THE ALDEHYDE NOTE
Aldehydes are synthetic molecules that occur naturally in citrus peels. In a perfume, the aldehyde note lends a metallic quality to the scent, with a slightly oily, sometimes almost soapy, and more or less orange-like aroma. They give the fragrance a fresh, soaring quality and power.
THE AMBER NOTE
These are accords that combine so-called “balsamic” notes. The fragrance that best represents this note is the well-known Shalimar by Guerlain. Amber notes offer a true “second-skin effect,” making the fragrance more sensual and addictive.
THE LEATHER FACET
The first leather fragrances were created by the master glove makers of Grasse, who infused their leather scraps. This facet gives the perfume an animalistic and sensual quality, with soft, warm, almost feline, and particularly opulent scents. Some leathery perfumes may evoke an invisible fur, or simply reference the equestrian tack of the nobility of the time. These are often perfumes with a rather powerful character, ideal for lovers of bold, long-lasting scents.
THE SPICY SIDE
This facet is based on blends of spices and playful notes with an intense, distinctive character. The fragrances are both tart and sweet, ideal for those seeking originality. The spicy facet is clearly recognizable in certain perfumes, such as *La Fin du Monde*, created by État Libre d’Orange.
THE FRUITY SIDE
It consists of various fruit aromas, with a natural and sweet touch. Fruity notes make excellent blends in perfumery and add a touch of modernity, lightness, and brightness to a fragrance. Often found in women’s eau de parfums, the trend leans toward red berries, melon, peach, and, of course, the ever-popular apple. The fruity facet allows for the creation of fragrances that are both indulgent and innocent. They are increasingly prevalent on the market, posing a real challenge to floral scents.
THE GOURMET SIDE
The leader of this new fragrance family is “Angel” by Thierry Mugler. The idea is to create a fragrance with scents reminiscent of something you could eat—something that tempts the taste buds, something gourmand. Having become a true trend, we’re seeing more and more gourmand fragrances on the market, particularly those with a caramel base note. Gourmand fragrances create the effect of delicious, bite-worthy skin, thanks to an overdose of ethyl maltol, which produces a sweet, caramelized, almost “cotton candy” effect. One example is Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire, based on a “macaron” accord and its derivatives, for an ever-more-gourmand sillage.
THE MUSKY FACET
A natural note said to possess aphrodisiac properties, musk is an intense, animalic scent with a clean, exciting, and particularly distinctive effect that allows one to “mysteriously attract the opposite sex.” Its sillage is pronounced, intense, smooth, and sensual. Calvin Klein’s CKOne uses it in its androgynous fragrances.
THE POWDERY ASPECT
The powdery aspect immediately brings to mind the iris. A noble and elegant flower, it lends a soft, slightly cottony sensation to the fragrance, reminiscent of the traditional rice powders used in beauty rituals. Violet also adds a powdery touch to a fragrance.
THE GREEN FACET
This facet is a direct evocation of leaves and roots, of lush greenery. Based on botanical and natural elements, it lends a fragrance a touch of freshness and lightness. Right on trend, green fragrances are youthful, natural, and often unisex. This facet incorporates notes of both green and unripe fruits. One of its signature ingredients is galbanum, which offers a sensation that is sometimes slightly earthy and resinous, blending beautifully with floral or chypre notes.
THE MARINE FACET
These are luminous, aquatic, iodine-like, or ozone-like notes that evoke the sea or attempt to mimic the elusive “scent of water.” Fragrances with marine facets are ideal for summer or warm climates and are particularly neutral. Examples include Acqua di Rem or the very first of its kind: Eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake.
Discover all these facets in our unique fragrance creation tool.
