Today, fragrance books are readily found on the bookshelves of bookstores in Eugene, OR. Authors have written about the history of perfume and its evolution from natural and organic materials to synthetic fragrances. Some have even penned novels and biographies around the famous and infamous individuals, past and present, who have been or are still involved in the world of scents.
Types of Fragrance Families
Fragrance books vary in their methods and audiences. Some may focus on material directed at beginners; others direct their information to those more advanced in the field. However, one topic the two approaches have in common is understanding the different categories of scents. This is the key to creating a specific fragrance.
Perfumers agree there are four main types of fragrance families. These are:
- Floral: These scents conjure up the smell of fresh-cut flowers. They use roses, jasmine flowers and orange blossoms
- Woody: This earthy and aromatic warm scent comes from using wood-based materials such as cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, amber and vetiver
- Oriental: To create this scent requires the spicy, exotic notes of anise, orchid, cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla
- Fresh: These scents are “fresh” i.e., refreshing, zesty, and vibrant in character. They may consist of lemon, bergamot rosemary, lavender, basil and mandarin
Subfamilies
Fragrance books in Eugene OR usually list the subfamilies within these groups e.g., mossy woods, dry oriental. The characteristics of the fragrance families and subfamilies are the basis upon which a fragrance is created. The notes are used separately or blended to produce a unique perfume.
