FLORAL PERFUMES

Floral perfume centres on notes inspired by flowers, such as rose, jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, violet, peony or iris. A fragrance may focus on one flower or combine several notes into a bouquet, with fruit, woods, musk or spice shaping the finished scent.

No. Iris, violet and certain musks can create a powdery effect, but floral fragrances can also feel fresh, green, creamy, fruity or rich. Look at the surrounding notes to understand the overall character. Fresh or green notes often make florals feel airier, while woods and musk can add depth.

Start with a flower you already enjoy, then consider what it is paired with. Rose with fruity notes may feel juicy, jasmine with woods can feel richer and orange blossom with fresh notes may feel brighter. Try fragrance samples to experience how each composition develops on your skin.

Yes. Pair two floral scents for a fuller bouquet or add contrast with citrus, woods, musk or spice. Begin with a light application so neither fragrance overwhelms the other. Our guide to layering fragrances has more advice.