Fragrance Guide

Here is our guide that will give you an insight into some of the terms used in the world of fragrance, and also provide a few useful tips.

Fragrance notes We make a lot of reference to fragrance notes within our product descriptions, fragrances consist of three layers which are usually described as notes. The notes are the smells that develop after the solvents within the perfume have evaporated after being applied.
Top Notes – these give the first impression of the fragrance as they are the first scents that you smell, they are often fresh floral or fruity, these notes usually last for just a short time.
Middle Notes – sometimes referred to as the heart notes, these are what you can smell once the top notes have faded.
Base notes – The base notes develop more slowly after the other notes have faded, and are the longer lasting compounds such as amber, precious woods musk and vanilla.
When testing fragrances it is always advisable to let the fragrance settle for a while in order to ensure that you get the base notes after the initial top notes have disappeared.

Perfume strengths - There are different strengths of fragrance available and some are more suitable for certain times or occasions. Parfum – may also be called extract, this is the highest concentration of perfume which normally contains between 20-40% of aromatic compounds. Parfum or Perfume is the longest lasting, usually stays for 6-8 hours, it is also the most expensive but a small amount is all that is needed. Parfum is ideal for when you need your fragrance to last.
Eau de Parfum – contains between 10- 30% aromatic compounds and will last between 4-6 hours.
Eau de Toilette - may also be called toilet water contains between 5-20% aromatic compounds and will usually last 3-5 hours .
Eau de Cologne - contains between 2-5% aromatic compounds. Cologne is an ideal lighter fragrance suited to hot summer months. Aftershave – usually contains between 3-5% and as the name suggests is a treatment to be applied after shaving. So gents if you merely want to smell good, then opt for an eau de toilette as this will have a superior fragrance to it!
Storing your fragrance - stored correctly perfume will be good for a couple of years if unopened. Store in a dry place, at room temperature – exposure to excessive hot or cold temperatures can affect the balance of certain perfume ingredients, also keep away from direct sunlight. Once opened keep bottles tightly closed especially with non-spray splash on products, this will prevent evaporation.

Applying Fragrance – there are many ways to apply – pulse points are good as your body heat helps develop the fragrance notes, apply on the inside wrist, inside elbow, behind the knees and not forgetting behind the ears. Another way which is our favourite, is to spray your perfume into the air just in front of you, then walk in to the fragranced cloud, this gives a subtle all over layer.