OLFACTIVE
FAMILIES
FAMILY
DESCRIPTION
A generic name for a family of fragrances with a mossy, woody base, chypre was originally inspired by the smells of the island of Cyprus, starring sharp patchouli and oak-moss base notes intertwined with citrus.
Aromatic fresh green accords like thyme, rosemary, tarragon or mint are commonly mixed with citrus and spicy notes for fuller accords.
AROMATIC
CHYPRE
Composed of oils from lemon, orange, bergamot, grapefruit or mandarin zest, the citrus family imparts fresh, clean and bright notes when added to the top notes of a fragrance.
CITRUS
The largest fragrance family, florals lie at the heart of the composition and can be enhanced with green, aldehydic, fruity, powdery or spicy nuances.
FLORAL
FOUGERE
Named after the French term for fern, fougère are green and aromatic herbal scents featuring lavender, oakmoss, citrus and woods that are often used in men’s scents.
Originally created to mask the foul scent of tanned leather, the modern leather family boasts leathery aromas of smoke, wood, tobacco and honey.
LEATHER
SPICY / RESINOUS
Traditionally defined as having a strong amber presence, today’s spice/resinous fragrances often refer to exotic herbs and spices like musk, vanilla and resins that give off a heady, warm, sensual scent.
Based on warm, opulent or dry woods like sandalwood and cedar, woody fragrances are often given a twist with fruity notes, florals, herbs and spices.
WOODY