The world of perfume is vast and there are thousands of different fragrances to choose from. It would be *impossible* to sniff them all while on the hunt for your signature scent. This is where knowing the different scent categories can help. Most of us are drawn to one or two of them, and knowing which ones you gravitate to most can really narrow down the search.
If you are wanting to grow your fragrance wardrobe with some new spoils but want to make your shopping experience easier, here are the different scent categories – explained.
1. Aquatic
Fragrances that fall into the aquatic category are ones that have been inspired by water or the ocean. They are fresh and crisp and work best for daytime summer spritzing. This one is a classic and features notes of lemon, mint and water jasmine.
2. Woodsy
Do you like perfumes that have rich, earthy and herbal notes that remind you of being in a forest? You would probably enjoy fragrances from the woodsy scent category. This feminine perfume contains alluring notes of dark ebony at the base.
3. Floral
If you want to smell like a fresh bouquet, you should be reaching for scents from the floral category. There are plenty of different types of floral notes, from warm and creamy to fresh and light. This fragrance showcases seductive jasmine as the top note.
4. Fruity
Super-sweet and good enough to eat, fruity fragrances are fun and, depending on the other notes, can transcend the seasons. This peach number, for example, also has notes of sandalwood, resins, vanilla and cognac, making it an any-weather scent.
5. Citrus
One type of fruit is so incredibly popular in the fragrance world that it gets its own scent category: Citrus. Used often in both male and female perfumes, it’s refreshing and perfect for summer, like this one with notes of lemon, apple, cedar and bamboo.
6. Amber
Once (problematically) referred to as the Oriental category, these scents are often a blend of floral, gourmand and spicy notes which come together to create something captivating, like this beloved perfume with jasmine, coffee, vanilla and patchouli notes.
7. Spicy
If you love the smell of chai tea and pancakes with cinnamon, you will probably gravitate towards the spicy category, which is a great one to reach for in the autumn and winter months. This perfume has notes of cloves, cumin, cardamom and vanilla.
8. Gourmand
This tasty scent category refers to notes that are edible (and usually of the sweet variety). This perfume contains unusual notes of whipped cream, marshmallow and vanilla blended with fruit and florals so you’ll smell good enough to eat!
