Fragrance Buying Guide

Fragrance can evoke powerful reactions in people, it can change how we feel about ourselves, as well as how we view others. And even though it's invisible and often takes a backseat to our clothing, makeup and hair, fragrance is still a big part of our personal style and presentation. Wearing the right fragrance can make you feel attractive, polished, or more confident—and it can also send those very same messages to those around you.

For many people, fragrance is an important part of their daily routine, and they wouldn't dream of leaving the house without it. Then there are those who wear fragrance only for special occasions. Some people fall in love with a fragrance and wear it for years, making it their signature scent, while others prefer to change their fragrances as often as they do their clothes. Clearly, fragrance plays a different role in everyone's lives.

Society has a history of classifying softer, more feminine fragrances as perfume for women, and more powerful fragrances as cologne for men, yet all fragrances are actually gender-neutral and are meant to be worn and enjoyed by everyone. So, whether you've been taken in by the romance of a floral toilette spray or the allure of a woodsy cologne, you should never let a label prevent you from wearing a fragrance that you truly love.

Understanding the Difference Between Perfume, Cologne, & Other Fragrance Types

All fragrances can be classified as one of 5 types: Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, and Eau Fraiche. The difference between the five
types of fragrances is the percentage of perfume oil that they contain. Fragrances with a higher concentration of perfume oil will have a more intense scent, and last
longer on your skin.

Parfum

Perfume oil (approx.): 20-30%
Lasts (approx.): 24 hours

Parfum, sometimes referred to as perfume, contains the highest concentration of perfume oil and the least amount of alcohol, and is considered one of the purest fragrances available. Parfum has a very intense aroma, which can last up to 24 hours.

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Eau de Parfum

Perfume oil (approx): 15-20%
Lasts (approx.): 5-8 hours

Eau de Parfum (EDP), also referred to as perfume water, contains the second highest concentration level of perfume oils, which makes it long-lasting and great for everyday wear. Although it is a little more expensive than other fragrances, eau de parfum is the most popular of the fragrance types.

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Eau de Toilette

Perfume oil (approx.): 5-15%
Lasts (approx.): 3 hours

Eau de Toilette (EDT) is delicately scented cologne that contains an average concentration of perfume oils, making it lighter and more affordable than eau de parfum. Due to its fresh, airy nature, many people prefer to use eau de toilette for daywear or during the summer months.

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Eau de Cologne

Perfume oil (approx.): 2-4%
Lasts (approx.): 2-3 hours

Eau de Cologne (EDC), also referred to as cologne, contains a low concentration of perfume oils, which makes it much lighter than other types of fragrances. Because eau de cologne lasts for only a few hours, it will need to be reapplied throughout the day, which is why it is typically sold in larger capacity bottles.

Eau Fraiche

Perfume oil (approx.): 1-3%
Lasts (approx.): 1-2 hours

Eau Fraiche, also referred to as fresh water, is an extremely light and diluted fragrance that contains the lowest concentration of perfume oils and alcohol. Because eau fraiche lasts for only an hour, it will need to be reapplied several times throughout the day. Due to its diluted nature, eau fraiche is not as popular as other types of fragrances.

The Importance of Fragrance Notes

The term note simply refers to an ingredient in a fragrance. All notes can be classified into one of 3 types: top, middle, or base. It is the combination of these 3 notes that creates a fragrance.

Top Notes: After opening a fragrance bottle, the first thing you notice are the fresh, light top notes. These initial scents will linger anywhere from 10-15 minutes, before starting to dissipate and soften. Top notes, sometimes referred to as head notes, are important because they give a powerful first impression of the fragrance.

Examples of top notes include: citrus, fruits, florals, herbs

Middle Notes: Once the top notes begin to soften, you will notice the stronger secondary scents, which are called middle notes. Often referred to as the heart or core of the fragrance, the well-rounded middle notes comprise approximately 65% of the fragrance, and act as an intermediary between the top and base notes. Middle notes will last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.

Examples of middle notes include: heavy florals, botanicals, greens, spices

Base Notes: Finally, after the top and middle notes have settled down and dissipated, you'll start to smell the rich base notes. These scents are deep and heavy, and give a grounding affect to the fragrance. Of all the notes in a fragrance, base notes tend to last the longest, anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.

Examples of base notes include: woods, amber, vanilla, musk, tobacco, patchouli