Fragrance Notes Guide

Discover Every Scent. Design Your Perfect Blend.

Choosing the right fragrance notes is the heart of creating your own luxury scent. Whether you’re building a private label perfume or designing a signature scent for your brand, this guide will help you explore every note, grouped by scent families — with expert descriptions and suggested pairings to help you get it right.

💡 Tip: A great fragrance often balances different scent families. Mix a few from different categories for depth, harmony, and uniqueness.

How to Use This Guide

Browse grouped scent notes with their descriptions
View recommended pairings and blending tips
Use this guide before selecting your 6–8 notes during checkout
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A Note on Creativity and Balance

While our fragrance families and pairing suggestions are here to inspire you, they are not rules. Perfume creation is as much about intuition and personality as it is about structure. Some of the most unique and memorable scents come from unexpected combinations. We encourage you to experiment — mix floral with smoky woods, or layer zesty citrus with a soft musk. Whether you stick to traditional pairings or craft something entirely your own, your custom fragrance should reflect you.

And don’t worry — our expert team will ensure your final blend is wearable, well-balanced, and beautifully layered, no matter which notes you select.

Floral

Note	Description	Suggested Pairings
Lily	Sweet, heavy, ultra-feminine	Rose, iris, jasmine, vanilla
Mexican Tuberose	Intensely floral, sweet, honey-like	Ylang Ylang, vanilla, almond
White Jasmine	Intense, honeyed, slightly fruity	Bergamot, sandalwood, rose
Damascene Rose	Warm, soft, romantic rose petal scent	Amber, musk, oud
Florentine Iris	Powdery, elegant, violet-like	Vetiver, vanilla, suede
Venice Violet	Delicate, floral, powdery-sweet	Rose, violet leaf, musk
Japanese Cherry Blossom	Strong, floral, distinct from fruit blossom	Green tea, citrus, white musk
Lily of the Valley	Fresh, floral, sweet	Apple blossom, grapefruit, jasmine
Orchid	Elegant, exotic, intense floral aroma	Ylang Ylang, musk, amber
Almond Blossom	Mild, sweet, calming springlike floral	Cherry blossom, vanilla, musk
Geranium	Floral with lemon-like lift	Lavender, citrus, woods
Apple Blossom	Soft floral, slightly fruity, delicate	Green apple, violet, lily

Fruity & Tropical

Note	Description	Suggested Pairings
Almond Blossom	A very mild and sweet scent with a springlike character. Inspiring and calming.	Pairs well with lily, white tea, and powdery notes.
Apple Blossom	Fresh floral scent with a light touch, far from the typical apple smell. Reminiscent of violets and lily.	Complements violet, lily of the valley, and green apple.
Damascene Rose	Warm, soft and gentle scent of full rose petals. Infatuating and unmistakable.	Ideal with oud, vanilla, and musky accords.
Florentine Iris	Bright, powdery floral scent reminiscent of violet. Elegant and romantic.	Blends well with violet leaf, suede, and white musk.
Geranium	Deliciously floral with a hint of lemon. Uplifting, relaxing and calming.	Good with bergamot, green tea, and lavender.
Japanese Cherry Blossom	Intense flowery scent distinct from the fruit.	Works beautifully with orchid, white musk, and citrus notes.
Lily	Stunning, sweet and heavy scent. Perfect femininity with an alluring aura.	Combines well with jasmine, vanilla, and fruity notes.
Lily of the Valley	Flowery fresh and intensely sweet. Delicate and enchanting.	Matches nicely with apple blossom, iris, and green florals.
Mexican Tuberose	Flowery and sweet, reminiscent of honey and ylang ylang.	Harmonises with sandalwood, jasmine, and oriental florals.
Orchid	Intense floral fragrance. Graceful, elegant, and sensual.	Great with cherry blossom, vanilla, and soft musks.
Venice Violet	Delicate floral with a lovely-sweet and powdery touch.	Works with iris, violet leaf, and almond blossom.
White Jasmine	Wonderful sweet smell, intense and honeyed with fruity-herbaceous undertones.	Ideal with sandalwood, tropical fruits, and vanilla.

