When choosing a fragrance to buy, it can sometimes become overwhelming when faced with all the different terminology. Which ones will last the longest, and which go together for fragrance layering?
We have put together this handbook with all the key terms to turn you into a fragrance pro. Talk the talk the next time you shop for a new perfume.
Notes
Perfume is created in layers. These layers are referred to as “notes” and come in three types:
- Top Note: This is the first impression of a fragrance. It is light and fresh and usually dissipates within 15 minutes of application.
- Heart Note: As the top notes fade away, the heart notes will emerge. You can think of these as the soul of the perfume, which lasts up to one hour.
- Base Note: These stronger scents will last up to 6 hours, giving the scent depth and true personality.
Concentration
The proportion of fragrance oil in the mixture determines the depth and longevity of the scent. The ones you will encounter most often include:
- Extrait de Parfum: The most concentrated option with 15 to 40% perfume oil will last for hours on end. These fragrances also come with the highest price tag.
- Eau de Parfum: This strong and long-lasting option, with 10 to 20% perfume oil, is perfect for evening wear or for those who want their scent to make a statement.
- Eau de Toilette: Lighter and more affordable with 5 to 15% perfume oil, these fragrances are ideal for everyday wear or a more subtle scent.
- Eau de Cologne: This light concentration of 3 to 8% perfume oil is typically citrus-based, perfect for a quick, refreshing spritz.
The Fragrance Wheel
Used to blend fragrances, this clever tool categorises fragrances into families and sub-families. Fragrances alongside one another have similar scent characteristics are known as ‘kindred notes’. They create a harmonious blend when combined.
Those opposite each other on the fragrance wheel are called Complimentary notes. These notes create a beautiful contrast when combined.
Complex fragrance triangles draw from these families to build a scent:
- Floral: the sweet and delicate scent of flowers like jasmine, rose and ylang-ylang. The sub-families are fruity, floral, soft floral and floral oriental.
- Oriental: the warm scents of amber,vanilla and musk. The sub-families are soft oriental, oriental and woody oriental.
- Woody: the dry, earthy smell of sandalwood, cedarwood and patchouli. The sub-families are woody, mossy wood and dry wood.
- Fresh: refreshing fragrances like lemon, bergamot and eucalyptus. The sub-families are aromatic, citrus, water and green.
Other Must-Know Fragrance Terms
- Accord: Combining two or more fragrance ingredients to make a new scent.
- Gourmand: Fragrances that smell good enough to eat! Think of chocolate, honey, fruits and even baked goods.
- Layering: The technique of applying more than one perfume to create your own personalised scent.
- Pulse Points: The parts of your body that are best for perfume application and activation. These include the inner wrist, inner elbow, behind the ears, behind the knee, neck and temples.
Now that you’re feeling more equipped for a perfume haul, browse our online shop to find your perfect perfume. We offer a broad range of scents at affordable prices to suit everyone’s preferences and budgets.
