Perfume Types

Personality

If you are the type of person who is not used to wearing perfume and wants to start somewhere, clean smelling perfumes is your perfect beginning. Feel elegant because you're wearing a nice perfume and feel confident enough that you’re not bothering your coworkers and those around you with an overpowering scent. Experiment with light scents to get a sense for what you like and then start testing the perfume families on the opposite of the perfume wheel for more drama.

Occasion

This is a great everyday scent to wear when you're going to be indoors for the majority of day. If you are in the car a lot or deal with customers all day, the clean perfumes are the best to feel your freshest when you are getting stressed out.

Notes

Since there is no real classification for clean perfumes; the notes are mixed from the fresh and the floral perfumes. With the top and middle notes of soft floral, light melon and bright citrus, with complementing rich cotton, sweet ocean, mild woods, musk and fresh greenery you will be smell like a natural bouquet brought in from a spring breeze.

Start the day off feeling clean with these perfumes:

Clean Perfume For Men:

• Shower Fresh for Men by Clean perfume features clean citrus, light nutmeg, tea and cedar wood.
• Men by Clean features deep notes of patchouli, clove and musk with bright lime, grapefruit and raspberry.

Unisex Clean Perfume:

• Photo by Lagerfed features crisp mandarin, grapefruit and jasmine with deep woods and leather.
• Devin by Aramis features rich moss, amber and sandalwood with complimenting top notes of citrus and greens.

Clean Perfume For Women:

• Simply Soap by Clean features fresh floral notes of rose, violet and Japanese lotus with other scents of cotton, musk and orange.
• Ultimate by Clean features rose, jasmine, lemon and musk.
• Warm Cotton by Clean features light floral of jasmine and lilac with some citrus and amber.

Personality

Summer is the perfect time to let your inner child come out and play. Enjoy your adventurous and free spirited side by jumping into the car and driving someplace new for the weekend. The thrill of the unknown and the rush of fresh air is what makes you feel alive and appreciate life.

Occasion

Summer is the best time to go outside and enjoy the fresh air with your friends and family. With endless possibilities, be sure you have enough summer perfumes for those company picnics, family vacations and outdoor food and wine festivals. Also consider wearing your summer perfume to the museum or when you go out to run your weekend errands.

Notes

There's no real scent family designated specifically for the summer season. However, the best perfumes to wear have notes of: light fruit, sour citrus, soft floral, fresh herbs and deep woods. This can easily be an aromatic fougère, water, green, citrus, woods, and soft floral perfumes.

Summer Perfume For Women:

• Kenzo Flower Red perfume by Kenzo features a joyful mixture of rose, red berries, and frangipani blossom scents.
• Missoni Acqua by Aramis features flowers of freesia and violets with touches of sweet melon.
• Fresh Blossom by DKNY features fresh feminine jasmine and apricot.
• Eau Fraiche Woman by Sean John features playful tropical notes of pineapple and coconut.
• Bermuda by Michael Kors featuring exotic flowers like hibiscus and peony.
• CK One Summer by Calvin Klein

Summer Perfume For Men:

• Higher by Christian Dior features a mix of spice and fruit with stronger notes of musk and crisp pearwood.
• Jazz by Yves Saint Laurent features an array of different scents with the common base of aromatic wood.
• M Banana Republic features crisp and bright citrus notes.
• Photo by Lagerfed features crisp mandarin, grapefruit and jasmine with deep woods and leather.
• Devin by Aramis features rich moss, amber and sandalwood with complimenting top notes of citrus and greens.

Personality

If you are the type of person who likes to be active and youthful while striving to be strong and tactful, the citrus perfume may be for you. A quick spritz of citrus perfume might be the quick boost of vibrancy and energy that you are looking for, when you don't feel like caffeine.

Occasion

Citrus is a fresh perfume that can be worn at almost any occasion. Ideal for the spring season, the citrus fragrances wakes the nose and allows you to blend in with nature when the plants and flowers start blooming.

