A paragon of freshness: Violet leaves give to fragrances a watery freshness likened to cucumbers or cut grass. Quite dissimilar to the scent of violet flowers, violet leaves possess intensely green nuances with subtler floral notes.

A wintry scent of warmth and wonder. A unique combination of warm, fresh, spicy facets intermingle in a charming scent that is mostly used to add hints of spiciness to complex accords. Its soft, aromatic facets add an air of charm to Eaux de Cologne and Eaux de toilettes for men, as well as a myriad of ambery fragrances. Nutmeg is one of the warmest, coziest spices in perfume. It has all the presence of coriander, saffron, and cardamom, with none of their waxy heat. Instead, nutmeg has a round, dry, welcoming warmth that plays well with other spices and adds depth to bright citrus scents. It’s approachable texture makes it an easy note to identify and enjoy if you’re just now getting into aromatic fragrances. Nutmeg’s crisp yet casual appeal is a fantastic springboard into spicier scents, and it will display its charms best in the fall months, and on into winter.

Vetiver is a profoundly earthy note with dry, woody facets that recall a soft, smoky warmth. It is an intense, grounding scent with surprising undertones of mildew and even grapefruit. For the perfume fan that loves the earthy smell of the woods, nothing beats vetiver. Vetiver is grass whose roots create a smoky, mossy, mineral scent when distilled. It is one of the most complex ingredients found in fragrance, with over 150 separate aromatic compounds, and it also acts as one of the best fixatives available to perfumers, which accounts for its frequent presence in fragrance. There’s also nothing quite like the scent of vetiver. It’s both immediate and ancient, with a similar smell to the soft earth of virgin forests.

Lavender is one of the oldest, and most common perfume ingredients in the world. It’s gentlemanly, scrubbed, soapy/powdery feel is a staple of men’s colognes. Lavender has a slightly spicy edge as well, which makes it a universally blendable note in perfume. It can add a clean edge to aromatic or animalic scents, and deepen zesty citrus notes with its subtle, herbal facets. But most of all, lavender is associated with fresh, clean, pure, old-school elegance. It’s well-heeled sophistication is appropriate for any time of year, and it makes an excellent choice for either sex to wear casually or formally.