Ultimate Guide to Perfumes: Everything You Need to Know

“My first memory of a nostalgic fragrance is the scent of dhoopbatti in our family’s pooja room, filling the house with a sense of peace and home.”

“My favorite nostalgic smell? That unmistakable Old Spice—my dad’s barber-shop scent during our haircut outings.”

“I’ll never forget the earthy aroma of the first raindrops on dry land, a smell that seems to rejuvenate the earth itself.”

“There’s something about the fresh ocean breeze at sunset. Somehow, I can smell a sunset—it’s odd, I know, but true.”

“I’m a simple man. My favorite scent takes me back to college days, sitting with my friends in a closed room, sharing stories over drinks.”

These vivid memories, shared by our team, are a testament of our emotional connection wwe all have with fragrances. A Scent is far more than a mix of ingredients—it’s a carefully crafted story, designed to evoke memories, emotions, and experiences.

Master Perfume makers like Alberto Morillas and Diptyque exemplify this art. For example; 

• Morillas, a master perfumer, draws inspiration from nature’s smallest details, weaving them into complex fragrances that tell stories of far-off lands or cherished moments.

• Diptyque, with its artistic roots, often uses visual and sensory cues—an image, a feeling, or a place—to create their iconic scents, each capturing a distinct narrative.

So allow us to take you on this delightful journey—a blend of science and artistry, passion and precision. Full disclosure: our founder might have nagged us (just a bit) to add a sprinkle of science amidst the poetic musings. We may have protested, but in the end, we thought, Why not?

This guide is our love letter to perfumes—crafted with care, humor, and a pinch of nerdiness. Ready to dive nose-first into the enchanting world of scents?

Let’s jump in, shall we?

Perfume Notes

Every perfume is a story told in three acts: Top Notes, Middle Notes, and Base Notes—collectively forming the "three-tier pyramid" of scent composition. Let’s dive into this fragrant symphony, keeping it simple and relatable, with a sprinkle of wit and charm!

1. Top Notes: The Opening Scene

• Your first impression: bright, fresh, and fleeting.

• Lasts: 5–15 minutes.

• Examples: Citrus, lavender, peppermint, basil, and blood orange.

Think of top notes as the pick-up line of a perfume. They’re bold and attention-grabbing but don’t linger for long. Their lighter molecular structure makes them fly off your skin faster than you can say "citrus splash."

2. Middle Notes: The Heart of the Story

• The main character: rounded, full-bodied, and harmonious.

• Lasts: 20–60 minutes.

• Examples: Rose, jasmine, neroli, cardamom, and geranium.

Middle notes, also called heart notes, are the soul of the scent. They’re what you smell when the opening scene fades, and they create the perfume's essence. These notes stay longer and make you go, "Ah, now this is the real deal."

Middle Notes Across Brands

3. Base Notes: The Final Bow

• The lingering essence: rich, deep, and long-lasting.

• Lasts: 6+ hours.

• Examples: Musk, sandalwood, vanilla, oud, and tonka bean.

Base notes are like that friend who shows up late but stays the longest, quietly holding everything together. They add depth and are often the scents people remember most about you.

Types of Perfumes: Understanding Fragrance Concentrations

Perfumes come in different types based on the concentration of fragrance oils used in their formulation. The concentration not only affects the intensity of the scent but also its longevity and ideal use. Here's a breakdown of the main types of perfumes:

1. Parfum (Extrait de Parfum)

• Concentration: 15-40% fragrance oils

• Longevity: Lasts 6-8 hours or more

• Ideal Use: Perfect for special occasions or premium fragrances when you want long-lasting elegance.

• Characteristics: Parfum contains the highest concentration of fragrance oils, making it richer, more intense, and longer-lasting. Its formulation also makes it less volatile, ideal for a long day or evening events.

2. Eau de Parfum (EDP)

• Concentration: 15-20% fragrance oils

• Longevity: Lasts 4-6 hours

• Ideal Use: Suitable for everyday wear or a night out.