Notes

As the title denotes, citrus perfumes boast top and middle notes of grapefruit, tangerine and orange zest. The rest of the middle and base notes can incorporate deep amber, moss and wood notes while the sweet fruits and flowers compliment the tart citrus notes.

Unisex Citrus Perfume:

• YSL Pour Homme by Yves Saint Laurent features a crisp combination of citrus, herbs also deep woods and fresh fruits
• L'eau Par Kenzo Pour Homme by Kenzo features lemon, green pepper and lotus leaf
• Zipped by Perfumer’s Workshop features citrus fruits, sandalwood and crisp fruits
• Hilfiger Athletics by Tommy Hilfiger features grapefruit rind, fresh herbs and cottonwood
• Happy for Men by Clinique features blends of kalamanzi, lime and mandarin citrus mixed with fresh scented air and wood

Citrus Perfume For Women:

• CK One by Calvin Klein
• Eau D’hardien by Annick Goutal
• Eau De Jade by Armani Prive
• Vetiver Babylone by Armani Prive
• Be Delicious by DKNY features juicy apple and exotic flowers
• Cristalle by Chanel features crisp citrus and fresh flowers
• Exotic Beaches by Avon features exotic flowers, tropical fruits and fresh air.

Personality

Many masculine fragrances are made in the aromatic fougère family, but some fragrances are made specifically for the more feminine tastes. These perfumes are the perfect fragrance for those people who like to be in control and like to be noticed in a crowd. If you are more outdoorsy, adventurous or strive to experience new things, then pop into your local fragrance shop to test a few aromatic fougère perfumes that are to your liking.

Occasion

Wearing this perfume after a great workout or to the outdoor dog park are ideal. There are some softer aromatic fougère perfumes that will approve for the close indoor encounters such as daily wear to school or the office or for weekend wear to church.

Notes

Aromatic Fougère perfume is a natural mix of greens, woods and other earthy scents, which of course would encompass the notes from other families of oriental, woody, fresh and floral. By involving a creative blend of mixed notes, these perfumes are best tested in person, to see if that particular blend is to your liking. Other notes that are more widely used within this family are moss, lavender and cider.

Perfect Aromatic Fougère Perfumes to try:

Aromatic Perfume For Men:

• Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent features rich mix of spices and chypre.
• Very Sexy for Him by Victoria's Secret features a fresh greenery, citrus blends and fruity blossoms.
• Safari for Men by Ralph Lauren
• Adrenaline by Adidas
• Navy for Men by Dana

Aromatic Perfume For Women:

• Adidas Moves For Her by Adidas
• Clean Ultimate by Clean
• Eau Illuminee by DelRae
• Heaven Sent by Dana
• CK Be by Calvin Klein
• The Lover by Gap

Personality

If you are the type of person who is adventurous, charismatic and assertive, a woody scented perfume might be your perfect blend. When you need to, you can quickly turn into the sensual and caring person that your family and close friends know and love. Your ability to dream up fabulous low cost vacations and weekend trips make you the best resource for all of your friends who need some extra spice in their life.

Occasion

There is really no time that you wouldn't want to wear this family of perfume scents. Good for everyday and colder seasons, the woody scents bring warmth and comfort to those who smell it.

Notes

Woody perfumes usually have top notes of rich citrus and fresh greens. After some time, the complimenting floral and fruity scents dance around the green leaves, spicy woods and musk perfume middles and base notes.

Woody Perfumes to try:

Woody Perfume For Men:

• Intimately Beckham Men by Beckham
• Snow by Demeter Fragrance Library
• Usher for Men by Usher Raymond
• Lacoste Elegance by Lacoste Perfume
• Aramis by Aramis
• Michael For Men by Michael Kors

Woody Perfume For Women:

• Very Sexy Hot (Very Sexy For Her 2) by Victoria's Secret
• Donna Karan Signature; by Donna Karan
• Angel by Thierry Mugler
• Christian Lacroix Rouge by Avon: Christian Lacroix
• Halston by Halston
• Romance by Ralph Lauren

Personality

Floral perfumes aren't just for women but for the romantic within. Capture the appeal of your admirer or partner in a nice, subtle way when the scent warms to your natural scent. Floral scents also grab onto your youth with the organic scents from your childhood when you used to play outside and have fewer worries.

