Orientals

Six Fragrance Types at a Glance
Perfume

Six Fragrance Types at a Glance

The big trend right now in fragrance is gourmand, or food-based aromas, according to perfume expert Mandy Aftel.
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The big trend right now in fragrance is gourmand, or food-based aromas, according to perfume expert Mandy Aftel. So what does it all mean anyway? Are you a floral kind of gal or does chypre do it for you? In case you're uncertain, check out six of some of the more popular fragrance category definitions below. Then, impress your friends with your olfactory group knowledge about the "juice" — 'cuz you know, that's how it's referred to in the biz.


Chypre: fresh, mossy, and leatherish
Gourmand: sweet and food-inspired
Florals: romantic, feminine, and smooth

Fougère: fresh, floral, and herbaceous
Orientals: sensual, exotic, and spicy
Citrus: crisp, light, and energizing
Definition of Oriental Fragrance Group
Perfume

Definition: Orientals

When it comes to women's perfume, orientals are one of the more intense, longer lasting fragrance groups.
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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.