First, the notes
A perfume doesn't smell the same from start to finish. It unfolds in three stages:
- Top notes: what you smell in the first minutes. Usually fresh: bergamot, lemon, fruit.
- Heart notes: the character of the perfume, for the next few hours. Flowers such as jasmine and rose, spices.
- Base notes: what stays on your skin and clothes at the end of the day. Vanilla, musk, patchouli, woods.
The four big families
Floral
The biggest family. From a single flower to a whole bouquet. Romantic, clean, easy for every day. They suit you if you love the smell of jasmine at night or a freshly cut rose.
Fresh
Citrus, marine and green notes. Light, cool, “clean”. They suit you if you want something subtle for the office, the gym or the Greek summer.
Woody
Cedar, sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli. Warm, dry, elegant. They're not only “for men”: many favourite women's perfumes have a woody base. They suit you if you want something that shows confidence without shouting.
Oriental and sweet
Vanilla, amber, caramel, spices, resins. Rich, warm, with a strong presence. They suit you if you want to be remembered after you leave the room, especially in the evenings and in winter.
How to choose in practice
- Think of a perfume you've worn and loved. Which family does it belong to? Start there.
- Try three perfumes at most at a time. After the third, your nose gets tired and everything smells the same.
- Try it on your skin, not just on paper. The same perfume smells different on every person.
- Wear it for a whole day before you decide.
FAQ
I have no idea what I like. Where do I start?
Take our quiz: with a few questions about the scents you like, it suggests perfumes from our catalogue.
Can I try before I buy a whole bottle?
Yes. With the Discovery set you choose five perfumes in 3ml vials and wear them at home for a few days before you decide.
What does “type” next to the name mean?
It describes the scent family and the style of the perfume, so you can easily find something in the style you like.