What on Earth Is a Fragrance Family? (Hint It’s Types of Perfume)

Fragrance is one of the most complex categories in beauty as there are so many types to get around.

Who knew there were so many perfume and fragrance notes to learn? That brings us to the first question: what even is a fragrance family?!

‘Similar to the way people group wines by varietal, fragrances can be grouped into families, which makes choosing a new fragrance easier,’ explains Clayton Ilolahia, communication and evaluation consultant for Fragrances of the World.

‘If someone favours a citrus fragrance, they will tend to like others in this fragrance family.’

Now that we know fragrances are broken down into little families, here’s the lowdown on each of them.

You can also watch the YouTube video below where Stylist and Fashion Editor Deni explains the fragrance wheel and gives a few product recommendations too...

The Different Family Types of Perfume

‘Michael Edwards’ fragrance wheel gives a universal language to describe all fragrances,’ continues Ilolahia.

‘There are 14 fragrance families divided into four groups: fresh, floral, oriental, and woody.’

Yep, you guessed it: each group can be broken down even further.

For example, the amber fragrance and perfume category (previously known as “oriental fragrances”, a label we are abandoning due to its colonial history) is divided into floral amber, soft amber, and more.

Keep reading for my full breakdown of these perfume fragrance types...

Fresh Perfumes

Within the fresh fragrance and perfume group, there are several notable themes: fruity, green, water, citrus, and aromatic, the last of which borders on woody.

Two fragrances fit the definition of a fresh perfume perfectly.

• Calvin Klein CK One covers off notes such as Green Tea and Bergamot.

• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense shows off notes like Lemon, Granny Smith Apple, Jasmine, and Musk.

Both are perfect for day wear and will transport you to the seaside.

Shop them here:

Floral Perfumes

Floral perfumes include floral, soft floral, and floral amber fragrances.

The interesting thing about floral perfumes is that some can smell like powdery perfumes due to their delicate composition.

Powdery notes in perfume have a soothing quality, like a big hug.

Looking for the best powdery perfumes on the market? Here's one of our best-selling powdery perfumes...

• Goldfield & Banks Southern Bloom covers off ingredients such as French Cassis, Italian Iris, Tasmanian Boronia Absolute, Jasmine Sambac, and Indonesian Vetiver.

In other words, heaven.

Shop them here:

Amber Perfumes

Seriously delightful, amber perfumes include floral amber, amber, woody amber, and soft amber perfumes.

But first, what is an Amber fragrance? Amber perfumes feature warming notes such as Sandalwood, Orris, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Amber.

We think that the floral amber fragrance family is one of the most wearable categories on the market.

• One of the best floral amber perfumes in our minds is Estée Lauder Beautiful Belle, a blend of Rose Petals, Orange Flower, Orris Root and Blush Suede.

Shop it here:

Woody Perfumes

Woody perfumes can easily be distinguished.

These types of perfume cover subcategories such as woody amber, mossy woods, dry woods, and sometimes aromatic, the last of which borders on the fresh perfume category.

• Truly iconic Versace Eros Pour Femme covers off Lemon, Bergamot, Jasmine, Peony, Sandalwood, Musk, and Woods.

• Aesop Marrakech Intense is as woody as it gets with Bergamot, Florals, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, and Clove.

These woody perfumes make a great go-to for winter.

Shop them here:

Gourmand Perfumes

Gourmand perfumes aren’t officially included in the Fragrances of the World fragrance wheel, but we just had to include this super-popular category.

Gourmand perfume notes usually smell sweet like Chocolate, Toffee, or Lollies, and feature fruity, floral, or amber notes.

• One of the most well-known and best gourmand EDP fragrances ever made is Lancôme La Vie Est Belle, which brings together Iris, Pear, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, and Patchouli.

• Another one of the best sweet gourmand perfumes around is HERMETICA Vaninight. The blend of Jasmine, Leather, Amber, Saffron, and Vanilla will always leave you wanting more.

Shop them here:

Et voilà! We hope this guide has given you good insight into the different perfume and fragrance types in terms of families.

So tell us: are you in the mood for a soft powdery perfume, a fresh powdery scented perfume, or an amber perfume today?

Need a bit of help finding your signature scent? Try our Fragrance Quiz.

Want more fragrance recommendations and tips? Check out these guides below...

• The 9 Best Unisex Perfumes and Fragrances

• 5 Best 'Men's Colognes" for Anyone Who Want to Make a Statement

• These Luxe Clean Hermetica Fragrances Are Unlike Anything We've Ever Smelt Before

• Smell Amazing All Year Long With the Best Seasonal Fragrances

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.