The Fragrance Family
The fragrance wheel works in much the same fashion, and is an expedient tool in determining both fragrance attraction and the connection between scent preferences and their diverse families. The wheel is split into four sections, and they are: Ambery, Fresh, Floral, and Woody.
Each family contains aromas that are similar to each other, share the same characteristics or have complementary aspects.
Under each family are sub groups, which describe a particular scent in much detail. Where they are placed on the wheel is important.
For example, a floral scent, with the addition of certain notes, will become a soft Floral.
These light fragrances are blended with floral and anise notes.
These aromas are marked by musky notes like vanilla, resins or cinnamon.
These scents are earthy and sweet and often mixed with smooth and creamy sandalwood or earthy patchouli.
Ambery Notes
These fragrances are highly sensual and exotic.
Amber fragrances feature full, rich scents with sugary, piquant notes such as: powdery, vanilla-like orchid, noble and lush vanilla, spicy, inviting cinnamon and aromatic and spicy cardamom.
These scents are earthy and sweet and often mixed with smooth and creamy sandalwood or earthy patchouli.
This category includes invigorating, fresh, herbal and leafy smells blended with the scent of green leaves or a freshly mowed lawn.
Marine and aquatic notes dominate this sub family.
These zesty, bright fragrances are usually formulated with elements of complex bergamot, invigorating citrus, lush orange, juicy mandarin and uplifting grapefruit.
This scent is clean, simple and fresh. They often feature blends of sharp, clean rosemary and spicy, herbal basil with facets of mellow lavender and warm, woody notes.
Fresh Notes
This scent family includes some of the world’s most refreshing and vibrant fragrances.
They are defined by bright, citrus-based, oceanic, herbal, green notes. that are often bolstered by lingering woodsy elements. They are often used in air freshener products because of their clean, bright character and more often found in masculine than feminine fragrances.
These fragrances contain fresh, flowery aromas of woody, smoky rose or spicy, bright lily.
These formulations are known for their aldehydes and powdery notes.
These scents are mostly limited to facets of fresh, floral orange blossom and assorted sweet spices.
Floral
With aromas reminiscent of freshly cut flowers, some of the most popular fragrances in the world belong in this sector.
They are considered feminine, and contain captivating notes like haunting jasmine, bright lily and musky romantic rose.
Mostly sandalwood and patchouli.
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These light scents are smooth, mellow and earthy.
This sub family usually features creamy sandalwood with smoky notes like soft, pungent leather.
Woody tones combined with aromatic fresh fragrances like lavender, which is a subcategory that is between the woody and fresh scent families on the aroma wheel.
Woody Notes
Warm, opulent aromas with tones of buttery, powdery sandalwood, dark, rich amber or dry, somewhat sugary cedar wood characterize scents within this fragrance family.
Due to the inherent sweetness of the woody notes, perfumers often blend them with floral and fresh notes, which render compositions that are a bit lighter and brighter.