Olfactory Families: What Type of Scent Do You Like?

Each perfume tells a story, and every story begins with a scent family — a world of fragrance notes that resonate with your personality, mood, and even memories.

Have you ever been drawn to the comforting warmth of vanilla or the powdery elegance of rose? Perhaps it’s the crisp freshness of citrus or the earthy mystery of woods that lingers in your mind. These preferences aren't just about taste — they are clues pointing to your olfactory family.

Fragrance experts group perfumes into olfactory families to help us navigate this invisible, aromatic landscape. Each family carries its own emotional imprint. Floral fragrances whisper of romance and spring mornings, built around jasmine, tuberose, or peony. Oriental or amber scents evoke richness and spice — think saffron, cinnamon, and resins that smolder with depth and sensuality.

Woody compositions — with cedar, sandalwood, or vetiver — feel grounding and wise, like the scent of an old library or a walk in the forest. On the opposite end, fresh and citrusy scents — bright with bergamot, neroli, or grapefruit — offer vibrancy, ideal for energizing your day. Then there are the fougères, a classic family often found in masculine scents, built with lavender, oakmoss, and a crisp green bite, reminiscent of barbershop coolness.

As modern perfumery evolves, boundaries blur. A rose may be blended with pepper and leather, or patchouli layered under a citrus splash. That’s the magic of contemporary scents — they surprise and transform.

But behind every surprising blend lies a foundation — your olfactory family. Discovering your preferred family is like finding your fragrance fingerprint. It helps you understand why some scents feel like second skin, while others feel distant, even overwhelming.

So, what type of scent draws you in? Your answer may open a door to a whole new fragrant universe.

From FragraGenomics desk