A No-Nonsense Guide to Perfume Terminology

A No-Nonsense Guide to Perfume Terminology

Hey there, fragrance lover!

We get it. The world of perfumes can be a bit...overwhelming. Top notes, base notes, Eau de...what now? It's a lot. But don't worry, we've got your back. We've put together this no-nonsense guide to perfume terminology that'll have you talking the talk in no time. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's dive in.

Body

1. Perfume Types

First things first, let's talk about the different types of perfumes. You've probably seen these terms on the back of a bottle or in the description online.

  • Perfume: This is the most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options. The scent is composed of 20-30% pure perfume essence and a single application can last up to 24 hours.

  • Eau de Parfum (EDP): This is one of the most common types of fragrance. It contains 15-20% pure perfume essence and usually lasts around 5 to 8 hours.

  • Eau de Toilette (EDT): This is a lighter fragrance with a 5-15% concentration of perfume essence. It's perfect for daytime wear and usually lasts 3 to 5 hours.

  • Eau de Cologne (EDC): This is a much lighter fragrance with a 2-4% concentration of perfume essence in water and alcohol. It usually lasts up to 2 hours.

  • Eau Fraiche: This is the most diluted version of fragrance with just 1-3% perfume oil in water and alcohol. It usually lasts less than an hour.

2. Fragrance Notes

Now, let's break down the notes. No, not the ones you passed in school, the ones that make up your favorite fragrances!

  • Top Notes: These are the first notes you smell when you apply the fragrance. They are usually light and refreshing and evaporate quickly. Common top notes include citrus, fruity, and herbal scents.

  • Middle Notes: Also known as heart notes, these emerge after the top notes fade. They are usually more mellow and well-rounded. Common middle notes include floral, spice, and fruit scents.

  • Base Notes: These are the last to develop and the ones that linger the longest. They are usually rich and deep. Common base notes include musk, vanilla, and woody scents.

3. Sillage

This is a term that refers to the trail of scent left behind by a perfume. A fragrance with heavy sillage will be noticeable even after you've left the room.

Conclusion

And there you have it! A quick and dirty guide to perfume terminology. Now you can confidently strut your stuff down the fragrance aisle and know exactly what you're looking for. Remember, the best fragrance is the one that makes you feel like a million bucks. So, check out our collection and find your signature scent!


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