How To Use The Fragrance Wheel: Beginners Guide
What is the fragrance wheel method, and how do you use it?
If you want to know how to organize scents, pair them together, or know their characteristics, allow us to introduce you to the fragrance wheel.
In this beginners guide, we reveal the inner workings of the fragrance wheel method, and how to use it.
What does the fragrance wheel method do?
The fragrance wheel is a tool used by perfumers and fragrance companies to classify and organize fragrances according to their common characteristics. Developed by perfume expert and author Michael Edwards in 1983, the fragrance wheel consists of a circle divided into 12 segments, with each segment representing a different fragrance family or group.
The groups are:
- Floral: Fragrances that are predominantly floral in character, such as rose, jasmine, and violet.
- Oriental: Spicy and exotic fragrances, such as amber, vanilla, and patchouli.
- Woody: Woody and earthy fragrances, including cedar, sandalwood, and vetiver.
- Fougère: This group includes fragrances that are mossy and fern-like, such as lavender and coumarin.
- Citrus: Fresh and citrusy scents, such as lemon, orange, and bergamot.
- Green: This group includes fragrances that are fresh and green, including grass, foliage, and herbs.
- Aquatic: Scents that are fresh and aquatic, such as ocean, sea, and beach.
- Fruit: Fruity and sweet scents, such as apple, peach, and strawberry.
- Gourmand: This group includes scents that are edible and sweet like chocolate, vanilla, and caramel.
- Spicy: Fragrances that are spicy and warm like cinnamon, clove, and pepper.
- Leather: Leathery and animalistic fragrances like leather, tobacco, and musk.
- Chypre: Woody and mossy scents like oakmoss, patchouli, and vetiver.
The fragrance wheel is useful for perfumers and fragrance companies because it helps them to understand the common characteristics of different fragrances and to create new fragrances by combining different families or groups.
It’s also helpful for consumers because it allows them to understand and classify the fragrances they like, and to find new fragrances that may appeal to them based on their preferences.
How do you use the fragrance wheel?
To use the fragrance wheel, you can start by identifying the predominant scent notes in a fragrance. These are the main ingredients that give the fragrance its overall character. Once you’ve identified the predominant notes, you can use the fragrance wheel to determine which category and subcategory they belong to.
For example, if a fragrance has predominant floral notes, such as rose or jasmine, it would be classified as a floral fragrance and could be further described as a soft floral, a floral bouquet, or a floral oriental, depending on the specific notes and the proportions in which they are used.
By using the fragrance wheel, you can get a better understanding of a fragrance’s character and how it might fit into your personal fragrance wardrobe. You can also use it to help you select fragrances that have a particular type of scent note that you enjoy, or to mix and match fragrances to create your own unique scent.
Why should you use the fragrance wheel?
There are several reasons why you might want to use the fragrance wheel:
- To understand the character of a fragrance: The fragrance wheel can help you understand the predominant scent notes in a fragrance and how they contribute to its overall character.
- To select fragrances that match your preferences: By using the fragrance wheel, you can identify fragrances that have the types of notes that you enjoy and that are most compatible with your personal fragrance wardrobe.
- To mix and match fragrances: The fragrance wheel can also be a useful tool for mixing and layering fragrances to create your own unique scent. By understanding the predominant notes in different fragrances, you can choose scents that complement each other and create a harmonious blend.
- To communicate about fragrances: The fragrance wheel is a widely accepted and standardized tool used by fragrance professionals to describe and classify fragrances. By using the terms and categories on the fragrance wheel, you can more accurately and effectively communicate about fragrances with others.
Overall, the fragrance wheel is a useful tool for anyone interested in fragrances, whether you are a perfumer, a fragrance professional, or simply someone who enjoys experimenting with different scents.
What fragrances pair well according to the fragrance wheel?
There are no hard and fast rules for pairing fragrances according to the fragrance wheel, as personal preferences and individual chemistry play a significant role in determining what fragrances work well together.
However, here are a few general guidelines for pairing fragrances based on the categories on the fragrance wheel:
- Florals: Floral fragrances can be paired with other florals or with fresh and green aromas.
- Citrus: Citrus fragrances are often paired with fresh and aquatic scents or with floral fragrances.
- Spicy: Spicy fragrances can be paired with other spicy scents or with woody fragrances.
- Woody: Woody fragrances can be paired with woody or spicy fragrances.
- Fresh: Fresh fragrances can be paired with fresh scents or floral fragrances.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and the best way to determine if two fragrances will work well together is to test them on your skin.
Apply a small amount of each fragrance to your wrist or inner elbow and wait a few minutes for the scents to develop. This’ll give you a better idea of how the fragrances smell when combined and how well they complement each other.
How do you choose a fragrance with the fragrance wheel?
To choose a fragrance using the fragrance wheel, follow these steps:
- Determine your preferences: Consider the types of scents you enjoy and that work well with your personal fragrance wardrobe. Do you prefer fresh and clean scents, or do you enjoy warm and spicy fragrances?
- Identify the predominant scent notes: Look for fragrances that have the types of perfume notes that you enjoy. For example, if you prefer floral scents, look for fragrances that are classified as florals on the fragrance wheel.
- Consider the concentration and lasting power: Consider the concentration of the fragrance and how long it lasts on your skin. Eau de toilette fragrances are typically lighter and less concentrated than eau de parfum, and may not last as long.
- Test the fragrance: The best way to determine if a fragrance is right for you is to test it on your skin. Apply a small amount of the fragrance to your wrist or inner elbow and wait a few minutes for the scent to develop. That’ll give you a better idea of how the fragrance smells on your skin and how long it lasts.
- Consider the occasion and season: Think about the occasion and the season when selecting a fragrance. Some fragrances are more appropriate for formal occasions, while others are better suited for everyday wear. Similarly, certain fragrances may be more suitable for particular seasons, such as light and fresh scents for summer or warm and spicy fragrances for fall and winter.
Related FAQs
Where is vanilla on the fragrance wheel?
Vanilla is part of the Oriental fragrance family. Oriental fragrances are known for their spicy and exotic character, and vanilla is often used as a base note for these types of fragrances to add depth and warmth.
Vanilla is also sometimes classified as gourmand fragrances – edible and sweet scents – this includes chocolate and caramel aromas.
The classification of fragrances on the fragrance wheel can differ depending on the source. Some may classify vanilla as being part of the woody or spicy fragrance families instead of oriental or gourmand.
Classification is often a matter of interpretation and largely depends on the specific characteristics of a fragrance.
How is the fragrance wheel split up?
The fragrance wheel is split into 12 segments, with each segment representing a different fragrance family or group.
What are scent families?
Scent families refer to the classification of fragrances based on their dominant scent notes. There are several different scent families, including floral, citrus, woody, spicy, and oriental.
Fragrances can belong to more than one scent family as they often contain a blend of different scent notes. For example, a floral fragrance might also have spicy or woody notes, while a woody fragrance might have citrus or floral notes.
