One of the most powerful senses is smell, as it is connected to our memory more than any other. Just think about how many times we have associated a scent with a specific person, place, or phase of our lives in order to understand the value of fragrance. Our smell is our signature, the imprint that characterizes our personality.

Types of Fragrances

The difference between the types of fragrances is based on the quantity of essential oils they contain. As the percentage of essential oils increases, so does the duration of the fragrance, and therefore its quality and price. The basic types are as follows:

Eau de Cologne

This type is found at the lowest level of the ranking and is mainly found in men's fragrances. Eau De Cologne fragrances have a lighter scent, a refreshing feel, and a short duration compared to all other types, which is why they can be reapplied several times throughout the day. They are more affordable and usually last around 2 hours on average. They are usually available in larger packaging in ml due to the high dilution of the fragrance with water and/or alcohol, making them more economical. This type of fragrance started being produced from a combination of citrus essential oils and was favored by Napoleon.

Eau de Toilette

The difference between this type and Eau De Cologne is not easily distinguishable. However, some brands contain a higher percentage of essential oils compared to Eau De Cologne. Eau De Toilette fragrances are light and more subtle than Eau De Parfum, suitable for morning and afternoon hours, and are preferred mainly during the summer months. They usually last between 2 to 4 hours and are more popular compared to other types.

Eau de Parfum

More intense than the other fragrances, as they usually contain a higher percentage of essential oils. They last longer than the previous 2 types, averaging around 4 to 5 hours, due to the intensity of their notes. They have very good results when applied directly to our hair or clothes, but they are slightly more expensive.

Pure Parfume

It is the purest form of the fragrance's ingredients. It is worn in small quantities with a duration of 4 to 6 hours and is suitable for mainly evening appearances, as it is the most intense and expensive among the other fragrances.

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche is a type of fragrance that is made with a higher concentration of aromatic oils, water, and alcohol compared to traditional fragrances. It maintains a light scent and has a shorter duration than eau de toilette/eau de parfum.

Body Mists

Body mist is a type of fragrance that is made with a lower concentration of aromatic oils and a higher concentration of water and alcohol. It is designed to be sprayed all over the body and is often used as a lighter alternative to perfume.

Choosing a Fragrance

• We can test various fragrances by spraying them on the special blotting papers provided by cosmetic stores. However, the scent of the fragrances will not be the same on our skin. To be sure of our choice, it is better to try the fragrance directly on our skin.
• Spray 1 to 2 times on the inside of the wrist and wait 10 minutes before smelling it again. The same fragrance can smell completely different on each person, and this is due to the pH of each skin type. The goal is to choose a fragrance that will match our personal scent. We avoid testing more than 3 fragrances in the same day, as our sense of smell may become confused, and it is likely that we will not make the right choice.

Tip If we really want to try more fragrances at the same time, we should smell coffee beans in between, as they will help cleanse our sense of smell so that we can properly perceive the next one!

Wearing the Perfume

• Fragrances last longer on oily skin compared to dry skin. For this reason, we try to keep our skin moisturized before applying the perfume. Using a moisturizing cream that has similar notes to the fragrance will not only hydrate our skin but also enhance the effectiveness of the perfume. The best way to ensure longer lasting scent is to use the other products from the fragrance line, such as shower gel, body lotion, etc.
• We apply the perfume immediately after showering, when the skin is clean, dry, and the pores are open. This way, we achieve better absorption of the fragrance.

Attention: do not apply perfume on sweaty skin, as the result will not be pleasant!

• Do not spray from a distance. This is a fairly common practice, but in reality, it costs us 50% of the perfume that ends up on the floor.
• The amount we apply is very important and depends on the type of fragrance. Light fragrances, Eau De Cologne, and Eau De Toilette will need to be refreshed several times throughout the day. On the other hand, Eau De Parfum, which contains spicier notes, such as spices and vanilla, will last longer even if we apply a small amount.
• Coco Chanel advised women to wear perfume on the spots where a man is likely to kiss them! Therefore, the areas where we should apply perfume are those where blood circulation is more superficial. If we are using Eau De Parfum or Pure Parfum, then it is enough to spray the wrists and neck. If we are using Eau De Cologne or Eau De Toilette, then we spray on the inner part of the wrist, behind the earlobes, on the inner part of the arm, at the point between the chest and the outer point of the knee.

Tip Do not rub the area where we have applied the perfume, but let it dry on its own to avoid altering the result.

• Low temperatures reduce the strength of the fragrance, and for this reason, in winter we prefer heavier scents that will last longer. In summer, when temperatures are higher and scents are more intense, we prefer something lighter and fresher.
• We avoid spraying on clothes to prevent stains and discoloration of fabrics, as well as on jewelry, as it may cause corrosion of the material.
• If we notice that over time our perfume does not smell the same, we must take into account that as the years go by, our body chemistry changes. This change may be due to hormonal fluctuations, medication, or even changes in our dietary habits. Perhaps it is time to try something different.

Choosing the right note

Floral

Basic notes from one or more flowers, with lavender, rose, jasmine, night-blooming cereus, and peony being the most popular. They have been widely used since ancient times because they are associated with femininity. They evoke calmness and intense romantic mood. They can be worn at any time of the day and for any occasion. Suggestions: Giorgio Armani Si Fiori Eau de Parfum, Ysl Libre Eau de Parfum, and Trussardi My Name Eau de Parfum.

Fruity

Notes of flowers and fruits such as mango, apple, strawberry, cherry, etc. Recommended for dynamic and extroverted personalities. Suggestions: Dior Miss Dior, Lancome La Nuit Tresor Eau de Parfum, and DKNY Be Delicious Eau de Parfum.

Citrus

They are quite intense and refreshing, with notes of orange, bergamot, and other citrus fruits. They are pleasant to wear, especially during the warmer months of the year. Scents that reduce stress and improve mood. Suggestions: Moschino Cheap and Chic I Love Love Eau de Toilette, Calvin Klein Eternity Eau de Parfum, and Hermes Eau Des Merveilles Eau de Toilette.

Spicy & Oriental

Quite intense and exotic, ideal for evening outings. Particularly feminine and sexy, they include spicy notes of musk and amber. Suggestions: Dior Hypnotic Poison, Paco Rabanne One Million, and Diesel Loverdose.

Oceanic

They were first created by Christian Dior in 1991.

It is light, refreshing, and invigorating. They give a sense of freshness, like the breeze of the sea. Suggestions: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia, Davidoff Cool Water Woman Eau de Toilette, and Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct Women Blue Eau de Parfum.

Woody

They emit the scent of cedar, pine, and sandalwood. They increase the feeling of freedom and tranquility. They are mainly unisex. Suggestions: Dior Joy, Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum, and Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Poudree Eau de Parfum.

Preserving the scent

• We must not forget to put the cap back on after using it, so that our scent does not evaporate quickly.
• We should store it in a dry and shady environment, so that its fragrance does not alter.
• Many times we make the mistake of placing the bottles in the cabinet or bathroom shelf. This is not correct, as the intense lighting in bathrooms gradually evaporates the scent, resulting in it losing its strong aroma over time.
• The best way to preserve the intense fragrance of a perfume is to put it in the refrigerator from the moment we buy it. The low temperature will help it remain intense until the end.