Oud, Amber, Musk: A Beginner's Guide to Scent Families

Perfumers group scents into families. You do not need the whole map, only the five you will meet most often.

Oud

Deep, woody and smoky, from the resin of the agarwood tree. Rich on its own and the heart of most Arabian perfumes.

Amber

Warm, sweet and resinous, often with vanilla and spice. A winter scent that feels like a soft blanket.

Musk

Clean, soft and close to the skin. White musk is the easiest scent to wear every day.

Floral

Rose, jasmine and orange blossom. Taif rose is the most loved floral note in the Gulf.

Fresh

Citrus, green and airy notes for hot days and the office.

Choosing a gift

If you are unsure, choose musk: almost everyone wears it happily. For someone who already loves perfume, choose oud or amber.