• Characteristics: Eau de Parfum strikes the perfect balance between strength and subtlety. It offers lasting wear without being overpowering, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.

3. Eau de Toilette (EDT)

• Concentration: 5-15% fragrance oils

• Longevity: Lasts 2-4 hours

• Ideal Use: Great for daytime or office use.

• Characteristics: Eau de Toilette is lighter and more refreshing, perfect for warm climates or when you need a fragrance that doesn't linger too long. It's the ideal choice for casual, everyday use.

4. Eau de Cologne (EDC)

• Concentration: 2-4% fragrance oils

• Longevity: Lasts 1-2 hours

• Ideal Use: Best for quick refreshment or casual, short-term use.

• Characteristics: With its low concentration of fragrance oils, Eau de Cologne is light, crisp, and often citrus-based. It’s more affordable but needs frequent reapplication.

5. Eau Fraîche: 

• Concentration: 1-2% fragrance oils

• Longevity: Lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour

• The lightest of all, with minimal fragrance oils, giving a delicate scent for short-term use.

By choosing the right type of perfume based on your needs and budget, you can ensure a delightful olfactory experience that matches your style and the occasion.

 

Perfume Families Simplified

Floral Notes

• Characteristics: Romantic, delicate, and timeless. Think of a bouquet in a bottle.

• Relatable Example: Wearing a floral perfume is like receiving flowers without the awkward “thank-you” card.

• Top Notes: Rose, jasmine, peony, tuberose.

• Top Picks:

1. Chanel No. 5 – The queen of florals.

2. Dior J’adore – Elegance in a bottle.

3. Skinn by Titan Nude (Indian) – Subtle and sophisticated.

4. Gucci Bloom – A garden party vibe.

5. Lancome La Vie Est Belle – Sweet floral charm.

Oriental Notes

• Characteristics: Warm, spicy, and alluring. It’s the fragrance equivalent of a midnight mystery novel.

• Relatable Example: Wearing this feels like walking into a room and owning it—dramatic flair included.

• Top Notes: Amber, incense, vanilla, cinnamon.

• Top Picks:

1. Tom Ford Black Orchid – Bold and mysterious.

2. Byredo Bal d’Afrique – A cult favorite.

3. Ajmal Amber Wood (Indian) – Rich and luxurious.

4. YSL Opium – The ultimate seduction.

5. Prada Amber – Subtle sophistication.

Woody Notes

• Characteristics: Earthy, grounded, and comforting. It’s like a forest adventure without the bugs.

• Relatable Example: Wearing woody notes is like having a cozy campfire vibe wherever you go.

• Top Notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, vetiver.

• Top Picks:

1. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt – A woody coastal dream.

2. Gucci Guilty Absolute – For the bold spirit.

3. Forest Essentials Nargis (Indian) – A subtle woody hint.

4. Creed Bois du Portugal – Luxuriously crafted.

5. Versace Oud Noir – Exotic woodiness.

Fresh Notes

• Characteristics: Light, citrusy, and energizing. The perfect pick-me-up.

• Relatable Example: It’s like sipping lemonade on a hot day—refreshing and zesty!

• Top Notes: Citrus, aquatic, green leaves.

• Top Picks:

1. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue – A Mediterranean vibe.

2. Davidoff Cool Water – Aquatic freshness.

3. Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte – Classic citrus charm.

4. Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey – A crisp aquatic classic.

Musky Notes

• Characteristics: Deep, sensual, and slightly mysterious. The ultimate “come closer” vibe.

• Relatable Example: Wearing musk is like draping a silk scarf—luxurious, understated, and effortlessly cool.

• Top Notes: White musk, synthetic musk.

• Top Picks:

1. Narciso Rodriguez For Her – A classic modern musk.

2. Kiehl’s Musk – Clean and timeless.

3. The Body Shop White Musk – Soft and romantic.

4. Juliette Has a Gun – Not a Perfume – Minimalist chic.

Chart of Perfume Families

 

How Perfumes are Made - Your cue to dive into Perfumery! 

