Shay’s Guide to Fragrance Buying for Women

Fragrance buying for women is a bit less complex for women than it is for men and that is because the preferred scent of most women is floral, sweet, fresh or oriental. Woody scents are typically reserved for men. But in each fragrance family does exist hybrids that may seem a bit harder to pinpoint but learning the base, middle and top notes will help you pinpoint the fragrance family.

Fresh

For women this scent category can be either blue (aquatic or clean), yellow (citrusy) or green (grass, cucumber or herbs like mint). These scent choices are often worn in the summer to cut through heat and humidity.

Floral

Floral fragrances are really popular among women’s fragrance choices. These fragrances are usually described as flowery, bouquet, powdery, fruity. The most prominent notes tend to involve rose, lilac, orange blossom, lavender, gardenia. These scent choices are great for romantic occasions or even refined events that require a more delicate/light approach. These scents can be worn year-round and my top choice right now is Gingham Gorgeous 2023 Design because I have it on sale right now! It is described as floral and fruity with strawberries, peaches and peonies being the top, middle and base notes.

Oriental

Oriental fragrances are usually worn in the colder months and are usually described rich, deep and very seductive and are often accompanied by evening wear. The most prominent notes involve cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, resin, amber, honey, carnation.

Gourmand

Gourmand (pronounced “Gaw-Muhnd”) is a fragrance whose primary notes consist of foods you’d want to eat such as chocolate, vanilla, fruits and honey when it comes to women’s scents. Gourmand fragrances are also called “desserts for the nose” because they are sweet and delicious, and you can be gluttonous without the calorie consumption. Bone appetite. Not all gourmand fragrances are sweet though because they can be made to be like a bitter chocolate or blended with something like musk or a woody scent to make it much deeper. Listed right now is an amazing Iced Lemon Poundcake and it is on sale now!