While some fragrance notes such as white flowers or vanilla are instantly recognisable, certain subtle ingredients and compositions can distinctively influence the style and scent of a fragrance.

Certain ingredients are used not only for their own signature scent, but also for the impact they will impart on the other ingredients. Fragrance expert and author of the annual Fragrances Of The World guidebooks, Michael Edwards explains that the intricate mix of ingredients, including both natural and synthetic, are combined in infinite ways to make each fragrance unique.

"Modern perfumery is based on the synergy of natural and man-made ingredients," says Michael.

"Both are of equal importance to the perfumer. Technically, a perfumer differentiates between natural oils which are extracted from blossoms, woods, leaves, spices and resins; and semi-synthetic oils which are separated from natural sources; and completely synthetic oils or aroma notes. The synthetic oils or aroma notes are created to enhance natural essences, to make them vibrate with notes quite unlike anything you have ever smelt before," Michael continues.

The notes in a fragrance also represent the different phases through which a fragrance develops when it is worn on the skin. At each stage the notes in the fragrance have a different degree of volatility so it's important not to judge a fragrance on the first encounter. The first scent from an open bottle has only the sharp bite of alcohol and the unstable top notes. A scent will bloom as it reacts with the warmth of the body to create a fragrance that is unique to each person.

The most popular ingredients in fragrances can often be confusing in terms of the scent they emit as well as the impact they will have on other ingredients. The following table is a comprehensive A to Z listing of some popular fragrance ingredients and how they impact on the scent.

This article and table are provided by the Fragrance Foundation Australia