AN OLFACTIVE INTRODUCTION TO... FRAGRANCE FAMILIES

FRESH

Fragrances in the Fresh family smell bright, herbal, citrusy, clean or oceanic. They elicit a delightful “Ahhhhhhh” and instantly lift the spirits. Think of a sea breeze wafting through an open window. Or dappled sunlight against the skin. With a whoosh of notes like lemon, bergamot, orange and grapefruit, one always detects a zing in the air.  ​

​Fresh fragrances often come in Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne, so are not the longest lasting. But that makes perfumes from this family perfect for splashing on, and perhaps better suited for summer. ​

​Feeling fresh? Why not try Vra Vra Voom, an energetic blast of mandarin and magnolia that makes way for osmanthus absolute. ​

FLORAL

As one might imagine, fragrances in the Floral family smell like a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. Notes of rose, jasmine, peony, orange blossom, tuberose and lily of the valley are instantly recognisable at first sniff. And they naturally conjure up garden parties, spring blossoms and summer weddings.​

​Floral fragrances do range from light and delicate to complex and intense, affecting their longevity. Nevertheless, they are not bound to spring and summer months. An effervescent year-round floral, for example, is Highgrove Bouquet, with its summoning of silver lime blossom and mimosa before a base of cedar.

AMBER

Anything in the Amber family evokes warmth, voluptuousness and sensuality. Notes of vanilla, myrrh, orris, gum resins, musk and, yes, amber itself have the power to seduce and soothe. ​

One can often detect a herbal edge to Amber fragrances and a touch of spice, creating a richness that’s heavy and diffusive. This explains why they tend to be better suited for after-dark wearing and autumn/winter. And because Ambers are often weighted towards more base notes than usual, these fragrances linger longer on the skin.​

​The Omniscient Mr Thompson is a charismatic paragon of the Amber family. With a knowing wink and heart of orris, do not be surprised if one is utterly taken in.​

WOODY

Perfumes redolent of sandalwood, cedar, agarwood (also known as oud) and guaiac wood smell warm and opulent. Slightly betraying their name, however, the Woody family also includes the likes of patchouli and vetiver (which are a flowering plant and perennial grass, respectively) for their earthy, woodsy character. ​

Mysterious and captivating in one fell swoop, there is a case to be made for mostly evening wear of Woody fragrances. Also made predominantly of base notes, Woods are satisfyingly long-lasting. ​

​Fancy a walk in the woods? The oud base notes of Halfeti give it all the hallmarks – rich, strong and intoxicating.​