When choosing a perfume, the first impression is often the scent, but in reality, the choice is based on much more complex considerations. Fragrance notes — such as woody, oriental, ozonic or floral — determine how we perceive a given perfume, what character it exudes, and how it behaves on our skin.
In this blog article, we'll help you navigate the world of basic fragrance families and explain what these terms mean when you're browsing perfumes or choosing niche scents.
What is a scent note?
Before we get into the details, it's important to understand the concept of the fragrance pyramid . A perfume is made up of three levels:
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Top notes – The first impression we feel immediately after blowing.
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Heart notes – The central character of the fragrance, which develops after 10-30 minutes.
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Base notes – These last the longest on the skin, often for hours.
Fragrance families are primarily defined by base notes, but heart notes also play an important role in the character of a perfume.
The most famous fragrance families:
🌲 Woody scents
The woody fragrance family is warm, elegant and sophisticated. They are characterized by the presence of sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, oud and amber. These fragrances often provide the base notes, are long-lasting and work well in the fall and winter seasons.
Who do we recommend it to?
For those who love perfumes that radiate strength, stability and naturalness. Common in masculine and unisex fragrances, but can also be found in feminine fragrances in an elegant context.
🌅 Oriental fragrances (Ambery / Oriental)
Oriental perfumes are the epitome of sensuality, warmth, and the exotic. Here we find vanilla, incense, myrrh, ambergris, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves), and sweet resins.
Who do we recommend it to?
For those who love warm, seductive scents. Ideal for evening wear, dates or special occasions. Often found in luxury niche perfumes.
🌬️ Ozonic scents (Aquatic / Fresh / Ozonic)
Ozonated scents evoke fresh air, sea breezes, or even pure rain. Common ingredients include aldehydes, aquatic notes, sea salt, or artificial molecules that create the illusion of "freshness."
Who do we recommend it to?
For lovers of minimalist scents, for a sporty lifestyle or warm summer days. A light, airy, understated, yet characterful choice.
🌸 Floral scents (Floral)
Floral perfumes are the most feminine fragrance family, but more and more masculine and unisex versions are also available. Typical notes: rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, lily.
Who do we recommend it to?
For romantic souls who love elegance, femininity and timeless classics.
🍊 Fruity & citrus scents (Fruity / Citrus)
Citrus scents are energetic, lively, and often contain lemon, bergamot, orange, or grapefruit. Fruity scents are often sweeter (e.g., peach, raspberry, pear).
Who do we recommend it to?
For youthful, energetic personalities who love freshness and dynamism.
Why is it worth knowing these fragrance families?
Understanding your favorite scents will make it much easier to choose the right perfume for you — even when shopping online. Plus, combining and layering perfumes will be easier if you know which scents harmonize with each other.
The world of niche perfumes – one level deeper
The special thing about niche perfumes is that they dare to break away from commercial scents and offer a distinctive, unique olfactory experience. A niche scent can be both woody and ozonic, or oriental and citrusy – the number of combinations is endless.
Discover the fragrance notes in the Nichery Fragrances range
Nichery Fragrances' mission is to help you find the scent that truly speaks to you with unique niche perfumes. Whether it's woody depth, oriental lushness or ozonic purity, everyone can find the scent that best suits their identity.
Discover our selected range and experience what it means to wear a perfume with true character !
