Fragrances, like wine, can be classified into groups or families. The five main families are:

• Citrus
• Floral
• Aromatic/Fougere
• Oriental
• Woody/Mossy

Fragrance sub-groups include:

• Fresh/Fruity/Gourmand
• Green/Water
• Soft Floral/Soft Oriental
• Floral/Woody Oriental
• Mossy/Dry Woods

Most fragrances are created within a pyramid structure with top notes, middle notes or heart notes, with bottom known as base or drydown notes. Typical top notes include citrus, fruits, green leafy nuances, the middle notes usually consist the aromatic ingredients most commonly associated with perfumery: roses, jasmine, carnation. In Men's scents spices are often used. Base notes consist of elements that are long lasting: woods, resins, musk, patchouli, vanilla. It is better to wait until this stage before making any judgment about a scent.