Perfume Notes That’ll Make You Smell Good

Have you ever walked past someone and they smelt like literal walking chocolate brownies? Or they smelt like a fruit cake? Those people may have just doused themselves with perfumes that have prominent gourmand notes.

What are gourmand notes?

Gourmand notes often evoke the scent of baked goods. Photo – Pixabay / Vic Padilla

Gourmand notes in fragrances are scents that aim to evoke the mouth-watering aromas of desserts and confectioneries. At their core, gourmand notes are inspired by the very things we love to indulge in – sweet treats and baked goods. The French definition of a “gourmand” is someone who finds pleasure in eating and drinking.

Origin of gourmand notes in perfumery

The first use of gourmand notes in perfumery dates back to the late 19th century. This is when perfumers started trying their hands with new and unusual ingredients. The pioneer of this trend is François Coty, who created the first gourmand fragrance called “Amber Antique” in 1905. This fragrance featured a composition of amber, vanilla, and tonka bean, creating a scent that became an instant hit.

Best gourmand notes to look out for

If you want to incorporate gourmand notes into your fragrance collection, here are some of the best notes to look out for:

1. Vanilla

Perfume — Vanilla sticks. Photo – Pixabay / Aurélien

Among the gourmand notes, few can rival the popularity of vanilla. Essentially, vanilla is a bean produced from the tropical orchid vine. It is the most used flavour, commonly found in cookies, ice cream and others. In fragrances, the use of vanilla brings back the memory of childhood indulgences like the aroma of a cupcake, freshly baked cookies and even bread.

Furthermore, vanilla is a known aphrodisiac. It is believed to have an effect that enhances feelings of intimacy and desire.

2. Chocolate

Rich and highly indulgent, chocolate notes in perfumes are a mix of the bitterness of dark cocoa with the sweetness of milk. It is often paired with vanilla in fragrances for a complete olfactory package. Additionally, perfumers rely on synthetic aroma molecules to recreate the chocolate scent profile. Some synthetics used are vanillin reminiscent of milk chocolate, ethyl maltol reminiscent of brown sugar, and benzaldehyde reminiscent of almonds.

3. Caramel

Caramel notes in perfumes evoke a toffee-like aroma. It is known for its sweetness, is often paired with notes of vanilla, honey, chocolate, and amber in perfumes. Also, it is commonly used in fragrances for women, although it is increasingly getting popular in men’s fragrances as well.

4. Tonka bean

Derived from the seeds of the Dipteryx odorata tree, found in South America. It contains coumarin which is a natural organic compound that produces a vanilla-like scent. It pairs well with the gourmand notes listed above, as well as spicy and woody notes.

Additionally, tonka bean is a common note in men’s and unisex fragrances to add a touch of warmth to the common notes found in men’s perfumes like leather and tobacco.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon sticks. Photo – Pexels / Mareefe

Cinnamon is a warm, spicy and aromatic note often used in perfumery. It is obtained from the inner bark of Cinnamomum tree species. Its scent is sweet, slightly woody, and reminiscent of a baking spice aroma. Furthermore, cinnamon is often in holiday editions of perfumes. It is said to smell almost identical to confectionaries sold at Christmas time.

Tips for wearing gourmand fragrances

1. Start small

Starting with a light hand when trying out gourmand fragrances is the best way to go. These scents can be potent, so it is best to apply them sparingly. Also, start with a spritz or two and gently work your way up with more sprays over time.

2. Layer with other fragrances

Layering your fragrances is the best way to go about creating a scent that is unique to you. Gourmand fragrances pair well with floral or woody scents. Examples of floral scents are roses, lilies, jasmine, violets and the like. They give a powdery and slightly sweet scent, while woody scents include notes of sandalwood, vetiver, oakmoss and more.

3. Avoid over-applying

While you may want to be remembered for smelling like a delicious crème brûlée, too much of a good thing can be overwhelming. Moreover, applying too much of a gourmand perfume or any perfume at all can be off-putting and can give you the opposite impression of what you want.

4. Choose the right occasion

Finally, gourmand fragrances are great for evenings or special occasions. Some people prefer to apply them during cold and chilly seasons like the rainy season or winter. In addition, they are also a great option for when you’re going on a first date. However, remember that there are no hard or fast rules. Do what suits you and makes you comfortable.

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