Decoding fragrances: what's your scent profile

Spin the fragrance wheel

The fragrance wheel is a system of classifying different types of perfume created by fragrance expert Michael Edwards in 1992, which itself was based on past versions going back to the early 1900s. It breaks down the universe of scents into distinct categories to help consumers pick their corner. Largely generic, this wheel is an excellent starting point for those trying to figure out which perfume can be the most authentic extension of their personality. 

There are four main categories based on perfume notes—Floral, Amber, Woody and Fresh. They can be further broken down into specific scents (jasmine, sandalwood, vetiver, etc,) to help create your scent profile. Each fragrance is a mix of top, heart and base notes. Top notes are what create the first impression when you spray a fragrance, the heart, which sets in a few minutes later, is what makes it a little surprising and complex (it’s not just rose, it’s rose and cinnamon), and the base notes are those that linger on, that define the memories you will forever associate with the scent.  

Read on about the different fragrance families can be used for your overall mental well-being.  

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Category: Floral

Vibe: I can buy myself flowers 

Some of the best women’s perfumes are powered by floral notes—think cascades of jasmine, tuberose, rose, gardenia, peonies and orange blossom. Today, you will also find floral perfumes such as mogra and lotus that are inherently Indian but have universal appeal. Depending on how they’re mixed, they can be powdery, heady, fresh, creamy, and even fruity. These floral notes are known to be immediate mood lifters, improving emotional health, helping with stress and anxiety, increasing energy levels and evoking a cheerful disposition. With their irresistibly feminine aroma, they are also real crowd-pleasers, especially as gifts and for date nights. 

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Category: Amber

Vibe: Beautiful stranger

This category, originally named oriental because of the derivation of most of the ingredients sourced from eastern nations, stands for sweet, warm and rich notes. Spices and herbs mixed with soft florals, deep earthy notes of patchouli and sandalwood, or the complex sensuality of vanilla and chocolate have made Amber fragrances incredibly popular, even among men’s perfumes. This fragrance family, used in the east for healing and meditation, has a fantastical flair, making it decadent, sensual, and ideal for a night out.  

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Category: Woody

Vibe: Dark horse

This fragrance family has emerged as one of the most popular categories today. It’s traditionally been among the best perfumes for men, but you now see women also taking their pick from among aromatic vetivers, oakmoss, oudh and leather. These might not be up everyone’s alley—the scents are strong and almost animalistic in nature, but often tempered with softer edges of vanilla and amber. Regardless of how divisive this category might be, it’s the one that is known to create the most lasting impression. Woody scents bring about a sense of stability, tranquillity, and strength, leaving you feeling grounded and at home.  

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Category: Fresh

Vibe: So fresh, so cool

While many might consider fresh fragrances to be a safe bet, the latest iterations are incredibly sexy and versatile—herby, fruity, citrusy, and aquatic. Think beachy getaways and zesty afternoons soaking in the sun, sand and sea as well as warm, rainy evenings on a grassy field. These light, clean, natural scents do exactly what their name suggests – leave you feeling fresh and uplifted.  

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