Do You Think You Know All The Types Of Perfumes? Spoiler-Alert: You Don’t

I believe that fragrances lean into a mood, and enhance your aesthetic. Nothing can wrap around your body like a scent-dipped elixir, and pack into each nook, corner, and crevice of your skin seductively. And there's something so artistic about handpicking a perfume for men according to the occasion — a warm, woody scent for a movie date; a floral, sensual one for a candle-light dinner; or a colourful, vibrant one for a night-out. There are so many types of perfumes. But before you build your fragrance-wardrobe, you need to know the different types of perfumes, and what they say about you. That’s what we’re breaking down today. Read on

Decoding The Types Of Perfume Fragrances

We’re speed-dating seven different perfume fragrance types today. Let’s see which one of the seven categories of perfumes you swipe right on.

Type 1: Floral

You know how Spotify curates the most romantic playlists ever? This is that — just bottled in a perfume. These scents are soft, romantic, and feminine — with muses in the form of sweet-smelling flowers like jasmine, roses, and lilies. They’re the broadest category of fragrances. Some can bring to you Japan during the season of blossoms, and others combine more notes than one — like a bouquet displaying different kinds of flowers. 

Type 2: Fruity

When Harry Styles was belting out the lyrics to his summer-favourite hit Watermelon Sugar High, we didn’t know he was propagating watermelons as a scent! Because that’s exactly what these scents encompass — the fruitiest of fragrances. These scents are reminiscent of fruits like peaches, raspberries, watermelon, and cherries. They’re mostly sweet — but depending on the other notes they’re infused with, they run the gamut from playful to spicy. 

MYGLAMM LIT XOXO FRAGRANCE - FLIRTY PERFUME -

This heart-shaped bottle holds an elixir that teases you with the scent of flowers and berries — before, slowly, nestling into your skin, and dissipating into subtler scents of bergamot, amber, and rose. 

Type 3: Citrus

Imagine biting into an orange — juicy, tangy, and tingly enough to awaken your taste-buds. Think about this taste as a scent. These scents are louder, bolder, and refreshing. They’re derived from oranges, lime, lemon, tangerine, and mandarin. They’re perfect for day-time wear, and are destined for the bubblier and livelier amongst us. 

See: MYGLAMM LIT XOXO FRAGRANCE - DREAMY PERFUME -

This citrus-scented perfume is enough to pump a little bit of freshness into the air — while peony and jasmine headline the perfume’s heart notes, patchouli and amber make the base. 

Type 4: Woody

This one conjures up images of a hut overlooking the woods — with the dewy, fresh petrichor emanating post-rainfall . This family of scents features aromas like sandalwood, pine, patchouli, vetiver, and cedarwood. If you’re looking for something earthy, warm and inviting, this is it for you. These aren’t feminine, and are generally categorized as gender-neutral.

See: MYGLAMM LIT XOXO FRAGRANCE - FEISTY PERFUME 

Do you like living life on the edge? Feisty is your match in that case. It’s composed of head-spinning scents like cypress and mahogany, and is enough to make you feel like you can do absolutely anything.

Type 5: Oriental

These scents are warm and sensual (tip: wear them to a dinner-date). They’re an assortment of heady, head-spinning scents like musk, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom spiked with traces of jasmine, orange blossom, and orchid. They can be spicy and floral, and are extremely luxurious and indulgent. 

See: MYGLAMM LIT XOXO FRAGRANCE - SASSY PERFUME 

Think about it — would your friends call you the sassiest of the group? Because, hey, we found you a match. This perfume is your soulmate. It’s an assortment of woody and earthy scents that draws people in, and surprises them with something new every time. 

Type 6: Spicy

This family is coveted for its ability to impart a quality of mysteriousness to its wearer. It’s interspersed with scents of pepper, cardamon, incense, ginger, clove, and more — and each of these exudes a different kind of scent. Cardamom is more of a cool spice, and has a mint-like freshness to it while clove is a warm spice, and is best paired with woody scents.

See: MYGLAMM LIT XOXO FRAGRANCE - SPICY PERFUME

This one’s perfect for a night-out with your gals. It’s spiked with spice, and rolls off your body in waves of seduction throughout the night. Its top notes are composed of lavender and lemon; black pepper and carnation make its heart notes; and leather and vetiver form the base. 

Type 7: Aquatic

This one makes you feel like you’re wading through the waters of Bali during summers. It’s subtle, fresh, and dewy, and doesn't emulate the excessiveness of floral and fruity notes. Perfect for the free-spirited dreamers, it brings half-forgotten memories to the surface — like a day spent sun-drenching on the beach with your family from when you were younger. This is an amazing type of cologne for beachy, sea-filled days.

You know what they say — you learn something new every day. Which type of perfume scent did you click with?

Categories Of Perfumes

The world of perfumes is a kaleidoscope of scents, each category offering a unique olfactory experience. From the lightest and most refreshing to the richest and most intense, there is a fragrance to suit every taste and occasion.

