Fragrance Glossary
Look up fragrance terms including sillage, projection and perfume concentrations. Plain-language definitions explain the terms used in note lists and reviews.
Concentrations & Types
Fragrance formats and the labels used to describe them.
- AttarAttar can refer to a traditionally distilled fragrance or a perfume oil. Learn how the term is used, what sandalwood contributes, and which details to check.
- Eau de CologneEau de cologne can mean a concentration or a citrus-aromatic style. Learn how to read EDC on a label and distinguish it from the everyday word cologne.
- Eau de ParfumEau de parfum explained: what EDP tells you, how it differs from EDT and extrait, and why the label alone cannot tell you how long a fragrance will last.
- Eau de ToiletteEau de toilette explained: how EDT differs from eau de parfum, what concentration labels leave out, and what to compare when trying versions of a fragrance.
- Eau FraicheEau fraîche can describe a light format or appear in a perfume’s name. Learn why the words alone do not establish its concentration, alcohol content or wear.
- Extrait de ParfumExtrait de parfum explained: what the label means, how it differs from perfume oil, and why a concentrated fragrance may not project farther or last longer.
- Perfume OilPerfume oil can mean a wearable oil-based fragrance or a concentrate used in making perfume. Learn the difference, how oils are applied, and what labels reveal.
Notes & Structure
How a fragrance is built and how its notes unfold.
- AccordAn accord is a blend of materials that creates a scent effect. Learn how accords differ from notes and fragrance families, with clear examples from perfumery.
- Base NotesBase notes describe a perfume’s lasting background. Learn common examples, how the base differs from drydown, and why it can be noticeable from the start.
- Dry-DownDrydown is the later smell of a perfume as it settles and fades. Learn what to notice, how it relates to base notes, and why there is no fixed start time.
- Fragrance WheelA fragrance wheel arranges scent families to show relationships. Learn how to use it for sampling, why systems differ, and what neighboring groups can tell you.
- Heart NotesHeart notes give a perfume its central character. Learn what middle notes mean, how they overlap with the opening and base, and what to notice when sampling.
- LinearA linear fragrance keeps a similar character as it wears. Learn why linear does not mean simple, weak or low quality, and how to assess the scent yourself.
- Perfume NotesPerfume notes describe smells, not a full ingredient list. Learn how a note differs from an accord, what top, heart and base mean, and how to use note lists.
- Top NotesWhat are top notes in perfume? Learn how the opening creates a first impression, which scents often appear there, and why the layers overlap during wear.
Scent Descriptors
The words reviewers reach for to pin down a smell.
- AnimalicAnimalic describes scent effects associated with skin, fur or bodily warmth. Learn how it differs from musky or indolic and why it does not prove animal origin.
- BalsamicBalsamic perfume smells warm, sweet and resinous rather than vinegary. Learn how it differs from sugary sweetness, dry incense and the broader amber category.
- CreamyCreamy perfume feels smooth and rounded in its scent. Learn how creaminess differs from milky, powdery and sweet effects, with useful comparisons for sampling.
- EarthyEarthy perfume suggests soil, roots or damp ground. Learn how earthy differs from woody, mossy and smoky, and how to describe the particular effect you smell.
- FacetA facet is one recognizable aspect of a smell, such as a rose’s green or spicy side. Learn how it differs from a note, an accord and a material in the formula.
- IndolicIndolic describes a rich, sometimes animal-like floral smell. Learn its connection to indole, why dose matters, and how it differs from a simple jasmine note.
- LactonicLactonic describes creamy, milky or rounded fruity effects in perfume. Learn its link to lactones and why coconut, peach and milk impressions can overlap.
- LeatheryLeathery perfume suggests suede or treated leather, from soft and powdery to dry and smoky. Learn the main distinctions and why the note is usually an accord.
- OzonicOzonic describes an airy, cool freshness in perfume. Learn how it differs from aquatic, marine and green notes, and why the word does not mean bottled ozone.
- PowderyWhat powdery means in perfume: a soft, dry scent impression that can recall face powder, iris or violet. Learn how it differs from sweet and creamy notes.
