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How well do you know your fragrances?
Have you wondered how to describe your favourite fragrance? We're here to help. The examples that we chose for you are a few among thousands of beautiful perfumes from around the world. Please keep in mind that we do not sell the perfumes appearing in this section, they are meant as educational examples for your enjoyment. |
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Aldehyde |
In perfumery, an aldehyde refers to a certain fatty ingredient which gives perfumes a rich floral sparkle. Aldehydes were first introduced into perfumes by the House of Chanel, with Chanel No. 5. They are still an integral component in fragrance to this day.
Chanel No. 5 , 1921, perfume for women is classified as a refined floral with a luxurious, gentle, slightly sweet fragrance . This feminine scent is a blend aldehydes, jasmine, rose, iris, amber and patchouli. Recommended for romantic wear.
AIRS Fragrances containing aldehydes: China Moon, Dragon Cloud, Nightspell, Russian Amber, Kashmir |
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Amber |
Amber is a term used to describe a heavy, full-bodied, warm fragrance.
Cologne Pasha de Cartier was .launched in 1992, Pasha De Cartier perfume for men is classified as a sharp, spicy, lavender, amber fragrance. This masculine scent possesses a blend of mint, citrus, wood, musk and amber. Pasha de Cartier cologne is recommended for daytime wear.
AIRS Fragrances containing ambers: Rain Musk, Russian Amber |
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Animalic |
Animalic is a term
used to describe what would be a bad odor on its own, like a faecal
smell. But perfumers have found that, in very small dilutions, and
in clever combinations with other ingredients, animalic scents can
be quite pleasant. A perfume that uses animalic notes is Civet
Absolute. Chaleur D'Animale
parfum, 2000, House of Parlux is a refreshing flowery
fragrance. This feminime scent is a blend of fresh fruit, green
flowers , blended with amber and musk. It is recommended for casual
wear. AIRS
Fragrances: Rain
Musk . Note: AIRS uses a synthetic musk, never any animal
musk. |
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Anosmia |
Anosmia is the
inability to smell. You can have either full or partial Anosmia. If
you have full Anosmia, you can’t smell anything. If you have
partial Anosmia, there are only certain things you can’t
smell. The good
news is that Anosmia is not necessarily a permanent condition,
there is a lot of research on the reasons for temporary and
permanent Anosmia. The most interesting link that we found
is http://personal.ecu.edu/wuenschk/anosmia.htm |
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Attar |
Attar, or Otto, as it
is sometimes referred, comes from an old Persian word meaning “to
smell sweet”. It’s an extremely expensive essential oil made from
the Bulgarian rose. Parfum Attar for
women, 2000, House of Iabel. AIRS
Fragrances: Kashmir |
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Balsam is a sticky
resin that leaks out of trees when they’re cut. It’s used in
perfume to create a woody scent. Parfum Halston
for Women, 1975, House of Halston is classified as a
refreshing, woody, mossy fragrance. It posssesses a blend of amber,
rose and fruity notes. AIRS
Fragrances: Frank &
Myrrh, Nightspell, Star
Sandalwood |
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Body |
Body is a term used
to refer to the main theme or heart of a perfume. It can also be
used to refer to a perfume that’s well-rounded or full. Parfums Amouage,
Oman, 1983. The most expensive perfume in the world. It
is presented in a lavish crystal bottle bathed in 24 karat gold.
The unique ingredients give an opulent
combination of scents, with top notes of Dalmatian rose,
Egyptiptian jasmine and lily of the valley, with heart notes of
myrrh, East Indian patchouli, orris and Omani sandalwood, and
bottom notes of ambergris, civet, musk and silver
frankincense. AIRS
Fragrances: Frank &
Myrrh, Kashmir, Star
Sandalwood |
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Bouquet |
Bouquet is a term
used to describe a mixture of floral notes. Lutece Parfum for women, 1984, House of Dana, is
a luxurious, oriental floral frragrance. It blends sparkling
and seductive mandarin, peony and rose. AIRS
Fragrances: Black
Opium, Jasmine
Italian |
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Chypre |
Chypre is an ancient
perfume, originally combining fresh citrus notes with Oakmoss and
some animalic notes. About 100 years ago, Coty made a Chypre
perfume, which has been currently followed up with similar
fragrances, like Miss Dior and Aramis. Today, the most common use
of Chypres, because of their leather character, is in men’s
fragrances. Parfum Emeraude,
1921, House of Coty. This fragrance contains jasmine, orange,
and other citrus florals, blended with spices and
sandalwood. AIRS
Fragrances: Kashmir, Delphi |
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Citrus |
Citrus notes are
fresh scents, similar to the smell of fresh oranges, lemons,
grapefruit, bergamot and pomello. Parfum Ma Griffe
for women, 1946, House of Carven, is a sharp woody mossy
fragrance. It contains a blend of fresh green
florals, moss, jasmine and musk. Quite
sophisticated. AIRS
Fragrances: Delphi, Lemongrass, Pine
& Lemonpeel, Sage &
Citrus |
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Clean crisp well rounded citrus fragrance, with added
woods for body. Davidoff
Cologne for men by Davidoff, 1984. The top notes include
lemon, basil, bergamot and lime. the middle notes include
jasmine, orris, carnation and cedarwood. the bottom notes contain
leather, moss and vetiver. AIRS
Fragrances: Delphi, Pine &
Lemonpeel, Sage &
Citrus. |
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Cologne |
Cologne is a city in
Germany where the very first modern perfume, as we now know it, was
produced. That was about 300 years ago, and it was called Eau de
Cologne – a perfume made basically from citrus oils. Today, cologne
is a word usually used to describe men’s fragrances. Cologne
4711, was launched in 1792 by Muelhens. It is classified as a
refined, fruity fragrance, and possesses a blend of sandalwood
oils, citrus fruits, oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Still a
classic after 3 centuries.
