The Seven Scent Families
Perfumers group fragrances into families based on their main notes. This quiz uses seven:
| Family | Personality | Example notes |
|---|---|---|
| Floral | Romantic and graceful | Rose, jasmine, peony |
| Fresh and Aquatic | Clean and calm | Sea salt, cucumber, lotus |
| Citrus | Bright and energetic | Bergamot, lemon, grapefruit |
| Woody | Grounded and sophisticated | Sandalwood, cedar, vetiver |
| Amber and Spice | Mysterious and rich | Amber, incense, saffron |
| Gourmand | Sweet and cosy | Vanilla, tonka bean, caramel |
| Green | Natural and easy-going | Fig leaf, cut grass, green tea |
Fragrance expert Michael Edwards popularised a “fragrance wheel” to map these families and how they blend. The family once called “oriental” is now often called “amber”.
How The Quiz Works
Ten questions ask about your ideal day, desserts, drinks and style. Each answer adds points to one or two families, and your bars show your full fragrance profile. Many people love two neighbouring families, such as woody and amber.
Why Scent Feels So Personal
- Memory: smell signals travel to brain areas linked with emotion and memory, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, which is why a scent can bring back a moment instantly.
- Skin chemistry: the same perfume can smell different on different people.
- Culture: popular scents vary around the world; oud, for example, is especially loved in the Middle East.
Tips For Testing Your Scent Family
- Test on skin, not just paper strips. Wait at least 20 minutes for the heart notes to develop.
- Try no more than three at a time, or your nose gets tired.
- Smell coffee beans or your own skin between tests to reset.
- Consider the season: fresh and citrus scents suit summer; amber and gourmand suit winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scent family?
A group of fragrances that share main notes, such as floral or woody.
Can I wear scents from different families?
Of course. Many people switch with mood and season.
What are top, heart and base notes?
Top notes are what you smell first, heart notes form the main character and base notes linger longest.
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Try what season are you or what flower am I.
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Just for fun. Not perfumery advice.