Fragrance Category

As the name might suggest, the citrus family of fragrances includes such notes as bergamot, lemon, orange, tangerine and grapefruit. Typically, other parts of the orange tree (petit grain, orange blossoms, and/or neroli oil) are added, which lend a slightly exotic feel.

Words used to describe these types of refreshing fragrances are: fresh, light, tangy, crisp, sharp, energizing, and uplifting. Loved by both men and women alike, notes of florals or chypres are often mixed in for complementary effects.

One of the oldest classifications of aromas, the first Eau de Cologne was a spirit-citrus perfume developed by an Italian perfumer in Cologne, Germany in 1709. A classic example of a citrus aroma in modern times is Mugler Cologne ($48 to $68), a unisex fragrance that has notes of bergamot, orange blossom, neroli, petit grain, green sap, and white musk.

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When it comes to women's perfume, orientals are one of the more intense, longer lasting fragrance groups. Warm, sensual, exotic, and spicy, orientals are composed of rich notes such as musk, vanilla, balsam, and oakmoss. Floral types (aka, florientals) are naturally softer, while spicier versions can include nutmeg, cinnamon, and/or clove. This type of fragrance doesn't mess around.

A great example of an oriental fragrance is the classic Opium by Yves Saint Laurent ($50 to $95), which has notes of tangerine, plum, cloves, coriander, carnation, lily of the valley, rose, myrrh, cedarwood, and sandalwood. Also try, Guerlain L'Heure Bleue ($68), with notes of rose, iris, jasmine, vanilla, and musk.

Want to learn more about some other fragrance categories? Check them out here.

Fougère, which means "fern" in French, is a fragrance family including fresh, floral, herbaceous and woody/warm elements, typically blended with notes like: bergamot, oakmoss, lavender, coumarin (tonka bean), sandalwood, and geranium. While a fern doesn't have a distinctive smell per se, this particular fragrance classification implies a mossy green, forest-like aroma.

Pronounced "foozh-air," fragrances from this group take their name from the 1885 scent, Houbigant's Fougère Royale. Although predominately found in men's fragrances, fougères are popular in several women's fragrances, as well.

Classic examples? Davidoff Cool Water ($48 to $65), with notes of Lavender, Rosemary, Mint, Coriander, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Geranium, Sandalwood, Moss, Ambergris, and Musk. Also, Revlon Jean Nate ($16.99), which has notes of lemon, bergamot, lavender, rose, jasmine, muguet, geranium, spices, amber, musk, and patchouli.

While it's not an exact science, fragrances can be separated into various categories, or olfactory groups, if you will. Florals comprise the most popular and largest group of all of the perfume blends. Often carefully mixed with elements of fruity, spicy, or powdery notes, florals are known for their natural smoothness and feminine, romantic qualities.

Florals can be delicately blended together to create a wonderfully balanced bouquet or they can be "soli flora," meaning one floral note is used — the ever popular scent of rose, for instance.

Perhaps one of the most quintessential of the florals is the classic Chanel N°5 (price varies by type), which contains notes of ylang ylang, neroli, and jasmine, among others.

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If you're a "foodie" like Yum, a gourmand is someone who truly appreciates good food. In Bella's world, however, gourmand is a classification of the fragrance kind.

While often associated with sweeter notes, gourmand fragrances encompass edible, food-flavored aromas, such as coffee, cupcake, whiskey, chocolate, almond, caramel, vanilla, and even cotton candy. Sweet or spicy, gourmand fragrances have gained popularity in recent times, as these types of aromas possess relaxing, nourishing qualities.

An excellent example of a gourmand scent is the pioneering Angel by Thierry Mugler ($25 to $157), which includes such culinary delights as bergamot, honey, dewberry, red berries, vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. Mmm.

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Chypre — that's French for cyprus — is a family of fragrances featuring fresh notes (usually citrus) blended with herbaceous, woody-animalic notes like patchouli, oakmoss, and/or labdanum. Woody and warm, chypres often have leatherish characteristics, and are often paired with fruity or floral notes.

Since Coty's 1917 perfume called Chypre was so wildly popular, the term chypre (pronounced "sheepra") became the generic word to describe these rich, aromatic blends.

A great example of a chypre fragrance is Estée Lauder Knowing Eau de Parfum Spray ($28 to $63), which has notes of tuberose, mimosa, plum, jasmine, patchouli, orange flower, oakmoss, vetiver, sandalwood, and amber.

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