Find the scent that hits the right spot

OLFACTORY Fragrance shopping can be hard on the senses. First, you have the bottle-brandishing counter staff ready to spritz you as soon as you enter the shop. Then, you have to walk through a thick mist of pervading musks, flowers, spices and fruits, all leading you by the nose past row upon row and stack upon stack of scent bottles of different shapes, sizes and colours. Then, you have a platoon of determined sales assistants firing volley after volley of recommendations at you. Overpowered by this embarrassment of perfume riches, you may well leave the shop without the exact thing you were seeking, or, sadder, with no purchase at all.

Perfume is a very subjective thing. What is irresistible to one person could be repellent to another; what is feminine to some, could be cloyingly sweet to others.

An understanding of the differences between the olfactory families could help you sniff out a scent that hits the spot. In general, people tend to be drawn to just one or two olfactive families. A steady stream of new ingredients coming on the market means these families are constantly branching out into sub-categories. Once you have identified what you want, you can stay with the families you like.

Common olfactory families

Chypre This family is based on a woody, mossy, floral accord that can include leathery or fruity notes. Chypre perfumes have a rich, lingering scent. Citrus oils,

known to perfumers as 'hesperidia', are key ingredients in this family, which includes fresh water. Floral This large family encompasses fragrances with a flower or bouquet as the main theme. Oriental Warmth meets sensuality - musk, vanilla and precious woods are common ingredients, often with tropical flowers and/or spices added. Aromatic The key accord in this family is based on one or more aromatic herbs, such as sage or rosemary. Citrus Described as light and fresh, this family includes bergamot, orange, lemon, petit grain and tangerine. Woody and spicy accords are sometimes added. Woody Sandalwood, patchoulis, cedar and vetiver are common features in this family.