In the world of perfume, there are two key concepts that play an essential role in the creation and understanding of fragrances: olfactory families and perfume notes. Although they are often confused, they actually represent different aspects of a perfume's composition. In this article, we will explore the difference between these two concepts and how they contribute to the complexity and diversity of perfumes.
The olfactory families
Olfactory families, also known as accords or fragrance categories, are groupings of similar scents that share common olfactory characteristics. They are used to classify perfumes according to their dominant character. There are several systems for classifying olfactory families, but the most commonly used is that of the French Society of Perfumers.
Here are some of the most popular fragrance families:
- Les agrumes : des notes fraîches et vives d'agrumes tels que le citron, l'orange et le pamplemousse.
- Les florales : floral notes such as rose, jasmine, and lily of the valley.
- Les boisées: warm and earthy notes of woods such as cedar, sandalwood, and vetiver.
- Les orientales: rich and spicy notes like vanilla, musk, and incense.
- The chypres: notes of oakmoss, patchouli, and bergamot.
- Les fougères : notes of lavender, oakmoss, and geranium.
Each olfactory family includes a wide variety of different perfumes, ranging from simple compositions to complex blends. These families serve as a starting point for perfumers when creating new fragrances, but they can also be used by perfume enthusiasts to find scents that match their olfactory preferences.
The fragrance notes
The fragrance notes, on the other hand, are the different olfactory elements that make up a perfume. They are divided into three categories: top notes, heart notes, and base notes.
The top notes are the first scents perceived when applying a perfume. They are light and volatile, and they fade quickly. Citrus, herbs, and spices are often used as top notes.
The heart notes are the scents that emerge after the top notes. They form the core of the fragrance and last longer than the top notes. Flowers, fruits, and green notes are often present in the heart notes.
The base notes are the final scents that develop on the skin. They are rich and long-lasting, giving the fragrance its depth and longevity. Woody, amber, and musky notes are often used as base notes.
It is important to note that fragrance notes evolve over time. When you apply a perfume, you may first smell the top notes, then the heart notes, and finally the base notes. It is this evolution that makes a perfume complex and interesting.
Conclusion
In summary, olfactory families and fragrance notes are two key concepts in the world of perfume. Olfactory families allow perfumes to be classified according to their dominant character, while fragrance notes represent the different olfactory elements that make up a perfume. Understanding these concepts can help you better appreciate and choose the perfumes that suit you best. Whether you prefer refreshing citrus, delicate flowers, or warm woody notes, there is a perfume for every olfactory preference.