Citrus & Herbal Notes

Note	Description	Suggested Pairings
Andalusian Orange	Fruity and fresh with a sweet, warm, slightly spicy aroma.	Calabrian Bergamot, Pink Grapefruit, Green Tea, Tonka Bean
Calabrian Bergamot	Clear and fresh fragrance, reminiscent of lemon.	Provence Lavender, White Tea, Sicilian Lemon, Neroli
Geranium	Deliciously floral with a hint of lemon. Uplifting and calming.	Lavender, Damascene Rose, Green Tea, Violet Leaf
Green Mint	Sporty, refreshing, with a spicy kick. Invigorating and stimulating.	Green Apple, Tangerine, Black Currant, Pink Grapefruit
Green Tea	Tender, fresh, and subtle. Delicate and soothing.	White Tea, Bergamot, Jasmine, Honeydew Melon
Natural Herbages	Reminiscent of freshly cut grass in a summer meadow.	Fougère, Violet Leaf, Green Tea, Ocean Aqua
Pink Grapefruit	Sparkling fresh and energising.	Raspberry, Green Mint, Cassis Blossom, White Tea
Provence Lavender	Spicy-floral, calming, with the essence of purple fields of Provence.	Bergamot, Fougère, White Musk, Tonka Bean
Sicily Lemon	Clear, fruity, refreshing. Invigorates and enhances concentration.	Green Mint, Bergamot, Tangerine, White Tea

Marine & Fresh

Note	Family	Description	Suggested Pairings
Ocean Aqua	Marine	The epitome of freshness and lightness. The sparkling, aquatic note invigorates the mind and body.	Pairs well with citrus, mint, white musk, and light woods.
White Tea	Fresh / Herbal	A subtle, tender fragrance considered luxurious and calming.	Combines beautifully with jasmine, citrus, green tea, and soft spices.
Green Tea	Fresh / Herbal	A nice, delicate, and refreshing scent. Said to have a positive effect on the body and mind.	Great with citrus, white florals, fig, or mint for an energising effect.

Woody & Balsamic Notes

Note	Family	Description	Suggested Pairings
Agarwood (Oud)	Woody & Balsamic	Incredibly seductive, smoky balsamic fragrance with deep and earthy aroma.	Excellent with rose, amber, incense, vanilla, and spicy notes.
Blue Cedarwood	Woody	Aromatic wood scent with a tart, velvety and warm character.	Works well with citrus, sandalwood, spices, and leather accords.
Cashmere Wood	Woody & Musky	Soft, smooth, and spicy with a luxurious and timeless elegance.	Pairs nicely with florals, vanilla, suede, or white musk.
Havana Tobacco	Woody & Balsamic	Aromatic scent of freshly balsamic-cured tobacco with mossy aroma.	Blends beautifully with tonka bean, vanilla, leather, and patchouli.
Indian Patchouli	Woody & Earthy	Sweet, earthy and woody — extremely mysterious and seductive.	Commonly used with incense, rose, amber, and musky notes.
Sandalwood	Woody	Warm, velvety, woody and balsamic with sweet, milky undertones.	Classic with florals, amber, vanilla, or spicy accords.
Suede	Woody / Leathery	Distinctive, with soft smoky and animalic notes.	Excellent with musk, amber, cashmere wood, and florals like rose or violet.
Tobacco Leaf	Woody & Balsamic	Warm, rich and slightly sweet, with earthy and smoky nuances.	Pairs beautifully with vanilla, tonka bean, oud, or spices.
Vetiver	Woody & Earthy	Sweet and tart with a smoky-earthy character that is grounding and relaxing.	Blends well with citrus, lavender, tobacco, and peppery notes.

Earthy & Herbal Notes

Note	Family	Description	Suggested Pairings
Fougère	Earthy & Herbal	A classic fresh green scent with lavender, hay, and mossy undertones.	Works well with citrus, lavender, and woods.
Green Mint	Earthy & Herbal	Sporty and refreshing with a spicy herbal kick.	Combines well with citrus, violet leaf, and aquatic notes.
Indian Patchouli	Earthy & Herbal	Sweet, earthy, woody, and mysterious; deeply grounding and seductive.	Great with amber, musk, rose, and sandalwood.
Natural Herbages	Earthy & Herbal	Smells like freshly cut grass on a summer day; crisp and natural.	Lovely with green apple, mint, and white tea.
Provence Lavender	Earthy & Herbal	Spicy-floral and calming; reminiscent of the lavender fields of Provence.	Pairs with bergamot, fougère accords, and woods.
Vetiver	Earthy & Herbal	Woody and smoky with a sweet-earthy quality; deeply relaxing and grounding.	Blends beautifully with citrus, patchouli, and musks.
Violet Leaf	Earthy & Herbal	Intense green aroma with subtle floral nuances.	Pairs well with mint, green apple, and cedar. (Also listed under Floral due to overlap.)

