What are accords?

I have gotten many questions from people asking me, “What is an accord?” I have always understood it as the describing words of the perfume. For example, is it sweet? Spicy? Woody? To go further in depth though, an accord is a blend of multiple notes to describe what the perfume smells like. If you are familiar with wine, they describe the taste as nutty, smoky, sweet, or dry. Accords are similar, with oils and materials that made the perfume, they give the fragrance an overarching scent. Perfumes have multiple accords, actually, very rarely does a perfume only have one or two accords. I want to go further in-depth on popular accords and what notes are familiar within their category. My goal at the end of this article is for you to confidently say that you perhaps know what you enjoy to smell like.

Sweet

Pillowy Marshmallows, Soft Caramel, Creamy Vanilla

Often when I think of sweet perfumes, I think of the word gourmand. This simply means edible, think of a chocolate store or a bakery. If you are searching for a perfume that is not too much a statement and pleasant to be around, I would recommend searching for one with a sweet accord. These perfumes are very approachable and easy to wear from day to day. These perfumes are also perfectly paired with puffy coats and hot cocoa. 

Woody 

Sensual Oud, Spicy Sandalwood, Earthy Vetiver

This accord typically goes hand in hand with another accord, Earthy. However, the difference is woody is strictly a type of wood whereas earthy can be more broad like moss. The note brings maturity to fragrances and is often found in colognes. However, it adds so much depth to a fragrance. Woody fragrances adhere to the skin like you were sitting by a campfire all night without the smoke. I think only confident and sexy people wear woody fragrances. Try to prove me wrong. 

Spicy

Warm Cinnamon, Bitter Cardamom, Rosy Pink Pepper

If I could pick the neglected middle child of accords, here they are. People are intimated by spice and I am not the one to talk. If there is one thing that my collection needs to include it is spicy perfumes. However, the note of pink pepper is familiar to me and in a few of my favorite perfumes. This note is popular in perfumes such as Gucci’s Gucci Guity, which is a great way to ease into the spice space of perfume. Spice is often explained as seductive and intimate accord. Especially when paired with a citrus accord, hear me out, it can make your knees melt to the floor. 

Citrus

Tart Bergamont, Aromatic Grapefruit, Sweet Kumquat

I wouldn’t say that you would find many perfumes that are strictly citrus-focused, however, it is a lovely addition to a spring and summer fragrance. They are very light and clean. I always imagine this accord as being in Italy in the summer. All of the fruits are green and fresh. A citrus accord is great in colognes, especially for day-to-day usage. 

Floral

Blushing Roses, Youthful Daisies, Elegant Lilies

The essential perfume accord that dates back to the beginning of time. They are classics for a reason. While some floral notes can be overpowering, everyone needs to have one in their collection. They are perfect for wanting to be perceived as elegant and sophisticated. Other accords that are paired with them are generally fruity and musky, which is great for adding depth and youthfulness to the scent. 

There are so many accords but these are the top 5 most common that you have to know first. Now go with what accords you might like, go to the nearest perfume store like Ulta, Sephora, or Nordstrom, and smell some. The best person to smell like is you. 

Remember, 

You Smell Good. 

Hannah Grace