Have you ever read the word “chypre” in a description of a perfume and wondered what the heck it meant? We’ll agree it doesn’t seem as catchy as other fragrance families like “floral” or “fruity,” but if you understand exactly what it means and the kinds of fragrances it describes, that descriptor may end up being the key to quickly discovering new must-try scents. Here is all the information you need to know about chypre scents.
What is a chypre fragrance?
Let’s go back to the beginning. The French name for Cyprus is the source of the word chypre, which is pronounced sheep-rah (yep, we were pronouncing it incorrectly too!). The name “chypre” first appeared in scent manuals in the 18th century, when the island was once at the center of the global perfume trade. The chypre scent family, however, was not formed until François Coty, a renowned perfumer, gave it the status it holds today.
The term “chypre” is used to describe a particular kind of scent profile and is renowned in the world of perfume as one of a select few fragrance families (you may be familiar with others like floral, amber, and Fougere).
Basically, a chypre fragrance is a type of fragrance that is based on spices. It is one of the most popular types of fragrances, and can be found in some of the most high-end brands.
What does chypre smell like?
The warm, earthy perfume of nature is a great example of a traditional chypre smell. If you’ve ever taken a walk in a woods region during the autumn, when the leaves have fallen off the trees and they crunch beneath your feet. Consider wood and oakmoss combined with bergamot undertones.
Having said that, the chypre scent family is diverse. Instead, it can radically alter the scent’s essence when the chypre structure is applied to other features. which leads us to…
Types of chypre fragrances
Due of its several iterations and subcategories within the larger fragrance family, the word “chypre” may seem so familiar because of how widely used it is in the fragrance industry. It may come in a variety of shapes, whether it’s blended with green notes, leather, fruit, or flowers.
Citrus chypre
Traditionally, a chypre is a musky-based fragrance that has a blend of citrus and woody notes. It can also be smoky, evocative of a forest floor or even salty and fresh. However, a chypre is a little more obscure than most other types of perfume, and is not as well-known or as popular as other perfume families.
In the late 19th century, a French parfumier named Francois Coty created a new category of fragrance, based on a mossy-floral accord. This style of fragrance, known as a Chypre, has since evolved into a variety of other olfactory categories. Some renowned Chypres include Aromatics Elixir by Clinique, Eau Sauvage by Dior, No. 19, and Mitsouko. These fragrances are classic and timeless, but not as popular as other perfume styles. They are ideal for men and women who want a long-lasting and versatile scent.
Clarins’ Eau Dynamisante
Another great chypre fragrance is Clarins’ Eau Dynamisante. This is a refreshing and invigorating chypre, featuring ginseng, vetiver, rosemary, and a green herbaceous base. It is energised by the addition of a tingling aldehyde note. The floral notes in the Eau Dynamisante are a combination of freesia, gardenia, jasmine, and rose.
Some chypre fragrances are made to be subtle and ethereal. The floral and citrus notes in Clarins’ Eau Dynamisante create a very refreshing aroma. They also provide a good example of how a chypre can be evocative of a forest floor. Other chypre fragrances, like Narciso Rodriguez For Her, replace the woody notes of oak moss with a soft musk.
Mitsouko
Another chypre is a classic that is often associated with a specific heroine. The name of the chypre, Mitsouko, comes from the Japanese name for the heroine of the novel La Bataille. The fragrance is a mixture of patchouli, black rose, and mossy notes. The perfume is a beautiful and classic chypre that translates to “mystery” in Japanese.
Aramis
Another famous chypre is Aramis, which is a great men’s chypre. It is a green chypre, with a strong woody heart. The base notes include sandalwood, pelargonium, bergamot, cinnamon, and artemisia. The scent has a longevity of 9 hours.
Miss Tutu
Another chypre is Miss Tutu, which is a floral chypre with a touch of patchouli. It features a rose and water fruit top note and a floral rose and jasmine middle note. It is a perfect balance of flowers and wood. It is available in a wonderful bottle, which is adorned with a blush suede ribbon.
The original Chypre was created by Francois Coty in 1917. Today, chypre fragrances are produced by a number of perfumers and have become a popular style of perfume. In fact, there are a number of chypre fragrances that fall under different fragrance families, such as oriental and woody. The best chypre fragrances are those that have a distinctive character and are characterized by a vintage feel. They are especially popular with women who enjoy a unique and sophisticated fragrance that is both modern and traditional.
L’Eau by Chloe
Designed by Patrick Veillet, Chloe L’Eau is a fresh, citrus chypre perfume. It is inspired by strong women, and it celebrates the natural grace of the world. It is a fresh declaration of independence.
The fragrance opens with notes of lychee grapefruit and magnolia. The heart of the fragrance is the classic rose. The base features oakmoss, a subtle yet deep note that adds depth. The scent is rounded out by white musk.
The fragrance is packaged in the iconic Chloe pleated bottle, which blends pink grosgrain ribbon. It is available in 30, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Toilette. The bottle has a gently curved stopper, which makes it easy to hold.
The top of the fragrance is sweet and refreshing, but the grapefruit note adds a touch of sharpness to the opening. The fragrance is rounded out by the subtle presence of oakmoss on the skin. The fragrance is a great pick for spring and summer.
