Scent is personal. The marketing is not.

Bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, neroli

Bright and short-lived. Useful in heat or as a daytime lift. Often reads cleaner and more immediate than heavier families.

Galbanum, violet leaf, fig leaf, tomato leaf

Crisp and vegetal. A good bridge between citrus and wood, especially if you want something fresh without a sweet edge.

Rose, jasmine, iris, orange blossom

A huge family, from sheer and soapy to dense and narcotic. The flower and its concentration matter more than the label.

Cedar, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli

Dry, textured, and often long-lasting. Vetiver is earthier; sandalwood is creamier; cedar is sharper.

Labdanum, benzoin, vanilla, tonka

Warm, rounded, and persistent. A little can travel far; test on skin rather than paper for the full arc.

Clean musk, skin musk, ambrette

Often used as a base to make a composition feel closer to skin. Some people stop smelling it quickly; others notice it for hours.

Birch tar, saffron, tobacco, incense

Darker and more assertive. These notes can read elegant or heavy depending on dosage and the rest of the composition.

Calone, sea salt, marine accords

Open and airy, often with a melon or salt effect. Test in humidity; aquatic notes can expand on warm skin.