Oriental Delights

As part of this week’s contest, I asked for readers to submit their questions about perfume and fragrance.  Already, I’ve gotten some great ones, so it’s time to reach into the question bag and shed some light on the subject.

A great question today comes from Catalina,  who asked about Oriental scents that are not too overwhelming.  That’s a great question, as Oriental scents are both some of the most complex and interesting fragrances and the hardest to wear.  First, in case you don’t know, “Oriental” scents are often composed of many popular basenote type scents, like wood, musk, amber, spices.  “Florientals” describe floral orientals.  Gourmand fragrances based in vanilla and chocolate are often lumped in with Orientals as well.  And of course, patchouli is often thrown in the mix!

In short, the notes breakdown from easiest to hardest to wear would be something like

Vanilla

Amber

Spice

Wood

Musk,  Patchouli (most difficult)

If you have trouble with Oriental type perfumes,  I’d steer clear of compositions heavy in musk and wood, and more to the amber and vanilla end of the spectrum.  I think citrus notes can also make oriental perfume more wearable.

Parfums Raffy has a long list of oriental perfumes.

Sephora also has several categories of Oriental perfumes.

Dior Addict and Guerlain Shalimar are two oriental perfumes I love on paper but just can’t pull off.  Missoni’s lovely chocolate-orange-hazelnut-amber concoction is one that’s much easier to wear.

So, I hope this answers the question.  Keep sniffing and let us know when you find your new favorite oriental perfume!