Did you know that, initially, perfumes were designed to help hide unpleasant odors? Nowadays, their purpose is totally different. A good perfume provides the finishing touch for any outfit, be it one worn during the day or at a nighttime event.
The choice of a certain type of perfume can also be a personality statement. Last but not least, different types of perfumes are used at different moments during the day.
Do you know when to wear different types of perfume? For example, if a floral, fruity perfume is an amazing choice for a lunch meeting, while a strong, oriental one is definitely appropriate for a late night cocktail party.
Take a look at some of the different types of perfumes out there and decide which scent is the one that appeals to you most!
Different Types of Perfumes: Floral
Floral perfumes are the most popular kind out there. The reason is that they are subtle enough and pleasantly scented to be worn at every possible occasion, at every moment of the day.
More often than not, floral perfumes include either one kind of flower or a blend of a bouquet of flowers. Some of the most popular are rose, lavender and gardenia, in different combos. Go for a floral perfume when you’re in a romantic mood.
Popular floral perfumes: Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf | Chanel No 5
Different Types of Perfume: Fruity
Fruity perfumes are also very popular and are usually chosen by outgoing, lively women. This type of perfume doesn’t usually come as such, meaning that it is made of a combo of aromas – fruits and flowers, as well.
Let yourself invaded by the sweet scent of mango, berry, apple, peach and other great fruity aromas when attending a romantic dinner or a gathering with your best friends.
A word of caution, though: fruity perfumes tend to be overwhelming. Spritz a tiny amount on your neck and rub your wrists – and that’ll do!
Popular fruity perfumes: Escada Cherry In The Air | Estee Lauder Pleasures Bloom
Different Types of Perfume Smells: Citrus
Citrus are definitely powerful perfumes! Made of special combos of orange, lemon and other citrus aromas, these perfumes are suitable for daytime events, especially those happening in the morning, as they offer energy and freshness.
You may even opt for a citrus perfume when going out for a jog, if you fancy putting on this kind of ‘accessory’ when exercising! When it comes to other events, you should know that a fun meeting with your friends is the perfect time to wear a citrus perfume.
Popular citrus perfumes: Hermes Eau de Pamplemousse | Eau de Cartier
Different Types of Perfumes: Oriental
Oriental perfumes are strong and opulent, as they make you think of the rich, lush and exotic Orient. These feminine scents are great for nighttime events, precisely because they are intense, exotic and feminine.
More often than not, oriental perfumes include notes of musk and amber that combine into a spicy formula meant to make you stand out at special occasions. As it is quite strong, apply an oriental perfume sparingly to make sure you get the desired effect.
Popular oriental perfumes: Dior Hypnotic Poison | Alien by Thierry Mugler
Different Types of Perfume: Oceanic
Oceanic perfumes didn’t exist before Christian Dior introduced them in 1991. They are fresh, lightweight and pure and make you think of a day spent near a flowing, clear water or by the ocean.
Oceanic perfumes are subtle, yet invigorating, so they can turn out to be great choices for job interviews and client meetings, or whenever you want to make a good, lasting impression. Dare to wear an oceanic perfume when meeting the parents for the first time as well!
Usually, oceanic perfumes are a mix of citrus and spice and are quite masculine.
Popular oceanic perfumes: Michael Kors Island | L’Eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake
Different Types of Perfume Smells: Woody
Step away from the clear water and enter the woods! Woody perfumes make you think of the fresh scent of cedars, pines and sandalwood, and are usually unisex.
Woody fragrances make great choices for the office, as well as for any other business environment. Wear them during the day, but also at work-related events taking place at twilight.
Popular woody perfumes: Max Mara Kashmina | Balmain Ambre Gris
Other types of perfumes you may want to be aware of are fougere, green and spicy.