When thinking of your favorite fragrances, have you ever wondered exactly how they are categorized? Tradition states that every fragrance belongs to one specific group or family. Even though they have different names, there are six basic categories of perfumes. The categories are:

Sweet or Floral
Clean or Sporty
Natural or Green
Oils and Musks
Woody and Chypre
Spicy and Oriental

Many people often find and stick with one specific fragrance, but others like to mix it up and base the fragrance they wear on the mood they are in that day, some even change it with the current season. Furthermore, age often is found to greatly affect the choice of fragrance. As a woman ages, the choice of fragrance matures at the same time.

Let us talk a little about the different families of fragrances. The sweet or floral family is perhaps the most popular of them all and is derived from a variety of flowers. These types are generally view as youthful and are worn by young women or women who are playful. Some examples of fragrances within this family are Curious, Chanel no 22, Joy, Pleasures, Safari for Women, and L'Air Du Temps.

In the clean and sporty family, this is generally the reminder of a smell when you first leave the shower and generally smells comparable to soap. Typically, these make perfect gifts for those that are athletic in nature. Some examples of this type include, Alliage, Cashmere Mist, Polo for Women, Lily Chic, and Tommy Girl.

The fragrance of natural or green is a down to earth and fresh type of scent, perfect for those who like to feel natural and real. A few examples include Escape for Women, London, Chanel No.5, Truth for Women, Poison, and White Diamonds.

Oils and musks are suggestive, sexy, and strong scents. Generally used when a person wants to communicate certain things to their lover. It is deemed the most powerful among oil perfumes. Some examples are Sun, Moon, and Stars, O Oui, Caleche, Shalimar, and L'Aminant.

In the chypre and woody family, it is generally compared to earthy things. It combines scents of earth and floral perfect for those that love being in nature and the outdoors. Some examples include Miss Doir, Envy, Chanel No. 19, and Romance.

Finally, in the family of spicy and oriental, this mixes the scents of vanilla, animals, woods, and flowers together. It is very exotic and enjoyed most by women who is bold, strong, and radiant. Some examples include, Youth Dew, Obsession, Organza, Opium, and Still.