Have you ever walked into a shop knowing exactly what you want, only to buy something completely different there? Of course, you know what you want, but you need answers to the questions at the back of your mind first.
The same thing happens when you buy perfumes online. With this in mind, we're answering some of your most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding perfumes.
We recommend buying your scents in-store first before you buy them online. That way, you know if the product works and smells good on you.
A blotter will be helpful to test and admire the scent so you know if it works for you. Perfume counters usually have these available.
When buying online, it is best to consult our sales representatives. We can give you the information you need if you let us know what you are looking for.
There are certain descriptions given to a fragrance. For example, you may have heard of Eau de Parfum (EDP), Eau de Cologne (EDC), and Eau de Toilette (EDT).
The difference is the concentration of oil found in them. For EDP, the oil concentration is between 8% and 15%.
For EDC, on the other hand, the oil concentration is between 2% and 4%. In the case of EDT, the concentration is between 4% and 8%. Oil concentrations also vary for perfumes (15% to 25%) and aftershaves (2% to 4%).
You may have heard people referring to this when buying perfumes locally or online. Notes are a perfume's individual element. This can be lemon, sandalwood, rose, cedarwood, flowers, woods, spices, and herbs used in producing fragrances.
These can be combined to produce scents, thus creating harmonies in a fragrance. Perfumery-related terms are somewhat the same as those related to music.
These different notes are also where personalities and scents meet. If you’re daring and adventurous you might go for something with spices, whereas a soft natured person might be drawn to softer scents too.
There are so-called "hot spots" when applying your perfume. The rule of thumb is to use your perfume on these spots.
Apply your perfume to the following spots:
The temples
Wrists
Behind your ears
The nape of your neck
The crease of your elbows
The small of your back
The back of your knees
Women, in particular, can also apply perfume between their breasts or at the navel area if they wish. Applying perfume to these areas will make the scent more fragrant. Remember not to rub your wrists together after applying perfume.
Like any other thing, perfumes are not meant to last forever. Storing them properly is one way to ensure they last until the expiry date. That way, you can enjoy your perfume before it expires.
Keep it away from heat and light, or it can become musty or sour. You can store your bottle in a dark cupboard or inside a drawer, ideally inside its box. Also, remember that citrussy and lighter scents tend to deteriorate faster when compared to florals.
Keep your perfume away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when storing it. It is essential to store it in a cool, dry place that is not too humid or damp.
It should also be stored away from any heat sources—including heating vents, radiators, and ovens. Additionally, you want to ensure the lid is firmly closed and keep the bottle away from any pungent odors to ensure your perfume's scent stays fresh and authentic.
Applying it in the right places is essential to make your fragrance last longer. Generally speaking, you should apply perfume directly onto the pulse points - such as behind the ears, on the wrists, and inside of the elbows.
Using a light moisturizer before spraying can help keep your skin hydrated and help trap moisture so that it can hold onto the scent for longer. Additionally, touching up throughout the day can help make your fragrance last even longer.
Yes, it can. Perfume typically has a shelf-life of between three and five years, although this varies depending on the specific product and its ingredients.
If your perfume has been open for longer than that time frame, it is best to discard it as the scent will not be effective anymore.
Take notice of the expiration date printed directly on the product packaging, or check the manufacturer's website for more information.
Yes, perfume can freeze if stored in temperatures lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit because most fragrances are made of pure alcohol; when frozen, the molecules become clogged and may change consistency. Store it away from windows or near cold drafts to avoid damage to your perfume.
The main reason perfume can smell different on everyone is due to the natural chemicals in our skin. Everyone's body chemistry is unique and will interact differently with a fragrance, causing it to develop and change over time.
Other factors like humidity and temperature can also impact how a perfume smells on someone because they can affect the strength of the scent. Additionally, certain perfumes may react differently to skin types and age.
