In This Article
Green notes, freshness and more freshness
Since the middle of the 20th century, green notes have been on the rise. The first time that we discover green notes with such intensity in a perfume, it is in a creation by Balmain in 1947, “Vent Vert”. It is the galbanum, shunned for a long time, which is used here. In one composition, the green notes bring an impression of greenery and intense freshness. Different smells and nuances are available in green notes, we sometimes even manage to obtain fragrances close to flowers such as daffodil or lily. Many perfume designers were then enthusiastic about the green notes, such as Chanel with her “N ° 19”. The galbanum is positioned here as a top note associated with bergamot, neroli and hyacinth. The latest fragrance chosen by Gabrielle Chanel herself is a very daring composition.
The association of the green note with the different olfactory families
Today, green notes are used a lot in perfumery. They are present in many olfactory families. The green notes blend very easily into floral scents. A famous floral fragrance or galbanum is present in the top note, it is “Anaïs Anaïs” by Cacharel. The heart is composed of a bouquet that could not be more floral thanks to the association of rose, ylang-ylang, lily and lily of the valley. The base is woody, soft and amber, in particular thanks to amber and cedar wood… A great floral and romantic fragrance. Green notes are also found in chypre and fern scents. Indeed, the green notes associated with oak moss or vetiver offer extremely fresh scents. This is the case for Azzaro's Azzaro pour Homme L'Eau perfume, where the green notes are positioned in the middle note. The base notes, such as vetiver, patchouli and sandalwood, offer a delicately woody and musky trail. The tone of this Azzaro is greener and more aquatic than its predecessor.
Because they present multiple fragrances, the green notes enchant us, refresh us and make us think of renewal, like the beginning of spring… Fresh grass, cut stems, morning dew, dried leaves, everything here makes us dream freshly! Green notes, reproduced using synthetic molecules, are currently essential assets in the world of perfumery.
