Perfume Categories
A perfume creator "composes" notes around a central theme just as one would compose a musical score. These notes constitute the main accord of the composition and will determine the family of the perfume. There are typically 3 "notes" to a fragrance (Top, Middle, ans Base). There are eight major families : Floral, Chypre, Oriental (masculine and feminine), Woody, Aromatic and Hesperide (masculine and feminine). Each one of those olfactive families being itself split into several subfamilies.

Women's Groups

Chypre Based on a woody, mossy, floral scent, which can include leathery or fruity notes as well. Chypre perfumes have a rich and lingering scent. Many "classic" perfumes are Chypre. Sub-Categories: Floral, Fruity.

Citrus Citrus oils, known to perfumers as "Hesperidia" .Each perfume in this family is primarily composed of citrus scents such as bergamot, lemon, orange, tangerine and grapefruit. Floral or even chypre accords are sometimes present as well. These perfumes are characterized by their freshness and lightness. Sub-Categories:Aromati.

Floral This family is composed of a large variety of bouquet arrangements. Perfumers can let their creativity run wild, enriching florals with green, aldehydic, fruity or spicy hints. With its natural scent, the floral note is one of the most widely used in women's perfumes. Sub-Categories:Aldehyde, Aquatic, Fruity, Green, Woody.

Oriental Also known as 'amber' fragrances - stand out because of their unique blend of warmth and sensuality. They draw their richness from heady substances like musk, vanilla and precious woods, often associated with exotic floral and spicy scents. Sub-Categories:Floral, Spicy, Woody.

Men's Groups

Aromatic These notes are mainly composed of sage, rosemary, thyme and lavender, usually complemented with citrus and spicy notes. The aromatic's manly character makes them an all-time favorite in men's perfumery. Sub-Categories:Aquatic, Fougere.

Citrus This family includes all perfumes mainly composed of citrus notes such as bergamot, lemon, orange, tangerine and grapefruit. These fragrances are characterized by their freshness and lightness. The masculine character comes from the frequently strong presence of aromatic and spicy notes. Sub-Categories:Aromatic.

Oriental Spices, wood and vanilla combine to create these intense and sophisticated parfums. Refreshed by aromatic or citrus facets, oriental compositions draw their richness and sophistication from precious substances such as amber, resin, tobacco, spices, exotic woods and animal notes. Sub-Categories:Fougere, Spicy, Woody.

Woody These parfums, with their woody middle note, are warm and opulent when based on sandalwood or patchouli. Cedar and vetiver make them dryer. These warm, dry and elegant masculine accords often contain a dash of citrus or aromatic notes. Sub-Categories:Aquatic, Aromatic, Chypre, Floral, Woody.