No, perfume does not change color. Perfume is an alcohol-based product, so it typically won't change its hue. Therefore, if you notice a color change, it is most likely because of a reaction between the perfume and other elements, such as air or sunlight. If this happens, it is best to discard the product as it may have gone off.
The main difference between perfume and fragrance is the oil concentration in each product. Perfumes have a higher concentration, usually 15 to 30%, whereas fragrances have a lower oil concentration of around 8-15%.
Perfumes are generally more potent and will last longer than fragrances—and perfumes typically cost more than fragrances too. Lastly, fragrance refers to a single scent, whereas perfume can have multiple scents blended.
Changing fragrances with the seasons is unnecessary, but it can be a fun and exciting way to switch up your scent. Different scents evoke different feelings due to their ingredients; for instance, floral scents may feel more appropriate in warmer weather, while rich, spicy fragrances feel more suitable in cooler temperatures. A great way to experiment with different scents is to purchase sample sizes or perfume sets.
Who doesn’t love smelling fabulous? Perfume has become a product so embedded in our daily ritual that we’d feel naked without a spritz of our signature scent before running out the door. Of course, we’re all familiar with the usual triumphs and struggles that come with picking out a scent but surprisingly, there’s more to know about perfume beyond just how it smells. Before you sniff more tester wands than your nose can handle, we’ve listed below 10 surprising (but important!) things to know about perfume — just in time your next shopping trip!
1. Moisturizing beforehand is a must. Before applying any fragrance, grab your favorite lotion and moisturize the area properly. Perfume diffuses well when applied on moisturized skin, and hydrated skin will hold fragrance longer.
2. Perfume isn’t great for your hair. We’re all guilty of spritzing a little extra on our hair to reassure ourselves that others (even ourselves) can really smell it. However, we’ve been doing a lot more harm than good. Many perfumes contain alcohol, which can cause dryness if applied frequently.
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3. Rubbing your wrists is a no-no. If you have the habit of rubbing your wrists against each other after spraying a scent, nix the habit immediately. Typically, perfumes are complex combination of top notes, heart notes, and base notes. The top notes are more delicate and fade quickly, while the base notes are long lasting. The friction caused by rubbing your wrists increases the interaction of the fragrance with your skin’s natural oils, which can end up distorting the scent.
4. You can maximize the smell of your perfume. Instead of spritzing fragrance all over yourself, opt for applying your scent to certain areas of the body, or pulse points. Pulse points are locations on the body where the blood vessels are closest to the skin. These spots radiate heat, which help the fragrance radiate from your skin into the air. Increase the life expectancy of your bottle and spray only on the inner wrists, base of your neck, behind your earlobes, and your inner elbows.
5. The same scent can smell different on two individuals. When perfume is applied, it can mix with your skin’s own chemistry. Sweat, the environment, and even your diet can play a huge role in how your perfume smells on you versus on your friend.
6. Give your nose a break. When testing new perfumes, avoid trying more than three in a row. Your nose will have trouble differentiating the aromas if you happen to overload. A quick way to clear your nasal passages? Take a deep breath against your shirt, or a bowl of coffee beans (which fragrance stores usually have on hand).
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7. Perfumes today are not made with real flowers. Because of perfume’s mass production, the use of real flower essences had to be replaced with synthetic fragrances. The upside? The life expectancy of a bottle of perfume has now been doubled due to longer expiration dates.
8. Some perfumes contains animal ingredients. These ingredients are synthetic as well and used in a variety of fragrances. Many include civet, an ingredient extracted from the feces or anal glands of a civet cat. Yuck.
9. Scents can alter the mood you’re in. Research has shown that a quick spritz can lift your spirits. Feeling overwhelmed? Apply a fragrance that contains lavender to promote relaxation. Coffee didn’t wake you up this morning? A citrus-infused scent will awaken your senses.
10. Men’s fragrances aren’t just for men. One third of men’s fragrances sold are worn by women. Surprisingly, there’s little inherently masculine or feminine about a particular scent, it’s all how it’s presented.