You may have heard of olfactory families in the world of perfumery; they are categories that classify and describe the different types of fragrances and aromas present in perfumes. They are Based on the Olfactory Characteristics and Predominant Notes of each Perfume.

There are many categories, and these could help you choose a perfume according to what you like and what you want to project. Here are some of the best known:

Citrus: fresh and vibrant, with notes like lemon, orange, lime, bergamot, and grapefruit. They are often used in fresh perfumes recommended for summer.

Floral: have notes of flowers such as roses, violets, jasmines, lilies, and gardenias. They are usually feminine fragrances (although not always), and are often associated with romance.

Woody: with notes like cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli, they are warm, earthy, and often associated with sensuality and sophistication.

Oriental: are rich and exotic, often with notes of vanilla, amber, cinnamon, and spices. They are sensual and long-lasting.

Green: very herbal, based on notes like grass, green leaves, and herbs; they tend to be fresh and energizing.

Fruity: as the name implies, they have notes of fruits, the most common being apple, strawberry, peach, and red berries. They give you joy and connect you with your most extroverted side.

Gourmand: are sweet, with notes like chocolate, caramel, and almonds. They give us a feeling of comfort.

Fougere: combines notes of lavender and oakmoss. For fresh personalities.

Spicy: with clove, nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon. They are warm, perfect for the autumn and winter seasons, and we also associate them with sensuality and sophistication.

Subfamilies descend from these families, and each one has a history and notes that make them special. We could spend the day commenting on each one and explaining our favorites, but this little guide will help you understand and explore different aromas. Having an explanation of the aromas that surround you will also allow you to get to know people and get to know yourself a little better. Think that just as you can ask someone’s zodiac sign (if you like astrology) and recognize universal traits of a personality, you can also get to know someone by the perfume they use.

It’s a lot of fun!