The fragrance you carry with you says a lot about who you are and where you’re going. To the scent enthusiast, showing up without the right perfume or cologne may feel like stepping out without shoes or undergarments. LaBelle Perfumes is a premium retailer of many of the world’s best-loved aromas at discounted prices. We understand the value of the right product when it comes to making a statement. It’s essential that you not only find products that you love but also understand the fragrance families that your preferred scents belong to.
Exploring Fragrance Families
Perfumes and colognes are often categorized according to certain fragrance families or olfactive groups. You’ve probably heard of terms such as “woody” or “floral” used to describe a particular scent. The products sold by LaBelle Perfumes can be categorized as belonging to one of these olfactive groups. First established in 1900, the list of traditional categories has been expanded and refined to reflect what’s happening in perfumery in modern times:
- Amber: Sweet scents that often have animal-based origins; sometimes called “Oriental”
- Aquatic (sometimes oceanic or ozonic): Clean fragrances that evoke the ocean; very popular in unisex or androgynous products
- Bright Floral: Includes both single florals and bouquets of florals
- Chypre: Built on a blend of bergamot, oakmoss, and labdanum; French for “Cyprus”
- Citrus: Aromas inspired by citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, and bergamot, among others
- Fougère: Fragrances featuring lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin; French for “fern”
- Fruity: Representing fruit smells besides citrus, such as berry, peach, apple, etc
- Gourmand: Featuring edible or dessert-like characteristics, such as vanilla or tonka bean
- Green: Covers scents that are reminiscent of cut grass, green leaves, and cucumber
- Leather: Scents evoking leather, typically based on honey, tobacco, and wood
- Woody: Aromas built on fragrant woods such as cedarwood and sandalwood, among others.
Putting the Notes Together
As you shop for perfumes and colognes at LaBelle Perfumes, you’ll notice descriptions that include many of the above categories. You should understand fragrance families only provide a general description of a particular product. When exploring new products, understand that most items can best be described by three levels or “notes” featuring multiple aromas. These notes are based on when you perceive them:
- Top or head notes: You perceive these components immediately. They evaporate quickly and form the basis of your initial perception. Some examples include mint, lavender, and coriander.
- Middle or heart notes: You smell these essences before the top notes evaporate. Middle notes make up the main scent in a perfume or cologne. Some examples include sandalwood, jasmine, and cedarwood.
- Base notes: These components give a scent its depth. On their own, you might think of base notes as unpleasant, but they improve with longer wear. Common base notes include tobacco, musk, and amber.
Knowing your favorite top, middle, and base notes can provide a better understanding of which products you like and help you discover new scents in our store.
Putting It All Together
Now that you’re an expert on the components that make up perfumes and colognes, you’re ready to go. Premium scents at not-so-premium prices are waiting for you at LaBelle Perfumes. Find all the fragrances for every facet of your life.
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