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A guide to perfume scent families and notes
Understand scent families and the opening, heart and base of a perfume as a useful starting point for comparison.
Use scent families as a starting point
Citrus, floral, woody and amber descriptions help explain a fragrance’s overall character. Many perfumes combine several families, so these labels guide exploration rather than replace personal experience.
Allow the scent to develop
The first spray can differ from the scent later on skin. Opening, heart and base notes describe that development. Compare a small number of fragrances under similar conditions and allow time before deciding.
Start with your preferences
Think about familiar smells you enjoy, such as flowers, citrus, woods or spices. Explore scent families or use the perfume finder to narrow your choices.