Mankind has been using perfume for quite a long time. Some people say it was first discovered in ancient Egypt and used by different civilizations such as ancient Chinese, Hindus, Israelites, Carthaginians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans and finally reintroduced hundreds of years later in France. Ever since, French perfume has become famous worldwide and today sets the standard for excellence.

The word perfume comes from Latin, meaning 'through smoke'. Perfume came into being in the early days, through the burning of incense and aromatic herbs. Ever since, it has influenced mankind up to a point to become a product of desire.

For those purchasing perfumes, it is wise to become familiarized with basic fragrance groups which will help to find the perfect perfume one might be looking for.

The citrus fragrance category derives from different fruits such as lime, lemon, tangerine, mandarin and others, creating a sort of refreshing aroma. Mostly used during the summer. Appropriate for office wear, day or evening wear.

The floral fragrance category derives from large varieties of flowers such as vanilla, jasmine, roses and others. It is the most popular and used fragrance group. The scent of romance and starry nights.

The oriental fragrance category derives from mixtures of spices, resins, amber, balsams and other exotic essences, creating a warm and exotic feeling. Widely used during the winter season in the evening.

The chypre fragrance category derives from different wood-moss mixes, providing earthly aromas such as oak moss and other types of wood. Chypre fragrances smell slightly dry, not very sweet. Chypre perfumes are rich and tenacious, usually for those who tend to prefer slightly out of the norm fragrances.

The green fragrance category derives from scents of pine, leaves, herbs, juniper and others, providing a sharp outdoor scent. Good day wear and occasional evening wear in warmer weather.

The Fougere category of perfume scents derives from bergamot, oakmoss and geranium, and is mostly used my men. It has a classy style. Great fragrance choice for distinguished gentlemen.

These diversified fragrances will evoke different feelings and people just seem to enjoy that very much. Now that the basic fragrance groups have been explained, it's up to one to make the best of his next perfume purchase and make use of the perfume fragrance that best suits his lifestyle.

However, while purchasing perfumes one should bewared that famous brand name perfumes are fairly expensive. If one is looking for genuine perfumes, he must be willing to spend fairly amount of money. However evoking memories of romantic moments thru fragrances may just be priceless and the expensive perfume price may just become fair.