In India, perfumery is blossoming into an art form, a hobby that’s as much about creativity as it is about personal expression.

And in fact; not to brag half our team call themself as newbie perfumers! Well we mean what’s the harm in creating our office smelling like flower garden? Jokes apart; we are seeing a recent trand in Indians diving nose-first into the fascinating world of fragrances, eager to explore what it takes to create a scent that’s truly their own.

If you're one of them—or simply curious about how perfumes are made—you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down step by step. Consider this a quick guide to get you started on your perfumery journey.

Perfume Raw Materials

Creating a fragrance starts with sourcing the right materials, and they come in two forms:

• Natural Ingredients: These include roses, jasmine, citrus fruits, spices like cinnamon and clove, and woods like sandalwood and cedar. Think of these as nature's aromatic gifts.

• Synthetic Compounds: Modern perfumery leans on synthetic molecules to create unique scents, ensure consistency, and promote sustainability. These are the unsung heroes behind many iconic fragrances.

Perfume Creating: The 6 Essential Steps

1. Get Your Tools Ready

• First things first: invest in a precision scale (a small 0.01g scale is perfect for beginners). Drops might sound easy, but they’re wildly inconsistent. Accuracy is the name of the game here.

• Gather basics like scent strips, small glass bottles, and perfumer’s alcohol.

2. Source High-Quality Ingredients

• Look for trusted suppliers of natural extracts and synthetic molecules.

• Beginner-friendly options: start with pre-diluted sets that simplify blending.

• Storage tip: Keep your ingredients cool—literally. A fridge works wonders for longevity.

3. Create Your Fragrance Brief

• Visualize your scent. Do you want it floral, woody, or fresh?

• Think about the mood or memory you want to capture. Maybe it’s a walk through a dewy forest or the zestiness of fresh lime on a sunny day.

4. Write and Measure Your Formula

• Break down your perfume into:

• Top Notes: Bright, fleeting (citrus, green).

• Heart Notes: The soul of your perfume (floral, spice).

• Base Notes: Long-lasting foundation (woody, musky).

• Write everything down for consistency—this is your aromatic blueprint.

5. Blend and Test

• Mix your ingredients, give the bottle a gentle shake, and test it on scent strips. Smelling directly from the bottle can overwhelm your senses.

6. Dilute for Perfection

• Use perfumer’s alcohol to dilute. Start with 10% (e.g., 1g ingredient + 9g alcohol).

• For strong ingredients like oud, dilute further to 1% to keep them from overpowering the mix.

Maceration and Experimenting

Let us warn you, this is where patience pays off. Let your blend rest for 24 hours (or more). This process helps the ingredients harmonize and improves the fragrance’s depth.

This will give you the first set of understanding of how your scent will portray. For proper maceration; perfume need to be kept ideal for 4-6 weeks. 

Finally we will end this part by saying :  Keep tweaking. Adjust the balance of your ingredients until your creation feels just right. Remember, this is where science meets art, so let your intuition guide you.

And don’t worry, if this is something that interest you even further; this is just the tip of the perfumery iceberg. To fully understand the nuances of how perfumes are made, check out our in-depth blog. It’s packed with insights, detailed steps, and expert tips to take your fragrance-making skills to the next level.

 

Conclusion

Perfumes are more than just scents—they’re an extension of your personal identity, a way to express who you are without saying a word. Whether you’re drawn to fresh citrus, bold woods, or soft florals, exploring the type of perfume fragrances that resonate with you can be transformative. 

Use a fragrance chart or shop perfumes by notes to discover your signature scent. 

Curious about the difference between perfume and scent or the art of blending fragrance perfume ingredients? Dive into the world of fragrances and let your unique story unfold. It's time to make a fragrance that symbolizes you.