What Does “Fougere” Mean in Fragrance?

Sometimes in the world of perfumery, it can feel like you need to be fluent in French to find your signature scent. 

At Snif, we’re here to demystify the fragrance-buying experience — which is why we’re taking a close look at fougere fragrances in this guide, and explaining them in an easy-to-understand way. 

What Does Fougere Mean for Fragrances?

Simply put, fougere refers to a group of fragrances in the woody fragrance family that are known for being grassy, green, and fresh. 

In French, fougere means “fern” — which is fitting, because this accord is supposed to smell like fresh ferns in the forest. 

What Do Fougere Fragrances Smell Like?

Let’s dive into the heart of fougere fragrances to get a sense of what they smell like and the fragrance notes you’ll find in them. 

Citrusy

Most fougere fragrances have a citrusy twist to them. Thanks to top notes like bergamot or grapefruit, they feel zesty and fresh. 

Green

Meant to mimic the smell of ferns, it’s no shock that fougere fragrances are also known for being green and mossy. For this reason, ingredients like geranium and mint are often included. 

Herbaceous

Herbaceous fragrances are the ones that remind us of our favorite herbs and plants. In a fragrance from this family, you’ll often find notes of lavender, sage, and other iconic herbs. 

When To Wear Fougere Fragrances

Although fougere fragrances were traditionally considered men’s fragrances, we believe that every fragrance is for everyone. Reach for our unisex fougere fragrances when you want to feel energized and grounded.

What Are Some Fougere Fragrances To Try?

Now that you’re a certified fougere fragrance aficionado, it’s time to see some of our favorite members of the fougere family from the Snif collection. 

Golden Ticket

Calling all tea lovers! Golden Ticket is a tea fragrance that combines bergamot, black tea, green tea, golden maté, sage, galbanum, incense, amber, and vetiver. 

Steeped in mystery, this fragrance has a musky, citrusy vibe that is, in a word, irresistible. 

Vow Factor

If you’re a fan of figs, Vow Factor is the kind of green fragrance that will have you saying “I do” in no time. 

Romantic, fruity, and green, this fragrance features green fig, mandarin, galbanum, neroli, rose, orris, cedarwood, tonka bean, and ambrette seeds. 

Ace Ace Baby

Sometimes you need a fresh-cut scent that will get you out of bed in the morning. When that’s the case, look no further than Ace Ace Baby. With a blend of lemonade accord, ginger, timur pepper, white freesia, green apple blossom, lavender, grass, and blonde woods, with this scent you’ll get something fresh, crisp, and sweet. 

Master Fougere Scents

You’re officially ready to master the world of fougere scents. Known and loved for being citrusy, green, and herbaceous, these are the type of fragrance you’ll want to reach for when you’re craving an energizing, fresh scent. 

With a variety of fougere fragrances to pick from in the Snif collection, there’s truly something for everyone. 

Sources:

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil Inhalation Improves Positive Feelings in the Waiting Room of a Mental Health Treatment Center: A Pilot Study | NIH

Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance | NIH 

Clary Sage Essential Oil and Its Effect on Human Mood and Pulse Rate: An in vivo Pilot Study | NIH

Examination of the influence of cedar fragrance on cognitive function and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer type dementia | NIH