Sweet and strong, gourmand and bitter, soft, spicy and warm, with some animalic facets. Vanilla is one of the most popular and sought-after notes in perfume. It’s simple, spicy, sweetness is a powerful aphrodisiac, and it blends wonderfully with any other note. The range of vanilla accents is deep, ranging from light, filigreed frosting to plush, heavy, smoky syrup. It’s natural spiciness allows vanilla to pair well with not only other sweet, dessert notes but also exotic additions like suede, patchouli, yuzu, or litchee fruit, gardenia and tuberose. What’s best about vanilla perfumes is that they are always appropriate no matter the season, and transition instantly from light day wear to ultra-sensual late-night looks. Vanilla perfumes are a must in any collection, and the variety available will allow years of happy sampling. For those seeking the finest, spiciest style in vanilla scent - start by trying Madagascar vanilla first.

A deep, rich, dense and sickly-sweet scent with warm, buttery tones. Caramel is often used as a base note to define fragrances with a sensual heat that lingers. Most often used in women’s perfumes, caramel adds a sweetness to delicate floral compositions and enriches gourmand fragrances. Caramel adds a luxurious, sweet, velvety tone to any fragrance. It pairs well with wood and fruit notes, and can take spicy scents in a fun, dessert-style direction. Caramel is also a note you can wear day or night. It adds an unexpected, flirtatious feel to a floral perfume, or add a dash of sensual interest to an aromatic, citrusy cologne. Caramel also lends a smooth edge to resinous fragrances, and blends perfectly with other foodie notes like coffee, chocolate, vanilla, etc.

Heady and suave, orange blossom is an utterly bewitching scent. Flittering floral facets recall notes of jasmine—honeyed and sweet. Its citrus twist melts seamlessly in floral accords and adds a sparkle to fruity notes like apricot. The oil distilled from orange blossoms is considered an aphrodisiac, and the blossom itself has been a bridal symbol for many years. Orange blossoms are native to Southeast Asia, and grown all over the world - as well as being the state flower of Florida in the U.S. Orange blossom has a powdery, orange-citrusy, and very plush scent, like powdery orange suede. It is often used in fruity floral perfumes along with jasmine, rose, and other heavier floral notes. It’s part citrus, part floral scent is ideal in hotter weather, but tends to dissipate quickly in colder months.

The floral scent of blossoms meets the delicious tang of citrus fruit in an intoxicating celebration of fragrance. Neroli is particularly powerful—as the most fragrant of citrus flowers. It sparkles as a top note with an utter freshness that is mellowed only by its subtle sweetness.