What Does An Amber Perfume Smell Like?

If you've ever caught yourself wondering what amber — the translucent orange substance formed when tree resin fossilizes —smells like, you're not alone. After all, it's a common fragrance in perfume. But, in perfume, amber is more about a vibe than a literal scent. "Real amber doesn't have a scent," explains Susan Ankersen, the perfumer behind Susan James Fragrances, in an exclusive interview with Women.com. "In perfumery, 'amber' is a fantasy accord, or blend, created to match that golden warm glow of real amber."

Ankerson explains that what we recognize as amber is a combination of different notes layered to create a complex scent profile. "Amber scents are typically warm, resinous, balsamic and often on the sweeter side," she says, explaining that it often contains a base of vanilla, benzoin, and labdanum. From there, additional notes are added. Often, that means adding guaiacwood for smokiness, patchouli for earthiness, or florals like rose and jasmine for brightness. "Some famous Ambers are Shalimar by Guerlain, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent and Amber Absolute by Tom Ford," adds Ankerson. If you decide to splurge, then use our tips for ensuring the scent of your expensive perfume sticks around.

Wondering if amber perfumes are for you? "Think about the season and the notes you naturally love," suggests Ankerson. "Ambers are beautiful in winter because they're warm and cozy by nature." That makes amber the perfect counterpoint to bright, fresh perfume trends that define summer.

To begin shopping for an amber perfume, Susan Ankerson recommends reflecting on what fragrances you typically prefer. "Find the direction that feels like you," Ankerson exclusively tells Women.com. "Do you want something more sweet? Something spicy and resinous?" In other words, start with an amber base, then let your preferences guide you toward the right middle and top notes.

Next, Ankerson stresses the importance of shopping in person. In fact, shopping for fragrances online is among the perfume mistakes you're probably making. "It's always best to try a fragrance on your skin," says Ankerson. "I like to say, you are the last note!" This is especially true for amber perfumes. "Amber accords are made mostly from heavier, low-volatility ingredients, so they unfold slowly and your own skin chemistry plays a big role in how the scent settles," she explains. "That's why smelling in-person or on skin is so important, the feeling and the structure tell you far more than the note list ever will."

Written descriptions are a good starting point but fall short of capturing the entirety of scent. "One thing that's helpful to keep in mind: keynotes on a perfume label can be a little misleading," says Ankerson. "If a perfume lists 'Bergamot, Amber, Musk, and Vanilla,' it's similar to reading a recipe that says 'Tomatoes, Parsley, Chicken, and Garlic.' Are we talking soup, Italian pasta dish, or a whole roast chicken?" Smelling the perfume, rather than simply reading its components, will give you a fuller picture.