Perfumes and their olfactory families

Choosing a perfume means first knowing which aromatic families they are divided into. Here is a brief introduction.

• Woody: Dominated by woody notes like cedar, sandalwood, and vetiver, this family is popular in men's perfumes. They smell like the forest, like wet earth. They tend to be unsurprising, although they never fail to adapt to any situation. You smell like a manly, clean man. Nothing more, nothing less.

• Citrus: This family includes lemon, orange and bergamot aromas. It is perfect for men who prefer light and energizing fragrances, perfect for daytime and warm climates. Its positive point is freshness. The negative point is that they do not last long and you have to reapply them if you want to keep the fresh touch. Those who love them, use them continuously. Those who hate them, say that they smell like floor cleaner.

• Aromatic: Combines herbs and spices such as lavender, rosemary, and mint, creating fresh and clean fragrances. It is a versatile option that adapts well to any occasion, and is common in sports-style perfumes. They are classic like woody ones, although fresher... most perfumes associated with the sea tend to be from this family.

• Oriental: Exotic notes such as vanilla, amber and spices, it is warm, sensual and long-lasting. It is ideal for men who are looking for an intense and enveloping fragrance, perfect for the evening or special events. Use only a small amount as they tend to be strong and last for hours.

• Fougère: This means "fern" and curiously has no scent. The first perfume was created by Paul Parquet for the Houbigant firm, he called it "Fougère Royale" and it is still sold and smells delicious. These are green perfumes, which smell like forests like woody ones, although in a more subjective way: you are not able to identify the realistic smells of any specific wood or leaf, but rather they are compositions that evoke an imaginary forest. It is a traditional option although it exudes elegance and refinement.

• Florals: Contrary to what you might think, florals are also masculine and many men choose perfumes that include iris, neroli or rose. Flowers are often combined with citrus to create more fluid and fresh aromas.