6 Key Words in Fragrance
Articulate the Evocotive
A foamy wave from the ocean cleanses your spirit. A newborn baby plucks an ancient string in your being. Sautéed mirepoix wraps you up in a blanket of memories. Scents shape our emotional landscapes and connect us to the eternal and exquisite, and the world of fragrance is rich in words whose meaning lends us the ability to communicate the sublime.
Here are a few favorites to stimulate and inspire, whether it’s at the Macy’s counter or recreating a passing stranger’s impression.
SILLAGE
A French word for “wake,” or “trail,” the classic definition refers to the waves left behind by a boat. I am fond of a description I encountered of a hunting dog following the scent trail of its prey in the woods. This word refers to the detectable trail of scent left behind by a fragrance wearer. For the perfect sillage, try Le Labo’s Rose 31.
ACCORD
The sum is greater than the whole of its parts. Similar to the word “chord” used in music, this refers to the aroma created by individual ingredients combined to create a symphonious harmony. For a lofty, beautiful accord, try Black Orchid by Tom Ford.
VETIVER
A perennial grass sourced from different parts of the world such as East India, Haiti and Southeast Asia. The extract from this ingredient produces many complex notes ranging from woody, earthy, and verdant to smoky and warm. This is a storied and complex perfumery ingredient still widely treasured today.
FOUGÈRE
Another French word, another “green” descriptor. Translated to mean “fern-like,” this is a family of fragrances often containing lavender, oakmoss, vetiver and coumarin. The fragrance world is broken down in differing ways by certain schools of thought, and is always evolving with societal aesthetics, ingredient sourcing and production techniques. For approachable sophistication, try: Frank Los Angeles No. 2.
EXTRAIT
You may have heard of an “Eau de Parfum,” which means “perfume water.” Parfum Extrait contains a higher percentage concentration of oils, usually between 20 and 40%. This results in an intense, high-quality product with a high price tag to match.
DRY-DOWN
The process by which a fragrance projects evolving notes as it settles into the skin. In order from the time of application, these are called the top notes, heart notes and base notes.
2 big takeaways:
Every fragrance behaves differently on the unique skin of each individual.
The notes of a fragrance after the first spray significantly change over time.
From fun gifts to personal fragrance journeys, let curiosity and instinct guide your way at
