In perfumery, an olfactory note refers to the impression perceived by our nose when we smell a raw material or an accord.

Definition of an olfactory note

In perfumery, we often talk about “olfactory notes.” But what do they really mean? Behind this word lies the very essence of perfume creation: an olfactory sensation born from a raw material or an accord .

It is not simply a raw ingredient, but the olfactory translation of that ingredient.

• A rose will give a floral, rosy note .


• Sandalwood will bring a woody, creamy note .


• An assembly of molecules can create an abstract note , like leather or chocolate.

In other words, the ingredient is the material, the note is the sensory perception it gives off.

It can come from:

• from a natural raw material (rose, bergamot, sandalwood),


• of a synthetic molecule (vanillin, ambroxan, modern musks),


• or an accord constructed by the perfumer (leather note, cotton candy, metal, summer rain, etc.)

Olfactory notes and raw materials, what’s the difference?

• Raw material = the ingredient that the perfumer handles.


• Olfactory note = the way in which this material expresses itself to our nose.

Concrete example:

• Iris is a raw material that reveals a powdery, woody, sometimes slightly chocolatey note.


• Patchouli, meanwhile, develops a woody, earthy and sensual note.

Some concrete examples of olfactory notes

• Florals : rose, jasmine, iris.


• Woody : cedar, sandalwood, patchouli.


• Gourmet : vanilla, tonka bean, chocolate.


• Spicy : cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper.

In our product sheets, each perfume is described by its raw materials and olfactory notes to guide your choice and reveal its character.

Why are olfactory notes essential when choosing a perfume?

Olfactory notes are the language of perfume. They allow you to:

• understand the world of a fragrance,


• anticipate its evolution in the olfactory pyramid (top, heart, base notes),


• choose a perfume that suits your personality and your desires.

Reading olfactory notes is like deciphering a musical score before listening to the piece. They predict the emotions a perfume will offer you

A niche fragrance values artistic creation, quality, and rarity, while a mainstream fragrance seeks mass appeal and wide distribution.

Also called confidential, selective, or designer perfumery, niche perfumery is defined by its commitment to using the finest raw materials, placing craftsmanship and creativity at the heart of each fragrance. Unlike mainstream perfumes, the juice itself takes center stage more than the brand name. The goal is to offer a unique, tailor-made olfactory experience shaped by the distinctive signatures of master perfumers.

What is a niche fragrance?

A niche fragrance is an olfactory creation designed as a true work of art.

What is a mainstream fragrance?

A mainstream (or commercial) fragrance is designed to appeal to the largest audience possible.

Key differences

Creation & artistic freedom
Niche : total freedom, guided by personal inspiration.
Mainstream : creations often led by marketing studies.

Quality & concentration of raw materials
Niche : noble ingredients, sometimes in high concentrations.
Mainstream : formulas optimized for cost, often more linear.

Distribution & rarity
Niche : available only in selective points of sale.
Mainstream : widely distributed.

Image & communication
Niche : intimate storytelling, artistic universes.
Mainstream : mass communication, celebrity faces, TV spots.

Why choose a niche fragrance?

A niche perfume is like a work of art worn on the skin—a confidential luxury.

A concrete example in-store

At Parfumerie Soleil d’Or in Lille, we showcase exceptional houses such as BDK Parfums, Maison Crivelli, or Xerjoff, embodying the very essence of niche perfumery.

By testing them directly on the skin, you’ll discover a complex, refined evolution simply incomparable with a mainstream fragrance.

Explore our selection of niche fragrances in Lille and let yourself be seduced by rare, daring creations.

Niche perfumery refers to independent or selective houses that prioritize artistry, rarity, and quality—standing in contrast to mass marketing.

The definition of niche perfumery

In perfumery, the word “niche” comes from the English “niche market”: a targeted market aimed at a passionate, more limited audience.

It is not about creating fragrances reserved for an elite, but rather a creative approach: offering scents designed as unique works of art, for those who seek something beyond mainstream trends.

The origin of the term “niche”

The term appeared in the 1970s - 1980s, when certain perfume houses chose to move away from large corporate groups and their standardized campaigns.

Their goal: to reclaim authenticity, give perfumers a voice again, and highlight bold, innovative compositions.

What defines a niche fragrance

Creative freedom
No marketing brief dictating a target audience or celebrity face. The perfumer follows an artistic vision—sometimes surprising, always sincere.

Selective and confidential distribution
These creations are not available everywhere: they are offered in specialized perfumeries such as Soleil d’Or in ille, where every customer benefits from a personalized experience.

Raw materials and concentration
Niche perfumery often values the use of more noble raw materials and dares to offer higher concentrations (extraits, intense perfumes), delivering a richer, deeper sensory experience.

The choice of a perfume depends on your olfactory profile : your personality, your tastes, your current desires and the context (season, atmosphere, lifestyle).

To help you find out your olfactory profile, let our team of advisors guide you via the mystery box or in store at 22 rue de la Clef in Lille .

Perfume, a deeply personal choice

A perfume is not just a scent: it is an extension of your identity .

It reflects your tastes, your mood and even how you want to be perceived.

Choosing a perfume according to your personality

This is what we call the olfactory profile ( scent profile ): the sensory universe that resonates with your personality.

Choose a fragrance according to the season and the mood

- Spring 🌸: floral, green, sparkling scents.

- Summer ☀️: citrus, aquatic notes, fresh and light.

- Autumn 🍂: warm spices, elegant woods, amber accords.

- Winter ❄️: intense, oriental, leathery or gourmet fragrances.

Chic tip: also adapt your perfume to the desired atmosphere : a sunny scent for the day, a sensual woody one for an evening.

Why get help with your choice?

While online guidance is helpful, there's no substitute for a guided sensory experience .

In-store, our advisors help you explore different worlds, refine your feelings, and discover niche brands that you might never have tried on your own.

And for those curious from a distance, our personalized mystery box allows you to test several samples before falling for the bottle.

For optimal hold of your perfume, spray it on the pulse points (wrists, forearms, neck, chest) after having moisturized your skin (cream). Also the perfume clings better to clothes for an even longer duration. Finally, if you want a particularly intense trail, favor highly concentrated fragrances.

Yes, several choices are possible:

• Choose four samples of your choice via the “get your sample” option of your favorites.
• Let us surprise you with the mystery box (5 samples): Enjoy personalized advice and a refund in the form of a voucher.

To preserve the quality of your perfume, keep it away from direct light, humidity and extreme temperatures. A cabinet or drawer is ideal for optimal storage.