Violet

Violet in perfumery is built around ionones — a family of synthetic materials (alpha-ionone, beta-ionone, methyl ionone) that smell of powdery, candied violet with a slightly metallic, dewy edge. Natural violet leaf absolute (green, slightly peppery) is a different material entirely. The ionone 'violet' is the note behind Dior Fahrenheit's floral heart, the 'makeup' accord in Lipstick Rose, and the powdery aspect of many older masculines. It's notorious for causing temporary anosmia — you stop smelling it after a few minutes even though everyone else still can.