Traditional Families Of Perfumes

Single floral – Dominated by a scent from a particular flower, like Truly Pink by Vera Wang which is based on the rose.

Floral bouquet – Combinations of several flowers such as Pleasures Intense by Estee Lauder or First by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Ambery – Sweet, slightly animalic scents of ambergris or labdanum. These are often combined with vanilla, flowers and wood fragrances. Try 273 Red Perfume by Fred Hayman for it's distinctive blend of gardenia, exotic fruits, amber and sandalwood.

Woody – Dominated by woody scents such as agarwood, sandalwood and cedar, commonly mixed with patchouli. One popular perfume with woody tones is Feminine by Dolce and Gabanna.

Chypre – Francois Coty developed the perfume that is the heart of this family and these scents consist of bergamot, oak moss, patchouli and labdanum. No. 19 by Chanel or Bijan Wicked by Bijan.

Leather – These fragrances feature the masculine scents of honey, tobacco, wood and wood tars and allude to leather. For that fabulous leather scent try Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs for women or for men, Dunhill Fresh by Alfred Dunhill. Froug`ere – The base of this perfume family is lavender, coumarin and oakmoss.

Many men's fragrances are in this family with sharp herb and woody scents.