1. Citrus

Citrus is an incredibly popular scent in perfumes and colognes – that is, colognes for women and men. It’s one of the few scents that lends itself well to both sexes, at least as a topmost note. It gives both a sharp, stringent scent that’s really refreshing. The perfume or cologne with a strong citrus note probably isn’t going to be too overpowering – and will smell delicious.

2. Ginger

Ginger is another up and coming scent profile. It’s very sharp and one of a kind – and, again, can smell quite scrumptious! The perfume or cologne containing ginger is likely to have a very evocative, Oriental kind of overall feel – and smell. It may be heavy, but if the scents are mingled correctly, that won’t be a problem.

3. Patchouli

I’ll be honest, I’m not really a huge fan of patchouli – unless it’s in cologne. Although it shows up in some perfumes, this scent is considered more masculine, at least when it shows up in colognes. I generally like it then, as long as no one’s gotten too heavy handed with the spicy scent. Then it just turns me off like a shot.

4. Rose

Many popular scents in perfumes and colognes have flower bases, and rose is probably the most popular blossom. You have to make sure to closely smell any perfume that contains roses, because the scent can get a little too sweet. However, when it’s mixed with the right notes or left on its own, the smell of a rose makes a beautiful scent profile.

5. Violet

Violet is another popular floral scent, most often found in very fresh and feminine perfumes. I love violet notes, they are sort of dusky and subtle and so sweet. The perfume with a large violet base will be refreshing as well, and wonderfully light.

6. Lavender

Lavender perfumes and colognes are often very soothing. Lavender is a popular scent in bubble bath and things like that, too, because it can calm you down so well. It can get a little heavy in perfumes, though, so you’ll definitely want to test any lavender based perfumes first.

7. Sandalwood

I absolutely adore the scent of sandalwood – but, again, only as a scent. This one is most often seen in men’s colognes, because it, too, is distinctly masculine. It’s spicy and secretive and just generally delicious. However, once again, sniff first, because it’s not uncommon for notes of sandalwood to get a little too overpowering.

8. Vanilla

I’m not a big fan of vanilla notes, but they’re still incredibly popular. Maybe it’s because I bake so much, but when I smell a perfume or cologne with a lot of vanilla, I just get hungry for cupcakes. However, even I’m willing to admit that it makes a lovely, light middle note.

9. Vetiver

Another popular scent in perfumes and colognes is vetiver. Some scents are based entirely on this note, but usually it is mixed in with other things. Regardless, the scent is very green and verdant, since vetiver is a plant derivative. If you want an earthy, natural scent, you should definitely make sure vertiver makes up the scent base.

10. Musk

Musk is a pretty vague description, but you always know it once you smell it. I love perfumes and colognes with musk; they have that sense of … of je ne sais quoi, you know? I can’t even quite describe the scent myself, but I can always pick it out when I smell it.

These are just a few of the popular scents in perfumes and colognes. There are lots more, and it really all depends on what the individual likes. What do you like to see (and smell) in your signature scents?

Top Photo Credit: photogrl58