Perfume Notes & Scent Families Explained: A Beginner's Guide

Short answer: Every perfume is built from top notes (the first impression), heart notes (the main character) and base notes (the long-lasting dry-down). Those notes group into scent families — fresh, floral, woody, spicy, gourmand and aquatic — and knowing your family is the fastest way to find fragrances you'll love.

The three layers: top, heart and base notes

Top notes are what you smell first — bright, light and fleeting (citrus, herbs, fruit). Heart notes emerge as the top fades and define the scent (florals, spices). Base notes are the foundation that lasts for hours (woods, amber, musk, vanilla). A perfume's longevity comes mostly from its base.

The main scent families

Fresh & Citrus — zesty, clean, energising; great for daytime and summer.

Floral — romantic and pretty; rose, jasmine, orange blossom.

Woody & Earthy — warm, dry, sophisticated; sandalwood, cedar, oud.

Warm & Spicy (Oriental) — rich and cosy; cinnamon, amber, leather.

Gourmand — sweet and edible; vanilla, coffee, caramel, cherry.

Aquatic & Marine — cool, watery and fresh.

How to find your family

Think about scents you already love — a coffee-and-vanilla candle points to gourmand; a fresh-laundry smell points to clean woody-musk. Start there, then explore the matching family.

Find your scent

Browse by what you love: women's, men's and unisex designer-inspired fragrances from £4.95 — every one vegan and UK-made.