Though you may love a wide range of scents, most of us have a specific scent family that we naturally gravitate to. You may notice it even when you’re out in nature or catch the scent of a friend’s perfume — there’s a certain type of scent that just instantly strikes a chord.
Narrowing down the scent category you love can save a lot of time and energy. When it comes to our scents, it’ll also point you in the direction of the scent you’d most enjoy.
Within the world of fragrance, there are thought to be as many as 14 scent families. Within those families, there are four essential categories.
We like to keep things simple, so we’ve distilled this process down to create four pinnacle scents that fall squarely into each category, so there’s a beautiful, versatile scent offering for every favorite.
BOLD
Do you enjoy scents that are warm, grounding and a little sultry? Maybe even a touch “SLAM” (Smells Like a Man)? Muskier scents balanced out with light notes of berries and spices are your jam.
Skylar Match: ARROW
Spicy. Warm. Seductive.
“Sexy, woody, a smidge SLAM.”
ANATOMY OF ARROW:
Base notes: labdanum flower, patchouli, vanilla, rose
Why you’ll love it: ARROW has breadth and depth featuring an array of grounding notes that easily make it the most seductive. Ambery-scented labdanum flowers, sweet vanilla, and earthy patchouli create the perfect foundation for sultry scent that’s light enough to wear all day.
Top notes: jasmine, neroli flower
Why you’ll love it: A touch citrus-y and flowery, these top notes add dimension and lightness to a deeper scent. They’re what take ARROW from all “base” to just a hint of sweetness.
All notes:
- Black Currant
- Anjou Pear
- Schinus Molle
- Neroli Flower
- Midnight Jasmine
- Warm Labdanum
- Patchouli Haze
- Sweet Tonka
- Vanilla Bean
FRESH
You can’t get enough of a morning sea breeze, or the clean scent in the air after a summer storm. If you love these water scents, you’ll naturally gravitate to the fresh scent category.
Skylar Match: ISLE
Clean. Dewy. Fresh.
“Like a long walk on the beach.”
ANATOMY OF ISLE:
Base note: sandalwood
Why you’ll love it: Sandalwood is the go-to grounding, nourishing scent. Blended with lighter top notes, it’s balanced and calming, without being too heavy.
Top notes: bergamot, cardamom
Why you’ll love it: Both cardamom and bergamot are subtle, slightly spicy, and very uplifting. They have way of instantly waking you up, but without the jolt.
All notes:
- Bergamot
- Orange Mist
- Fresh Quince
- Cardamom
- Peony Caress
- Ginger Root
- Sandalwood
- Subtle Musk
FRUITY
Think juicy, bright and delectable. Usually marked by citrus-y, bright fruits and crisp green apple or pears that evoke a bright feeling of renewal.
If you love Spring and Summer months and bright fruity tones, this is for you.
Skylar Match: CORAL
Fruity. Floral. Flirty.
“Springtime, personified.”
ANATOMY OF CORAL:
Base notes: patchouli, sandalwood
Why you’ll love it: Patchouli creates an earthy quality that’s also a natural aphrodisiac (yes, really!). Though it can be misclassified as the ultimate hippy scent, patchouli mixed with other grounding notes like sandalwood makes the perfect counterpart to bright fruit scents.
Top notes: black currant, mandarin, grapefruit
Why you’ll love it: Citrusy, fruity goodness awakens the senses and instantly elevates your mood. Balanced with two grounding notes, it’s incredibly versatile and never sharp or overly acidic.
All notes:
- Radiant Mandarin
- Pink Grapefruit
- Apple Blossom
- Tuberose
- Lily Petals
- Golden Mimosa
- Blooming Rose
- Patchouli
- Amber Glow
FLORAL
Is one of your favorite places a garden with fresh flowers? Often, those who love floral scents are soft spirits, who enjoy long walks in nature and an afternoon with a good book. If you’re drawn to gardenias, geraniums, and white roses, floral is for you.
Skylar match: MEADOW
Floral. Elegant. Beautiful.
“Like fresh cut flowers.”
ANATOMY OF MEADOW:
Base notes: rose, patchouli
Why you’ll love it: Patchouli’s earthy notes blend with rose to create a soft, nurturing foundation. As a base that already contains floral notes, it blends seamlessly with lighter floral notes for a rounded, flowery scent.
Top notes: tuberose, baie rose (pink peppercorn)
Why you’ll love it: Sweet, subtle, and feminine, these flowers are known for their light, ephemeral quality. Much as you love your grandma, you don’t need to smell like her!
All notes:
- Bright Lime
- Orange Blossom
- Ethereal Tuberose
- White Rose
- Delicate Peony
- Gardenia
- Geranium Leaves
- Labdanum
- Patchouli Leaf
Curious what scent would fit your personality? Try our Scent Quiz for fresh perspective.