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Eau de Cologne
(EDC) |
Eau de Cologne is the term used today
to refer to a perfume solution with around a 3% compound in an oil
and water base. It’s the lightest of perfumes and, therefore the
least expensive. Habit Rouge by Guerlain, 1965,
cologne for men. It is a refreshing Oriental fragrance. This
masculine scent possesses a blend of fresh citrus, lemon, mandarin,
spices, leather and vanilla. Still a classic. |
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Eau de Parfum
(EDP) |
Eau de Parfum is a perfume solution
with a 10-15% compound. Eau de Fath, 1995, eau de parfum
for women, a dazzlingly beautiful fragrance with a
blend of enticing fruits, woods and spices. The House of Fath
is well known for designing shimmering perfume bottles of Hungarian
faceted crystal. |
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Eau de Toilette
(EDT) |
Eau de Toilette is a perfume solution
with a 3-8% compound in an oil and water base. Eau De Givenchy, 1980, eau de
toilette for women, is a refreshing floral fragrance.
It contains a blend of fresh citrus, melons, peaches, plums, and a
spring flowers. |
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Notes of light
flowers with a tendency toward sweetness. Parfum
Arpege by Lanvin, 1927. Created by Jeanne Lanvin for her daughter's
33rd birthday. It is classified as a luxurious, gentle,
floral fragrance. This feminine scent possesses powdery floral
notes of honeysuckle jasmine, roses and orange blossoms, and rich
combination of lower accents of vanilla and sandalwood. Aldehydes
bring this fragrance together. Note that Lanvin was a contemporary
of Chanel. Arpege was the second time aldehydes was used
successfully in fragrance. See aldehydes above. AIRS
Fragrances: Angel
Dreams, Fresh
Linen, Bergamot |
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Floral for Men Certain
floral scents with added musk, blend well for men. Zino Davidoff,
Cologne for Men 1985. This invigorating and casual scent
has notes of lavender, subtle florals, patchouli, sandalwood,
ambergris, and musk. Great for professional and casual
wear. AIRS
Fragrances: Kashmir Perfume Oil , Nightspell Perfume Oil |
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Fresh |
A warm, dry, elegant and masculine
scent. Patchouli, vetyver, sandalwood and cedar form the heart of
these fragrances. Parfum Ma Griffe for
women, 1946, House of Carven. A sharp, woody, mossy
fragrance. It possesses fresh green florals, moss,
jasmine and musk. AIRS Fragrances: Vetiver,
Oakmoss & Sandalwood, Delphi, Pine
& Lemonpeel |
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Fruity |
Fruity is a term used to describe a
fragrance that has fruit scents, but not citrus fruits. It’s
usually a kind of sweet-sour scent, like apples, strawberries,
pineapples or bananas. Parfum Cabotine, 1990
perfume for women, House of Gres. It is classified as a sharp
flowery fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend
of ginger, citrus, and fresh cut flowers. It is recommended for
casual wear.
AIRS Fragrances: Alpine
Berry |
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Green |
Green is a fragrance note that
resembles freshly cut grass, or leaves, and it gives the perfume a
vibrant scent. Parfum Aran for men,
2001. Contains refreshing notes of green grass, Siberian
fir needles and fern. AIRS Fragrances: Jaguar
Spirit , Shaman , Vetiver |
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Herbaceous |
Herbaceous refers to a fragrance
that’s natural and hay-like, maybe even a little therapeutic. Some
examples are chamomile, lavender, rosemary and sage. 1999, Aqua Allegoria Herbal
Perfume for women, 1999, Guerlain, is classified a refreshing green
herbal perfume. Recommended for day wear. AIRS Fragrances: Cedar Sage
& Eucalyptus, Lavender |
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Fresh outdoorsy blends with a touch
of cool 'wetness'. Parfum Vetiver by Guerlain, 1959.
Vetiver is classified as as a refined, woody, mossy fragrance. This
masculine scent possesses a blend of fresh vetiver, wood,
tobacco and spices. AIRS Fragrances: Vetiver,
Oakmoss & Sandalwood, Kashmir, Tropical
Ocean |
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