Occasion

Wearing floral perfumes, like the popular Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume fragrance, are usually kept for those occasions where you plan on being in very close proximity of other people. The floral notes can be uplifting and playful while still calming and not overpowering to the nose. Perfect occasions to wear floral perfumes to would be to a wedding, in a church, at a wake, any type of celebratory shower and even a night to watch the talents at the local live theater.

Notes

Floral perfumes might feature one flower and build supporting notes around it such as citrus, powder and light woods. Or showcase a bouquet of strong floral scents like rose and jasmine while lighter scents of chamomile and lavender with supporting notes of vanilla and soft spices.

Here are some Floral Perfumes for both men and women:

Floral Perfume For Men:

• Altamir by Ted Lapidus
• Amouage Gold Pour Homme by Amouage
• Antiheros/Anti-Hero by Etat Libre d’Orange
• Dior Homme Intense by Christian Dior
• DKNY Men by Donna Karan DKNY
• Ferre For Men by Gianfranco Ferre

Floral Perfume For Women:

• Daisy by Marc Jacobs
• Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture
• 2000 Fleurs by Creed Perfume
• Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani
• Anais Anais by Cacharel
• Baby Doll Paris by Yves Saint Laurent

Personality

People who like fresh perfumes usually live very busy and energetic lives. With after work happy hour, running errands, taking care of the kids and even volunteering at a local food bank, these people can feel more refined and exuberant in a fresh scented perfume. That is why it is best to have one of these perfumes handy for a quick pick me up during the day, when a coffee just won't do.

Occasion

Fresh perfumes are perfect for the work week right after a heavy lunch and just after dinner. If you are feeling a little self-conscious because you just finished working out, the greenery of this perfume will help you feel more comfortable during the drive home. Also consider this perfume during the spring season for a nice energetic scent to take you out of the winter slump.

Notes

When you fist smell a fresh perfume you will smell the scents of lemon grass, light fruits, sage and ocean and then later you will smell more of the middle and deep notes of violet, figs, sycamore wood and some spices.

If you feel like a switch to a Fresh Perfume here are some to consider:

Fresh Perfume For Men:

• Ferre Acqua Azzurra for Men by Gianfranco Ferre
• L'eau D'issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake
• Tiffany for Men by Tiffany
• Pure Cedrat by Azzaro
• Vetiver Babylone by Armani Prive
• O2xygen by California North
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana

Fresh Perfume For Women:

• Sunflower by Elizabeth Arden
• Bel Respiro by Chanel
• Coconut Tuberose by Gap
• Wrapped with Love by Hilary Duff
• CK One by Calvin Klein
• The Pour Un Ete by L'Artisan Parfumeur

Personality

Oriental perfumes are for those people who like to be noticed and be remembered after leaving. Usually people who wear this perfume are strong willed, outgoing, eager and sophisticated while staying mysterious at times.

Occasion

Oriental perfumes are the perfect special occasion perfume, being woody enough for outdoor weddings yet sweet enough for indoor reunions. Oriental perfumes will compliment you in all formal wear.

Notes

When you first smell an oriental perfume, the top notes may be of citrus fruits, and then later you will smell the middle and base notes of spice, amber, wood and vanilla.

