This is the largest family, characterized by the predominance of heady flower notes. They may focus on one single flower, or may be a combination of many. These perfumes are generally known to be good for general daytime wear and for summer evenings.

Aldehydes give perfumes a distinctly individual fragrance. Aldehydes were first used in Chanel no 5, and they have typified French fragrances. They amplify the top notes and bring a champagne sparkle to a fragrance. Other examples include Lanvin's Arpege, Mme Rochas, Je Reviens by Worth, Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent, and L'Interdit by Givenchy. These perfumes are very sophisticated and modern, and are wearable all year round.

Green florals have the general fragrance of grasses and green plant parts. They tend to be a sharper type of perfume. They can be found in perfumes such as Vent Vert by Balmain, Fidji by Guy Laroche, Givenchy III, Ivoire by Balmain and Gio by Armani.

Calyx by Prescriptives, Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden, Diamonds and Sapphires by Elizabeth Taylor, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Escape by Calvin Klein.

Anais Anais by Cacharel, Flore by Caroline Herrera, Eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake.

Woody florals have woody base notes. Examples of these are Chanel No 19, Safari by Ralph Lauren, White Linen by Estee Lauder.

Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden, Gardenia Passion by Annick Goutal, Eau Cuivree by Montana.

The Oriental family of perfumes are also sometimes referred to as "Amber". These perfumes have a strong, musky, spicy and exotic scent. They have a heavy sweetness obtained from sandlewood, musk and vanilla. Classic orientals are Shalimar, Samsara by Guerlain, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, and Youth Dew by Estee Lauder. These perfumes are most suitable for evening wear.

Florientals have the oriental scent, but also are also flowery and have a lighter scent. These include Joop! By Joop!, Panthere by Cartier, and Spellbound by Estee Lauder. These perfumes can be appropriate for summer and daytime wear.

Spicy Orientals became popular in the 1990's, and are rich in culinary spices. These include Comme des Garcons, Angel by Thierry Mugler, Feminite du Bois by Shiseido, and Old Spice.

Fruity Florientals include Poison by Dior, and Casmir by Chopard.

Fruity Orientals include Roma by Laura Biagiotti, and Moschino.

Animal Orientals include Obsession by Calvin Klein, and Egoiste by Chanel

Sweet Orientals include Must de Cartier, and Donna Karan

Chypres is a highly original group that is based on contrasts between bergamot-type top notes and mossy base notes. Chypres perfumes tend to be strong, spicy and powdery. This perfume group was named after the famous perfume from Cyprus of Roman Times. It is used primarily for women, and is appropriate for both day and evening wear, especially during winter.

Animal chypres has animal and sometimes leather base notes. These perfumes include Cabochard by Madame Gres, Cuir de Russie by Chanel, Scandal by Lanvin, Jolie Madame by Balmain, Polo by Ralph Lauren and Insense by Givenchy.

Floral Chypres perfumes include Crepe de Chine by Millot, Ma Griffe by Carven, Montana, Knowing by Estee Lauder.

Fruity Chypres perfumes include Mitsouko by Guerlain, Femme by Rochas, Champagne by Yves Saint Laurent.

Sweet Chypres perfumes include Shocking by Schiaparelli, Intimate by Revlon, Aromatics Elixir by Clinique.

Fresh Chypres perfumes include Diorella by Dior, Eau Parfumee by Bulgari, CK1 By Calvin Klein, Eau Sauvage by Dior, Fahrenheit by Dior.

Green Chypres perfumes include Charlie by Revlon, Alliage by Estee Lauder, Boucheron Pour Homme.

Fougere is the French word for Fern. Although ferns have no noticeable scent, the name depicts a fresh, erotic, woodland scent. They generally have a herbal, lavender, mossy scent These perfumes are a mainly in the masculine family.

Floral Fougere perfumes include Canoe by Dana, Wrappings by Clinique, Parfum d'Ete by Kenzo and Givenchy III.

Leather Fougere perfumes have leather, tobacco and animal accents. Examples of these perfumes are Minotaure by Paloma Picasso, Brut by Faberge, Tabac Blond by Caron.

Woody Fougere perfumes include Tuscany by Aramis, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme, and Dunhill Edition.

Spicy Fougere perfumes include Alliage by Estee Lauder, Jules by Dior, and Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent.

Fresh Fougeres have citrus notes. These perfumes include Eau d'Hadrien by Annick Goutal, O de Lancome, and English Lavender by Yardley.

Green Fougeres perfumes include Cool Water by Davidoff, and Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche.

Ozonic fragrances are a new category. They have a watery, limpid feeling with a humble beginning and a feeling of freshness. Examples of these perfumes are New West by Aramis, Dune by Dior, Eden by Cacherel and Escape by Calvin Klein.