- ResinousResinous perfume suggests aromatic resins, from fresh sap to incense and balsams. Learn how the term overlaps with smoky, balsamic and ambery scent effects.
- SmokySmoky perfume can suggest incense, charred wood or tobacco. Learn the differences between these effects and why a smoke note does not identify an ingredient.
Performance & Wear
How a scent behaves on skin and across the day.
- Beast ModeBeast mode is slang for unusually strong perfume performance. Learn how projection, sillage and longevity differ, and what a review should tell you first.
- BloomBloom describes a fragrance becoming more noticeable or expansive. Learn its use in perfume reviews and its technical meaning in shampoo and wash fragrances.
- LongevityLongevity means how long perfume stays detectable. Learn how to assess wear on skin, read community ratings, and separate lasting power from projection.
- Office-safeOffice-safe is an informal description of restrained perfume use. Understand its limits, shared-space etiquette and why workplace fragrance policies come first.
- ProjectionProjection is how far a perfume can be smelled from the wearer. Learn how to assess it and distinguish scent reach from sillage and total wear time on skin.
- Signature ScentA signature scent is a fragrance you wear often and associate with yourself. Learn how it differs from a scent wardrobe, a default perfume and personal taste.
- SillageSillage is the scent trail a perfume leaves as you move. Learn how it differs from projection and longevity, and how to compare it.
- Skin scentA skin scent stays close to the wearer. Learn how the term is used, why it does not mean short-lived, and why musk or concentration alone cannot predict it.
Families & Styles
The classic scent families and the styles they name.
- ChypreChypre is a perfume family built on contrast between freshness and a mossy, woody background. Learn the classic structure and how modern interpretations vary.
- FougèreFougère is a perfume family associated with lavender, hay-like sweetness and a mossy background. Learn its meaning, historical reference and modern variations.
- Fragrance familiesFragrance families group perfumes by their overall scent character. Learn how floral, woody and other styles help with discovery without becoming fixed recipes.
- SolifloreA soliflore perfume centers on one flower’s character. Learn why it can contain many materials and supporting notes, and how it differs from a floral bouquet.
Buying & Authenticity
Samples, bottle formats and the terms used when buying perfume.
- Blind BuyA blind buy is a perfume bought without smelling it first. Learn what the term includes, why note lists are limited and how samples can reduce uncertainty.
- Discovery setA perfume discovery set groups small samples for comparison. Learn how sets differ from decants and travel sizes, and what to check before using a voucher.
- FlankerA flanker is a related fragrance launched under an existing perfume name. Learn how it differs from reformulation, concentration changes and special packaging.
- Fragrance wardrobeA fragrance wardrobe is a selection of perfumes chosen for wearing. Learn how rotation, a default scent and a capsule wardrobe relate without a fixed count.
- Limited EditionA limited-edition perfume may change the scent, packaging or availability. Learn what to check before buying and why the label does not establish future value.
- ReformulationReformulation means a perfume formula has changed. Learn how it differs from discontinuation, and why batch codes or weaker wear cannot confirm a recipe change.
- SampleA perfume sample is a small amount for trying a fragrance. Compare manufacturer samples, decants and dab or spray vials, and check the version before buying.
- SplitA perfume split divides a bottle among several buyers. Learn how it differs from buying a decant and what to confirm about amounts, costs and fulfillment.
- VintageVintage perfume refers to an older bottle or production era. Learn how it differs from discontinued or reformulated perfume and what to check before buying.
Ingredients & Making
Fragrance materials and how perfume is made.
- AbsoluteAn absolute is a concentrated aromatic extract. Learn how it is made, how it differs from essential oil and concrete, and what the name tells you about scent.
- AldehydesAldehydes are a chemical class, while aldehydic describes a scent effect. Explore soapy and waxy facets, and misleading names such as strawberry aldehyde.
- AmbroxanAmbroxan is a woody, warm ambergris aroma material. Learn what ambroxide means, how it differs from an amber accord, and what a listed note can tell you.
- CaloneCalone is a synthetic marine aroma material with watery, floral facets. Learn how it contributes to aquatic perfumes and what a marine note can tell you.