If this sounds like you, here are some fragrances to consider:

Oriental Perfume For Men:

• Allure Homme by Chanel
• Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein
• Purple Label by Ralph Lauren
• Spirit by Antonio Banderas
• Black Suede Touch by Avon
• Carlos Santana Men by Carlos Santana

Oriental Perfume For Women:

• Victoria Secret Heavenly Desire, particularly their Dream Angels Heavenly
• Flower by Kenzo
• Incognito by Dana
• Jean Paul Gaultier ‘Classique’ by Jean Paul Gaultier
• Spirit Woman by Antonio Banderas
• Pure Poison by Christian Dior

Perfume deodorant works in a similar way as liquid perfume with top notes that lead into middle and base notes. Deodorant manufacturers are getting out of the "fresh" and "powder" routine of scents to enable you to layer perfume in a whole new way - with your deodorant.

Deodorants are now coming in fruity, floral and woody scents to compliment any similar perfume you decide to wear. To get the best fragrance out of your deodorant, your body heat will encourage the middle and base notes to be released.

It is not suggested to test deodorant as you would a perfume, so it might be best to smell the deodorant long and deep, and try to smell past the strong top note scents. Another idea would be to test a bit of the complementing items, such as the body wash, body spray or lotion, within the fold of your inner elbow. When the sample warms with your body you will then be able to smell the extra scent protection that you will be getting when you start to perspire.

For more ideas on how to layer your perfumes, see our section on How to Layer Perfumes.

When people talk about perfume notes, they are referring to the rate at which scents unfold themselves to your nose. There are three core notes that a person can smell at different times of the application: top notes, middle notes and base notes. When smelling perfume try doing your testing in the afternoon, this is when your nose is at its peak and will be able to distinguish more scents within notes easier.

Top Notes

Top notes are the first notes smelt after the initial spray. They usually smell of alcohol, if just sprayed out of a bottle. Once you get used to the alcohol smell you will be able to smell the light top notes that most people rely on to purchase perfume.

Middle Notes

Middle notes are the scents that arise when the top notes are no longer at their strongest. Also known as heart notes, these scents mix with the base notes to make the heart of what the perfume really is.

Base Notes

Base notes are usually smelt after your body warms up to the perfume. This can take anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour. The base notes and the middle notes combine to create a harmony of strong scents and mild scents so that a medley of scents makes up a perfume.

Now when you read a description of a perfume's "notes," you'll know exactly what they're talking about. Take a look at the perfume Notes by Celine Dion, for example. You can expect it to first smell like a romantic blend of floral scents, followed by the middle notes of mimosa and peony, and finally ending with base notes of white musk, veviter and sandalwood.

To give a perfume a real chance, actually spray the perfume on your inner elbow and wait for your body to naturally warm and interact with the fragrance. By that time you will be able to smell the base and middle notes together as well as the reaction of the perfume and your body's own scent. This is the best way to test perfume for purchase, rather than from the initial spray.

Have a special occasion coming up, but not sure what to get that special someone? If you're undecided about what gift to bring, then a nice perfume is a great choice when it comes to gifting someone special. One such perfume is the Tocca perfume. There's a variety of Tocca perfumes available to suite a variety of tastes.

If you are looking for a perfume with a unique blend of old-world influence and a modern touch, you might consider the Tocca Beauty Stella Collection . What sets this highly sensual perfume is its refreshing aroma of blood orange which smells better as the day progresses. Apart from this, there are delicate sweet notes of freesia, diamond orchid, lily, sandalwood, water notes and transparent musk. If you like your perfume with a floral hint without being obvious, the delicate perfume is perfect for you.

The Tocca Beauty Cleopatra Collection allures your senses with the exhilarating and sparking notes of grapefruit, tuberose and white jasmine. Some of the exotic and rich notes include patchouli, vanilla musk and golden amber. What a pleasant way to end a day with a few drops of the Eau de Parfum in the bath! The rich presence of almond oil will leave a soothing feel against your skin and give your spirit a new boost. Perhaps, this could be a great gift for the grand old ladies in your family also.

You can carry the compact and eye-catching white and gold box of Tocca Florence Solid Perfume wherever you want. The fragrance presents an interesting mix of crushed violet petals and Italian Bergamot with base notes of blue iris and blonde wood for seductive and elegant flavor.