Six Fragrance Types at a Glance

BellaSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:00:31 -0800

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: Fougère

BellaSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:00:11 -0700

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.