragrances are classified into olfactory families based on their distinct characteristics. These families help us understand whether a perfume is feminine, masculine, or unisex. Each olfactory family possesses its unique allure, evoking a range of emotions and memories. In this aromatic journey, let's delve into the enchanting world of olfactory families and explore their main characteristics.





1. Citrus: The Zesty Elixir of Summer

The Citrus family is a burst of sunshine captured in a bottle. It features fragrances infused with the essential oils found in citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and bergamot. These energetic and vibrant notes evoke the sharp tangy spirit of summer lemonade stands. It's like riding a bike without holding the handlebars on a hot and crazy summer evening. Citrus fragrances are refreshing and invigorating, perfect for those who embrace the zest of life.


2. Chypre: A Timeless Classic

Chypre, born in 1917 from the creative mind of François Coty, is a timeless classic. This family revolves around a harmonious blend of bergamot, rose, jasmine, oak moss, patchouli, and Cistus Labdanum. Chypre fragrances exude sophistication and elegance, making them a staple in the world of perfumery. They capture the essence of timeless beauty and natural allure.


3. Aromatic: The Masculine Freshness

The Aromatic family is often associated with masculinity. Comprising lavender, geranium, oak moss, vetiver, and coumarin, these scents are fresh, sweet, and aromatic. Aromatic fragrances convey a sense of confidence and vigor, making them a popular choice for men's colognes. They are like a breath of fresh air, energizing and revitalizing.


4. Floral: Nature's Elegance

Floral fragrances are perhaps the most common and beloved olfactory family. They are centered around the essence of flowers, which can be categorized into two main groups: sweet florals (jasmine, ylang-ylang, tuberose) and fresh florals (lily of the valley, lilac, freesia). These scents embody the grace and beauty of nature, offering a wide spectrum of fragrant experiences, from delicate and romantic to vibrant and youthful.


5. Woody: Elegance and Character

Woody fragrances are characterized by the richness and warmth of various wood notes. They can be divided into six subcategories: dry, humid, mossy, ambery, smoky, resinous, and milky. Woody notes, represented by cedar, vetiver, sandalwood, and birch, exude elegance and character. They are the olfactory equivalent of a finely crafted piece of wooden furniture, adding depth and sophistication to a fragrance.


6. Amber or Oriental: The Sensual Warmth

Amber or Oriental fragrances are the epitome of sensuality and warmth. They feature sweet base notes like vanilla, patchouli, ambery, and powdery notes, along with spicy and animalic elements. These scents are all about seduction and intimacy, making them perfect for romantic evenings or special occasions.


7. Leather: A Touch of Seduction

Leather fragrances are a blend of smoky and animalic notes. The origins of these leathery scents can be traced back to master glove and fragrance makers in Grasse. They often incorporate elements like ambergris, civet, castoreum, and musk. Leather fragrances are an invitation to explore your inner seductiveness, evoking the intriguing allure of well-worn leather.