The Power of Scent: How Fragrance Connects to Memory and Personality
Scent is deeply connected to memory, with the power to transport us back to specific moments in time. Think of a familiar scent—a sea breeze evoking a summer day at the beach or the sugary aroma of fairy floss reminding you of childhood at the carnival. This happens because of the brain’s olfactory system, which processes both memory and emotion.
Exploring Fragrance Families: Types, Notes, and What They Mean
To truly appreciate fragrance, it helps to understand the five distinct families all scents fall into:
1. Floral
2. Oriental
3. Woody
4. Fresh
5. Fruity
It’s important to note that some fragrances may fit into more than one category. For example, Britney Spears’ Jungle is both a floral and fruity scent.
Floral Scents
Floral scents, as the name suggests, are flower-based and typically evoke emotions of love, romance, and tenderness.
Floral fragrance notes include: rose, jasmine, and lily.
The personality type that wears a floral scent is compassionate, caring, creative, and optimistic. Floral scents are ideal for weddings and date nights.
Fragrance examples we stock: Flower by Kenzo, Lancome La Vie Est Belle, and Issey Miyake Rose and Rose (which combines floral and fruity notes).
Oriental Scents
Oriental fragrances are warm, exotic, and often include notes of vanilla, amber, and spices. These scents create an air of mystery, sophistication, and luxury.
Oriental fragrance notes include: cedar, sandalwood, and vetiver.
The personality type that wears an oriental scent is confident, passionate, mysterious, and free-spirited. Oriental scents are perfect for casual outings or lunch with friends.
Fragrance examples we stock: Joop Homme, The One by Dolce & Gabbana and Diesel Only The Brave (an oriental and woody scent).
Woody Scents
Woody fragrances are earthy, grounding, and comforting, offering a sense of calmness and stability.
Woody fragrance notes include: pine, sandalwood, and patchouli.
The personality type that wears a woody scent is down-to-earth, practical, intellectual, and adventurous. Woody scents can be worn at both casual or formal events, outdoors, and in professional settings.
Fragrance examples we stock: Hugo Boss The Scent, Kenneth Cole Black and Paco Rabanne (a woody and spicy scent).
Fresh Scents
Fresh fragrances are light, airy, crisp, and clean, giving off a sense of vitality, freshness, and invigoration. These scents evoke feelings of clarity, optimism, and energy.
Fresh fragrance notes include: citrus, fruity, floral, aquatic/marine, and green herbs.
The personality type that wears a fresh scent is optimistic, nurturing, spontaneous, and minimalist. Fresh scents are perfect for casual or formal events, outdoor activities, and professional settings.
Fragrance examples we stock: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana, CK One by Calvin Klein, and Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani.
Fruity Scents
Fruity scents are lively, sweet, and refreshing, often evoking joy, energy, and nostalgia. These scents are characterized as juicy and sweet.
Fruity fragrance notes include: citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit), berries (blueberry, blackberry, raspberry), and tropical fruits (pineapple, coconut, pawpaw).
The personality type that wears a fruity scent is positive, upbeat, and spontaneous. Fruity scents are perfect for daytime wear, fun or casual events, casual workplaces, or during the spring and summer seasons.
Fragrance examples we stock: Vera Wang Princess by Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren Romance, and Bvlgari Omnia Pink Sapphire (all of which combine fruity and floral notes).
Fragrance Concentration Levels: A Guide to Parfum, EDP, EDT, and More
Apart from fragrance families, it's important to understand the different perfume concentration levels. The concentration of fragrance oil determines how long the scent lasts and its intensity.
Here’s a breakdown of the main concentrations (highest to lowest):
Parfum: 20-30% fragrance oil, lasts 6-12 hours. Ideal for special occasions or evening wear.
Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15-20% fragrance oil, lasts 4-8 hours. Great for everyday wear or date nights.
Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5-15% fragrance oil, lasts 2-8 hours. Perfect for daytime wear or warm weather.
Eau de Cologne (EDC): 2-5% fragrance oil, lasts 1-3 hours. Light and refreshing for hot weather or after workouts.
Eau Fraîche: 1-3% fragrance oil, lasts 1-2 hours. Best for body sprays or after-shower mists.
Conclusion
When choosing a fragrance, consider both the scent family and the occasion. Also, keep in mind the wearer’s personality. Lastly, always test the fragrance on your skin, as body chemistry can alter how a scent develops.
