Know your Perfumes and Colognes

    Perfume dates back to early ancient Egyptian times when fragrant plants and woods were burned producing sweat pleasant aromas. Over the centuries perfume have been enhanced and is an essential in modern living today.

The modern perfume is made up of three separate components; solvent, fixative and scent. Almost any synthetic or natural aroma can be used to create a perfume but most perfumes are citrus, wood, spice, or flower and there are lots of variation out there in the market.

The different types of fragrances for women and men.

Fragrances are categorized based on how much of the scent is used. Needless to say, the higher the amount of scent used, the longer lasting the fragrance. This is usually a key factor in the pricing of fragrances.

Aftershaves and lotions have the least amount of scent with around 2% followed by Eau de Cologne at around 3%. Eau de Toilettes (EdT) cost a little more because there is 5% to 20% scent content. Eau de parfums (EdP) have as much as 30% scent base is generally able to last up to 8 hours and the costliest.

There are many categories for women’s perfume products including toilet water, cologne, eau de parfum, and perfume to name a few. Men’s on the other hand have only three which included aftershave, cologne, and perfume.

Understanding Notes of Perfumes

Did you know that perfumes have notes? I know what you’re thinking. Notes belong in music. Perfume notes are what make up that particular scent. Each note makes up a segment of the fragrance unmasking itself at a different time.

Just as a band is made up of several instruments to play that beautiful song, your perfume is made up of many notes that make up the fragrance. Choosing the fragrance that your partner likes is often as daunting as choosing his/her brand of music. Therefore understanding the notes of a fragrance is important!

Top Notes. The strongest scents last the shortest period of time and are classified as the top notes. They are usually citrus or spice based giving a strong burst of aroma initially but loosing their potency just as quickly.

Middle Notes. The main scents are softer and linger. They are classified as the middle notes also referred to as the heart notes. They are generally floral based.

Base Notes. You recall those deep musky aromas that take you back to nature? These are called the base notes and they are the foundation of the scent. They can then be blended with middle and top notes if desired.

Each of us has a favorite scent, a favorite perfume, a scent that makes us smile, makes us laugh, makes us feel sexy, or reminds us of another time. Perfumes are like an extension of our personality and our mood so what is your special scent ?