Parfum (or Extrait de Parfum)

Parfum, also known as Extrait de Parfum, is the most concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance. These precious elixirs contain the highest concentration of essential oils, typically ranging from 20% to 40%. Parfums are renowned for their rich, intense, and long-lasting scent trail, making them the ultimate indulgence for those seeking a truly captivating olfactory experience.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfum, or EDP, is a slightly less concentrated form of fragrance, boasting a higher concentration of essential oils than its lighter counterparts. Typically containing between 15% and 20% essential oils, Eau de Parfums strike a delicate balance between potency and subtlety, offering a long-lasting and memorable scent experience.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilette, or EDT, is a lighter and more refreshing fragrance option, containing between 5% and 15% essential oils. These scents are designed to provide a subtle and uplifting aroma that lingers for several hours. Eau de Toilettes are versatile and ideal for everyday wear, making them a popular choice for those seeking a delicate yet captivating scent.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne, or EDC, is a light and refreshing fragrance category that typically contains between 2% and 4% essential oils. These scents are known for their invigorating and energising qualities, often featuring citrusy or herbaceous notes. Eau de Colognes are perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing pick-me-up throughout the day.

Eau Fraîche

Eau Fraîche is a relatively new category of fragrances that offers a fresh and revitalizing scent experience. These scents contain a lower concentration of essential oils, typically around 3%, and are designed to provide a burst of freshness without being overpowering. Eau Fraîches are perfect for those seeking a light and uplifting scent for everyday wear.

Perfume Oil

Perfume oils, also known as solid perfumes or parfum concentré, are highly concentrated and long-lasting fragrance formulations. These oils typically contain a higher concentration of essential oils, ranging from 20% to 30%, and are often presented in a solid or semi-solid form. Perfume oils are renowned for their intense and long-lasting scent trail, making them a favourite among fragrance enthusiasts seeking a truly captivating olfactory experience.

Navigating Fragrance Notes

Beyond the categories of perfumes, there is another captivating aspect to explore – the intricate world of fragrance notes. Take a look at some of the most popular fragrance notes:

Top Notes

Top notes, also known as head notes, are the first scents that greet your senses upon initial application of a fragrance. These fleeting notes are often composed of light and volatile aromatic compounds, such as citrus, herbs, or green notes. Top notes set the initial impression and provide an inviting prelude to the fragrance's deeper layers.

Middle Notes

Middle notes, or heart notes, form the core of a fragrance's personality. These notes emerge shortly after the top notes dissipate and linger for a more extended period. Middle notes often consist of floral, spicy, or fruity accords, adding depth and complexity to the scent. They serve as the bridge between the top and base notes, harmonising the overall fragrance experience.

Base Notes

Base notes, also known as dry-down notes, are the foundation upon which a fragrance is built. These rich and long-lasting notes emerge gradually, revealing their true character over time. Base notes often consist of warm, woody, musky, or amber accords, providing a lasting impression and enhancing the fragrance's longevity.

You know what they say — you learn something new every day. Which type of perfume scent did you click with?

FAQ of Types of Perfume

How many types of perfume are there?

There are several categories of perfumes, each with its own concentration level and unique characteristics. The main types include Parfum (or Extrait de Parfum), Eau de Parfum (EDP), Eau de Toilette (EDT), Eau de Cologne (EDC), Eau Fraîche, and Perfume Oil.

What are the 4 levels of perfume?

The four main levels of perfume concentration are:

1. Parfum (or Extrait de Parfum): 20% - 40% concentration

2. Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15% - 20% concentration

3. Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5% - 15% concentration

4. Eau de Cologne (EDC): 2% - 4% concentration

What is 3 notes in perfume?

The three main notes in a perfume are:

1. Top Notes: The initial, fleeting notes that provide the first impression of the fragrance.

2. Middle Notes (Heart Notes): The core notes that form the heart of the fragrance and linger on the skin.

3. Base Notes: The deep, rich notes that anchor the fragrance and provide longevity.

What's the strongest type of perfume?

The strongest type of perfume is the Parfum (or Extrait de Parfum), with a concentration ranging from 20% to 40%. This category offers the most intense and long-lasting fragrance experience.

Also Read

1. Perfume V.S Deodorant: Sure — both are infused with scents that can make passersby do a double-take. But they don’t serve the same purpose — here’s what sets perfumes apart from deodorants.

2. Perfumes For Summer: We’re no hoarders of perfumes — but that isn't to say that we have no interest in selecting fragrances that are tailor-made for different occasions — summer being our muse in this case. So — here’s a line-up of perfumes that make you feel like you’re sun-drenching in Bali on a long weekend. 

3. How To Choose The Right Perfume: You know how you associate certain fragrances with specific people? A whiff of the scent, and you’re thinking of that person already. How do you do that for yourself? Find out. 

4. Mistakes That Ruin Your Perfume: From spritzing to storing, are you doing it right? Maybe not.

5. Best long lasting perfumes for women: Are you looking for something that will make you smell good? Here are the best perfumes for women to choose from.