Have you ever seen a review or simply tried a fragrance, only to find notes that make sense to you, but you just can't quite decipher?
The world of perfumery goes far beyond the floral, citrus, or woody notes we're accustomed to. There are many less common notes that make a perfume a sensorial journey.
In this post, you'll learn about some of these types of notes that seem to fit outside the traditional olfactory families and that enrich the olfactory experience.
What are lactonic notes?
The term "lactonic" comes from the Latin lac , meaning "milk." In perfumery, these notes represent aromas that mimic the texture of milk: soft, velvety, and comforting. When the notes are fuller-bodied and have a sweet touch, they are referred to as "creamy."
Although these types of aromas remind us of the simplicity of a glass of milk, they can be reinterpreted in more abstract and sophisticated ways.
How lactonic notes are created
Lactonic notes are not extracted directly from milk, but are obtained through materials such as:
- Sandalwood: Provides a milky and woody softness.
- Vanilla: Its warm sweetness complements creamy textures.
- White Musk: Adds a clean, velvety dimension, similar to the feeling of a “second skin.”
The sensory impact of lactonic fragrances
Lactonic fragrances aren't just limited to a gentle scent; they also evoke deep memories and emotions. Some examples include perfumes that capture:
- The essence of whipped cream with fruit.
- The warmth of rice pudding.
- The minimalism of a creamy sandalwood.
These compositions reflect not only the skill of a perfumer, but also their ability to evoke shared memories in an intimate and universal way.
What are solar fragrances?
Solar fragrances are a tribute to the warmth and light of the sun, transformed into olfactory experiences that capture moments when everything looks vibrant and full of life.
The term “solar” in perfumery does not refer to the literal smell of the sun, but to the emotional and sensory response it inspires.
How are solar notes created?
Solar fragrances often include combinations of materials that evoke warmth and brightness:
- Tiare flower, coconut and ylang-ylang: They reproduce the sensation of sun lotions and tropical beaches.
- Amber, vanilla and benzoin: They provide a warm and enveloping sweetness.
- Musky and woody notes: Recreate the sensation of golden skin under the sun.
The sensory impact of solar fragrances
Solar fragrances are perfect for those who want to carry a spark of summer with them all year round, as they evoke images such as:
- Warm skin on a day outdoors.
- The golden reflections of the “Golden Hour” at sunset.
- The enveloping sensation of summer.
Wearing a solar fragrance is like wearing a ray of sunshine on your skin. On cold days, they provide a touch of summer that gives a feeling of joy and optimism. On warm days, they enhance the connection with that bright environment, giving us a certain vitality.
What are ozonic notes ?
The term ozonic comes from ozone, that layer of the atmosphere we associate with a feeling of purity and freshness. In perfumery, it's used to describe scents whose aromatic palette can range from marine freshness to the crystal-clear clarity of alpine air.
How are ozonic notes created?
Ozonic notes don't usually come from natural ingredients, but from synthetic molecules developed by perfume chemists. These compounds replicate the characteristics of clean air and aquatic sensations, such as:
- Marine and saline aromas: Reminiscent of the ocean and waves breaking on the coast.
- Green and aquatic touches: Inspired by calm lakes or dewy forests.
- Woody and earthy elements: To create the atmosphere of snowy mountains or natural landscapes.
The sensory impact of ozonic notes
Wearing an ozonic fragrance often brings back memories of fresh air before a storm, a sea breeze on the beach, or fog on a mountain:
- Mental Revitalization: These fragrances offer a calming freshness that clears the mind.
- Connection with nature: From paradisiacal beaches to hidden lagoons, ozonic notes transport you to places of serenity.
- Feeling of clarity: In everyday activities, they evoke peace and well-being.
Their light, fresh, and marine character makes them a key element for those seeking revitalizing and peaceful fragrances.
What are resinous and balsamic notes?
Resinous notes come from substances extracted from trees and plants, such as myrrh, frankincense, benzoin, and labdanum. These resins, originally liquid, solidify upon contact with air, releasing rich and complex aromas that have been valued since ancient civilizations for their distinct nuances and their ability to bind other aromas.
Resinous and balsamic notes are essential in the creation of oriental, amber, and gourmand perfumes. Their versatility allows them to be combined with other ingredients to enrich and balance compositions. Furthermore, as base notes, They act as fixatives, providing longevity and depth to the perfume.
How are resinous and balsamic notes created?
These types of notes come from natural ingredients or are created from them. Some of the most commonly used are:
- Incense: With a mystical, smoky and slightly spicy aroma.
- Myrrh: Rich, dark and deeply balsamic.
- Benzoin: Sweet, vanilla-like and comforting.
- Labdanum: Intense, with animalic and amber touches.
The sensory impact of resinous and balsamic notes
These dense, captivating and complex fragrances create a multi-sensory experience:
- Warmth and depth: They are perfect for autumn and winter, evoking a feeling of comfort and protection.
- Sophisticated sensuality: Its sweet and spicy character adds an exotic and enigmatic touch.
- Timeless Richness: These notes have the ability to transform a fragrance into something lasting and memorable, with a touch of artisanal luxury.
Conclusion
Understanding and including these less common notes when searching for new fragrances can make the difference between a perfume you like and one you love.
These olfactory notes invite the wearer to explore emotions and memories, not only for those who wear them but also for those who interact with them, leaving a lasting impression on the memories of those around them.