- CashmeranCashmeran is a synthetic woody, musky aroma material with spicy and powdery facets. Understand its scent, its name, and how it differs from cashmere wood.
- CO2 extractionCO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide to recover aromatic material. Learn what select and total extracts mean and how the process differs from steam.
- ConcreteA perfume concrete is a fragrant waxy plant extract. Learn how it is made, why it is refined into an absolute, and how it differs from a wearable solid perfume.
- CoumarinCoumarin is an aroma compound associated with dry hay and tonka. Learn how it differs from vanilla, why fougères use it, and what an ingredient label means.
- DistillationDistillation separates aromatic materials using evaporation and condensation. Learn how steam and water methods produce essential oils and aromatic waters.
- EnfleurageEnfleurage captures flower scent in fat before further processing. Learn the difference between cold and warm methods, pomade and an enfleurage absolute.
- Essential OilAn essential oil is a botanical aromatic material defined by extraction method. Compare distillation, expression, absolutes and fragrance oils used in perfume.
- ExpressionExpression extracts aromatic oil mechanically from citrus peel. Learn how pressing differs from distillation and why expressed oil differs from fruit juice.
- FixativeA fixative supports a perfume’s lasting character. Learn how the term differs from base notes and preservatives, and why it cannot guarantee longer wear.
- GalaxolideGalaxolide is a synthetic musk also called HHCB. Learn its clean scent profile, the meaning of supplier dilutions, and how it differs from a white musk accord.
- HeadspaceHeadspace analysis samples the aroma around a flower or object. Learn how it guides perfume reconstruction and why a chemical reading is not a bottled extract.
- HedioneHedione is methyl dihydrojasmonate, a floral aroma material. Learn its jasmine-citrus character, what diffusion means, and how it differs from jasmine extract.
- HydrosolA hydrosol is aromatic water produced by distillation. Learn how it differs from essential oil and scented water, and what to check before choosing one for use.
- IFRAIFRA sets industry standards for fragrance ingredients. Learn how restrictions, safety assessments and certificates work, and how they differ from the law.
- IononeIonones are related aroma materials with violet, orris and woody facets. Learn how alpha and beta forms, methyl ionones and individual perception differ.
- Iso E SuperIso E Super is an IFF woody amber aroma material. Learn its smooth scent profile, how Molecule 01 uses it, and why a subtle impression is not a formula test.
- MacerationPerfume maceration is a manufacturing resting stage. Learn how it differs from aging a retail bottle and why waiting does not guarantee a stronger fragrance.
- ModifierA modifier adjusts the character of a perfume or accord. Learn how this role differs from a main theme or fixative, and why one material can do several jobs.
- OverdoseIn perfumery, an overdose means using a material unusually prominently. Learn how this creative term differs from concentration, overspraying and performance.
- PerfumerA perfumer composes fragrances from aromatic materials. Learn how the role differs from an evaluator or brand owner and what goes into developing a formula.
- Solvent extractionSolvent extraction separates aromatic compounds from raw materials. Learn how concretes and absolutes are produced and what the method does not guarantee.
- TinctureA fragrance tincture is made by steeping aromatic material in alcohol. Learn what remains in the liquid and how it differs from an absolute or finished perfume.
The Nose & Brain
How the nose and brain actually register scent.
- AnosmiaAnosmia means loss of smell. Learn how it differs from reduced smell and adaptation to a familiar perfume, and when a change in smell needs medical assessment.
- Olfactory FatigueOlfactory fatigue can make a familiar perfume harder to notice. Learn what adaptation means, what it cannot prove, and why reapplying is not always the answer.
- ParosmiaParosmia changes how a real odor smells. Learn how it differs from phantom smells and smell loss, why perfume can seem unfamiliar, and when to seek advice.
- PhantosmiaPhantosmia means perceiving an odor without an external source. Learn how it differs from parosmia and nose blindness, and why lasting changes merit assessment.
- Scent MemoryScent memory is a smell’s link to past experience. Explore odor-cued recall, Proust’s phenomenon, and why the same perfume can hold different personal meanings.