When choosing a new perfume or fragrance, it can be quite the task and one you shouldn’t rush. Fragrances can evoke amazing memories, so your next scent could be one worn on your first day in a new job, a special occasion or date you’ll never forget. This is where tonality comes in. We can hear you asking, ‘what is tonality?’ Don’t worry, read on to find out more!
What Is Tonality?
Tonality is the dominant note or theme of a fragrance. This is likely to be found in the base of the fragrance and it will be the smell that lingers the longest on your skin once it has dried down. So, when you hug someone or pass them by, it’s this that you can smell.
This dominating note will be from one of several families, and knowing which family you are inclined to, the easier it will be to find your next signature scent.
Fragrances are split into into different categories - citrus, fruity, woody, aromatic, oriental or floral.
Citrus Fragrances
Fragrances with citrus notes are great to wear in the day or to take away with you on a summer holiday as they often contain uplifting, fresh and fruity notes. Get ready to be transported to a glorious Mediterranean location thanks to their lemon, lime and orange notes.
Calvin Klein
CK ONE
Eau de Toilette Spray
From
€30.00
Floral Fragrances
A new floral fragrance in spring may not be ground-breaking, but if fresh flowers are your vibe, who are we to judge! Containing ingredients like rose, lily of the valley or blossom, they are truly romantic and captivating.
Gucci
Bamboo
Eau de Toilette Spray
From
€64.00
Fruity Fragrances
These popular fragrances smell as fresh as a fruit market on a weekend morning! Full of ripe, vibrant and edible smelling fruit notes such as strawberry, cherry and vanilla.
Versace
Dylan Purple
Eau de Parfum Spray
From
€95.00
Aromatic Fragrances
Perfumes with an aromatic scent are considered quite calming. Kick back with your feet up and think about freshly picked herbs - the scent is natural, clean and fresh.
Prada
Luna Rossa
Eau de Toilette Spray
From
€112.00
Woody Fragrances
If you enjoy nothing more than autumnal nights or crisp winter mornings, then these types of fragrances are for you. They're full of warm, earth, mossy and leathery notes.
From
Amber Fragrances
The sexiest of scents in the perfume family - these are great for date night! They exude warm, powdery, rich and musky aromas.
Mugler
Alien Goddess
Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray
From
€92.00
What Is Tonality?
Words: Sarah Bradbury
When choosing a new perfume or fragrance, it can be quite the task and one you shouldn’t rush. Fragrances can evoke amazing memories, so your next scent could be one worn on your first day in a new job, a special occasion or date you’ll never forget. This is where tonality comes in. We can hear you asking, ‘what is tonality?’ Don’t worry, read on to find out more!
What Is Tonality?
Tonality is the dominant note or theme of a fragrance. This is likely to be found in the base of the fragrance and it will be the smell that lingers the longest on your skin once it has dried down. So, when you hug someone or pass them by, it’s this that you can smell.
This dominating note will be from one of several families, and knowing which family you are inclined to, the easier it will be to find your next signature scent.
Fragrances are split into into different categories - citrus, fruity, woody, aromatic, oriental or floral.
Citrus Fragrances
Fragrances with citrus notes are great to wear in the day or to take away with you on a summer holiday as they often contain uplifting, fresh and fruity notes. Get ready to be transported to a glorious Mediterranean location thanks to their lemon, lime and orange notes.
Floral Fragrances
A new floral fragrance in spring may not be ground-breaking, but if fresh flowers are your vibe, who are we to judge! Containing ingredients like rose, lily of the valley or blossom, they are truly romantic and captivating.
Fruity Fragrances
These popular fragrances smell as fresh as a fruit market on a weekend morning! Full of ripe, vibrant and edible smelling fruit notes such as strawberry, cherry and vanilla.
Aromatic Fragrances
Perfumes with an aromatic scent are considered quite calming. Kick back with your feet up and think about freshly picked herbs - the scent is natural, clean and fresh.
Woody Fragrances
If you enjoy nothing more than autumnal nights or crisp winter mornings, then these types of fragrances are for you. They're full of warm, earth, mossy and leathery notes.
Amber Fragrances
The sexiest of scents in the perfume family - these are great for date night! They exude warm, powdery, rich and musky aromas.
Set your own tone
Explore the full collection at The Perfume Shop
Read next
A Guide to Citrus Perfumes
The story behind pheromone perfumes
How to build your fragrance wardrobe