Fragrance 101: Irresistible Oriental
The world of perfume can be a little bit intimidating, especially when you’re buying online. How can you tell whether you like a scent without testing it first? Navigating the intoxicating waters of fragrance sometimes takes a little research, so we’ve gathered everything you need to know in one series, in which we’ll introduce you to the different categories of perfumes, and help you discover the one that’s right for you.
For those who want to find a signature scent that’s rich and a little exotic, the oriental fragrance family offers a wealth of options. Defined by sensual mixes of herbs and spices, this family is often opulent and heady, occasionally featuring gourmand notes for a mouthwatering fragrance.
According to Jane Daly, beauty and fragrance consultant: ‘The term [oriental] is used primarily to describe perfumes with ingredients that were used in the very early days of perfume in ‘The Orient’, which was a historical term for… the Eastern World. It was about ingredients associated with that part of the world… spices like vanilla, cinnamon, coumarin, tonka bean, gum resins (frankincense, myrrh, labdanum, oud and sandalwood, as well as ingredients that approximate those ‘warm’ scents.’
What You Should Know About Oriental Fragrances
Here to Stay
The oriental fragrance family is one of the oldest there is - these timeless, rich scents are rooted in perfume’s history, and the core ingredients are the same today as they were at the beginning of fragrance creation. With ingredients like sandalwood, orris and vanilla, these perfumes are heavy on the base notes.
Because they tend to be quite potent, these fragrances are known for lingering on your skin for longer than the light and fresh scents associated with other families. If you’re looking for a grown-up statement scent that sticks around all day, it’s time to get up close and personal with the oriental fragrance family.
Warm for the Winter
When the days start to get shorter and your wardrobe changes from t-shirts to sweatshirts, your perfume should change, too. If you’ve been making the most of fruity and fresh scents all summer, you might want to give your signature scent a makeover for autumn and winter, too.
Because they tend to feature spicy, powdery notes, fragrances within the oriental family are typically associated with colder months. If you’re looking for a winter fragrance that will warm up any room you enter, you might want to look for an oriental perfume.
In the Family
This broad family of scents covers a wide range of balsams, resins and incense, but can be fairly easily broken down into a couple of subcategories:
Soft Oriental fragrances typically feature smooth incense and warm spices, offering a delicate but sensual experience.
Woody Oriental fragrances traditionally have a rich essence that’s encouraged by opulent woody notes like amber (typically for women’s fragrances) and sandalwood (more often used in men’s scents). Cedar also features often, providing a dry woody base for the powdery spices.
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It’s easy to understand why oriental fragrances are so popular, because they are so seductive and confident. These fragrances stand out for their blend of warmth and sensuality. If you’re looking for a scent that helps you feel more confident and sultry, explore our range of oriental scents today.