Lifestyle Choices

The Dark, Mysterious Chypres

These scents, which make up the second-most-important family of perfumes, have tremendous tenacity and are said to have originated in Cyprus centuries ago from “eau de Chypre,” although that particular chypre differs tremendously from the modern chypres and hybrids. Chypres have rich, mossy undertones that are reminiscent of dark green woods after rain, luxurious ferns, and luscious fruits. Women who prefer scents in the chypre family and wear them often are attracted to their warm, sensuous aura, which lasts for hours. The chypres are subtle and seem continuously to unfold their secret loveliness as you wear them.

The chypre family is a large one, with many branches: The two most important are the fruity scents, which include those chypres with green and citrus overtones and the leathery chypres, which often also contain either patchouli or vetiver. (more…)

Roughly speaking, there are four families of scent. First the florals, which include both the simple single and multiple flowery perfumes and the more complex aldehyde florals with their sharp elegance. Second the chypres, which are mossy in character with either fruity or leathery tinges. Third the modern “liberated greens,” which give a sense of cleanliness and the great outdoors. Fourth the sultry, powerful orientals. Every scent will fit into one of these families, although most will have faint overtones of another as well. For instance, Caron’s Bellodgia, with its strong carnation character, is a single floral, yet it belongs in the same family as Elizabeth Arden’s multifloral Blue Grass, which is flowery with an oriental tinge to it. And in the green family you will find the lovely Aliage, by Estee Lauder, with unmistakable chypre overtones, right next to the striking Weil de Weil, another green scent but with strong floral tinges to it. The possibilities, like variations on a theme, are endless. ‘ (more…)