Fragrance Categories.....

There are six different categories of scent that express different moods. All perfumes are into one of six categories based on their dominant top notes. And of course, different categories will suit different people or occasions.

The categories are:

1.    Citrus Fragrances:

These fragrances project a sharp, tangy aura, which are naturally refreshing and uplifting. Citrus blends are among the oldest known scents. They were first worn by men and are now popular with women as well. Some popular examples include CK One by Calvin Klein , Gucci by Gucci and Jess by Jessica McClintock.The light, fresh character of citrus notes (bergamot, orange, lemon, petitgrain, mandarin etc...) is often combined with more feminine scents (flowers, fruits and chypre) to create Chypre Fragrance.

Citrus Fragrance Lifestyle: Refreshing fragrances for the energetic, sporty woman. Appropriate for office wear, day wear or warm evening wear. A perfect summer fragrance especially for warm or humid climate.

2.    Green Fragrances:

Green fragrance notes are natural in character; often married with fruity and floral notes, they are modern and fashionable. They are much lighter than the orientals, and are well suited to more casual wear. Because they make a less dramatic assault on the nose, they are also safer to give as gifts!

Green Fragrance Lifestyle: A slightly eccentric fragrance for the modern woman. For the professional woman working in an office atmosphere. Good day wear and occasional evening wear in warmer weather. Sporty, charismatic and artful.

3.    Floral Fragrances:

An accord of different floral fragrance notes. Combined with any other family, floral perfumes are universally commercial. Single florals are included in this family. This is the largest and most popular category and is created mainly from flowers, including rose, carnation, orange blossom, gardenia and jasmine. These are often blended together to produce a distinctive floral bouquet. Some popular examples in this category include Aromatics Elixir by Clinique,  Romance by Ralph Lauren and Yves St.Laurent Paris. They are suitable for almost everyone and any occasion. But be wary of cheaper brands; this most feminine of all the main groups works best when the ingredients used are of high quality, and that means less expensive brands can't smell exactly that.

Floral Fragrance Lifestyle: The scent of romance and starry nights. Floral fragrances evoke memories of romantic moments, and create new ones. The most feminine of all fragrance families.

4.    Chypre Fragrances:

This is a woody fragrance created by French perfumer Francois Coty, based on his impression of the island of Cyprus. The fragrance is based on a woody, mossy and flowery complex, sometimes with aspects of leather or fruits, chypre perfumes are rich and tenacious. It is dominated by pine aromas with hints of bergamot, oak moss, citrus and patchouli providing an earthy suite of aromas. Some popular examples include Miss Dior by Dior, Caleche by Hermes, and  Gossip by Cindy Adams.

Chypre Fragrance Lifestyle: Very elegant, classical, for women who tend to prefer slightly out of the norm fragrances. Chypre fragrances smell slightly dry, not very sweet.

5.    Oriental Fragrances:

A blend of warmth and mystery. Musks and precious woods are complemented by exotic essences. They use strong spicy scents, amber, balsams and resins suggesting warmth and exotic sensuality, and are popular for evening wear or for any special social occasions. However, be cautious giving them to anyone you don't know well – these intense perfumes can be a very personal choice! Some examples include Obsession by Calvin Klein, Opium by Yves St.Laurent  and Royal Secret by Five Star.

Oriental Fragrance Lifestyle: Mystical, luxurious, dramatic, sexy, sensual. Mostly worn in the evening.

6.    Oceanic Fragrances:

These notes are fresh scented, slightly soapy clean fragrances. Modern "oceanic" fragrances are becoming more and more popular, particularly among younger people who appreciate the intense but often quite unusual scents, which instantly bring to mind seaside scenes. Naturally these are an excellent choice in the warmer months when thoughts turn to holidays!

Oceanic Fragrance Lifestyle: Sporty, young, joyous, energetic, understated.