Earthy & Herbal Notes

Note	Family	Description	Suggested Pairings
Fougère	Earthy & Herbal	A classic fresh green scent with lavender, hay, and mossy undertones.	Works well with citrus, lavender, and woods.
Green Mint	Earthy & Herbal	Sporty and refreshing with a spicy herbal kick.	Combines well with citrus, violet leaf, and aquatic notes.
Indian Patchouli	Earthy & Herbal	Sweet, earthy, woody, and mysterious; deeply grounding and seductive.	Great with amber, musk, rose, and sandalwood.
Natural Herbages	Earthy & Herbal	Smells like freshly cut grass on a summer day; crisp and natural.	Lovely with green apple, mint, and white tea.
Provence Lavender	Earthy & Herbal	Spicy-floral and calming; reminiscent of the lavender fields of Provence.	Pairs with bergamot, fougère accords, and woods.
Vetiver	Earthy & Herbal	Woody and smoky with a sweet-earthy quality; deeply relaxing and grounding.	Blends beautifully with citrus, patchouli, and musks.
Violet Leaf	Earthy & Herbal	Intense green aroma with subtle floral nuances.	Pairs well with mint, green apple, and cedar. (Also listed under Floral due to overlap.)

Gourmand & Sweet Notes

Note	Family	Description	Suggested Pairings
Bourbon Vanilla	Gourmand & Sweet	Balmy, warm, sweet, and soothing. A comforting and rich scent that balances many blends.	Perfect with tonka bean, tobacco, patchouli, and florals.
French Almond	Gourmand & Sweet	Warm almond scent, reminiscent of marzipan; soft and cosy.	Works well with cherry, vanilla, amber, and floral notes.
Honeydew Melon	Gourmand & Sweet	Fruity-sweet and juicy; evokes freshness and summer vibes.	Lovely with coconut, pineapple, and citrus notes.
Raspberry	Gourmand & Sweet	Very sweet and light with sun-ripened red fruit notes.	Pairs well with rose, musk, and soft florals.
Sweet Osmanthus	Gourmand & Sweet	Exotic, sweet, and fruity — reminiscent of ripe peaches.	Works with green tea, jasmine, and tropical notes.
Tropical Pineapple	Gourmand & Sweet	Intense, fruity-sweet and fresh; energising and tropical.	Blends with coconut, tangerine, and florals.
Green Apple	Gourmand & Sweet	Crisp, refreshing, and tangy; gives a youthful burst of freshness.	Excellent with mint, aquatic, or white floral notes.
Black Currant	Gourmand & Sweet	Dark and sweet with a sensual edge; deeply fruity and creative.	Works with rose, musk, or amber.
Caribbean Coconut	Gourmand & Sweet	Creamy, tropical, and sun-drenched; reminiscent of beachside holidays.	Perfect with pineapple, vanilla, and white florals.

Oriental & Spicy Notes

Note	Family	Description	Suggested Pairings
Oriental Ambergris	Oriental & Spicy	Sweet and slightly balsamic with warm, woody, dry, and earthy undertones.	Blends well with musk, oud, tonka bean, and patchouli.
Oriental Spice	Oriental & Spicy	A warm, exotic blend of aromatic spices; soothing and enveloping.	Works beautifully with amber, sandalwood, and floral notes.
Tobacco Leaf	Oriental & Spicy	Rich, warm, and slightly sweet with smoky, earthy undertones.	Pairs perfectly with vanilla, oud, tonka bean, and amber.
Ylang Ylang	Oriental & Spicy	Exotic and floral with sweet, slightly spicy feminine tones.	Great with jasmine, sandalwood, or fruity notes.
Asian Lotus	Oriental & Spicy	Warm, spicy, and floral with an exotic, symbolic femininity.	Matches well with amber, citrus, and musk.
Tonka Bean	Oriental & Spicy	Warm, soft, and sweet — reminiscent of vanilla and almond with a spicy edge.	Blends with tobacco, vanilla, and balsamic or woody notes.
Indian Patchouli	Oriental & Spicy	Sweet, earthy, and woody with a seductive mystery.	Complements rose, sandalwood, and amber perfectly.
Damascene Rose	Oriental & Spicy	Warm and soft with deep floral richness — classic and romantic.	Pairs with oud, amber, and vanilla.
Ambroxan	Oriental & Spicy	A dry, ambergris-like note — warm, musky, and mineral with exceptional longevity.	Found in modern perfumes; elevates florals, citrus, and woods.