L’Eau de Chloe is a fragrance for the woman who wants to be at her best daily. The light, citrus-infused scent is perfect for spring or summer.
Fruity chypre
Apple and apricot are two juicy, jovial, delicious tones that frequently stand alone as intoxicating. But when combined with the mossy, woodsy undertones of a chypre, our favorite fruits take on a more mature, grown-up look.
Legend by Mont Blanc
Dedicated to the self-confident male, Legend by Mont Blanc is an aromatic Fougere fragrance. Its three-tiered structure and subtle edge make it a fragrance for the modern man. Whether you’re a daytime worker or a night owl, you’ll enjoy the woody aroma of this men’s cologne.
The name “Chypre” means “fern-like,” which is appropriate considering the scent’s woody, floral, and musky elements. These ingredients are combined with mossy undertones to produce a fragrance that’s both warm and intoxicating.
It isn’t overly sweet, but it does have a strong woody finish. The bottle is made of jet black glass, and it features an embossed Montblanc logo. The fragrance is available in different sizes. It can be worn for casual or formal occasions. The scent may dwindle a bit during lunchtime, but it’s still a refreshing scent.
If you want to see more Mont Blanc
The “Deospray” chord at the beginning of the fragrance is a fun little homage to the brand’s iconic fountain pen. The bottle’s atomiser sprays like a water gun, but it’s actually quite sturdy.
Floral chypre
This flowery iteration of the scent family is as in tune with nature’s design as the air may be as you wander through the great outdoors, which can be colored with lavender and oak, jasmine, and moss. The earthier tones are made sweeter and more romantic by the addition of lovely petals, such as jasmine and rose.
Voce Viva Intensa by Valentino
Voce Viva Intensa, dubbed “an salute to Valentino’s multifaceted femininity,” is for assertive statement-makers. While the crystal moss accord and bourbon vanilla turn up the drama, the flowers come off as strong and assertive (with jasmine absolute grabbing the stage!).
Fruity floral chypre
This category is a clear winner since it combines blossoming floral tones with delectably sweet fruit notes. The mossy and oak notes are dressed up in lighter layers, creating a multifaceted, eternally captivating fragrance.
La Panthere by Cartier
The striking La Panthere by Cartier will draw attention to you for all the right reasons. It is as majestic as its muse, the powerful panther. A combination of fruity notes at the top combine with a flowery gardenia heart and mossy-wood base to create a perfume that is guaranteed to draw attention in the wild (or at the workplace or bar, for that matter).
Sexy Ruby
Described as a “modern chypre”, Michael Kors Sexy Ruby is a dazzling, fruity floral fragrance that’s just as sensual as it is sexy. The bright, vibrant scent is inspired by a ruby gem, and features notes of raspberry, apricot, Indian jasmine sambac, rose petals, and cashmere wood.
Sexy Ruby is a new addition to the Michael Kors perfume line, and it’s available in both 30ml and 50ml Eau de Parfum concentrations. It has a ruby-shaped flacon, which is a perfect Christmas gift, and the perfume is available in both red and golden accents.
Michael Kors Sexy Ruby opens with notes of fresh raspberry and apricot. The middle notes of rose petals and jasmine sambac are soft and feminine. The rounded out by the deep, rich woods of cashmere. The base has a velvet-like texture, and is smooth and plush.
The Michael Kors Sexy Ruby perfume is a fragrance for women that is ideal for daytime activities. Its fragrance is a blend of lush florals and sensual cashmere woods, and it’s perfect for a radiant woman.
Fresh/green chypre
As the name implies, a splash of green notes lifts the natural tones (such as leaves and moss), giving the fragrance a lighter and airier sensation. This particular variety of chypre is renowned for its ability to lift one’s spirits. It’s like a cool breeze in a bottle.
Mitsouko by Guerlain
A list of the “greatest chypre scents” would be incomplete without mentioning the original Mitsouko by Guerlain. With its classic notes of bergamot, oakmoss, and the invigorating addition of peach, this fragrance is like the mascot for the fragrance family.
Leather chypre
If you like something edgy and seductive, a gloomy leather chypre will naturally fit your style. This chypre may be transformed into a smokin’ hot spritz by enticing elements like musk, tobacco, civet, and honey rather than a literal “leather” note.
Antaeus by Chanel
Designed by Chanel‘s head perfumer, Jacques Polge, Antaeus is a classic woody chypre scent for men. It is a fragrance that was created thirty years ago and remains a staple in the masculine fragrance category.
The scent opens with clary sage and bergamot. Then the scent transforms from dark to earthy. The heart of the scent is full of myrtle and florals. The drydown is a combination of cistus labdanum, oakmoss, and leather. It is intense and powerful.
During the day, the scent has a soft, creamy, and malted feel. The sillage is strong and it stays on the skin for a long time. This makes Antaeus one of the most durable masculines on the market.
It is a great choice for bold, confident men. The scent is not overly sweet and is a powerfully masculine fragrance. The scent can also be worn by women.
Whether you are looking for a classic masculine fragrance or want to try something new, Antaeus is a good choice. The perfume was a big hit in the early 1980s. The scent has changed a bit in recent years but still remains true to the original formula.
