Parfum contains between 20-30% of oil concentration. Parfum have the highest fragrance concentration (more than 20% oil concentration), this means that it is likely to be noticeable and last all day. As a consequence, parfum will also demand the highest price. 

Eau de Parfum contains between 15-20% of oil concentration, this is the next highest fragrance concentration. Eau de parfums are made to last on the skin without giving people next to you a headache, or transferring onto someone else’s neck after a hug. These are the most common fragrance category. The scent will be prominent from morning to evening, and should still be detectable when you undress at night. 

Eau de Toilette contains between 8-12% of oil concentration. This is one of the most popular type of fragrances, with a concentration of between 8% to 12%, it is cheaper than the eau de parfum. 

Eau de Cologne/Fragrance Mist contains between 2-6% of oil concentration. With a much lower fragrance concentration about 2% to 6% and a high alcohol content, the eau the cologne is considerably cheaper than those above.

Eau Fraiche contains between 1-2% of oil concentration. This last fragrance is quite similar to the previous one, However, it has an even lower fragrance concentration of only 1% to 2%. The main difference is that eau fraiche/fragrance mist does not contain a high amount of alcohol. Eau fraiche/ fragrance mist is mostly water so this is also good for those with sensitive skin. 

On a final note, along with fragrance types it is important to know that there are also fragrance notes which determine the final scent. 

FRAGRANCE FAMILIES

Although there are an infinite number of olfactory notes and combinations, most people tend to be drawn to certain types of scents consistently. Have you ever wondered why some perfumes make you feel energized and refreshed while others bring a comforting sense of calm? The answer lies in fragrance families. By identifying the families that resonate with you, you can confidently navigate through the array of scents. In this piece, we'll delve into the captivating universe of fragrance families, ranging from citrus and floral to oriental and woody aromas. The Fragrance Wheel serves as a guide for perfumers and enthusiasts alike, grouping together families with similar olfactory traits. Adjacent subfamilies blend harmoniously, while those farther apart share fewer connections.

 FRESH

• Smells Like: Bright, Herby, Citrusy, Clean, Oceanic
• Subfamilies Include: Aromatic, Citrus, Green, Water
• Common Notes: Citrus, White Flowers, Bergamot, Green notes, Herbs, Sandalwood, Musk, Light florals, Ocean 

If you’re looking for those bright, clean, and fresh summertime scents without strong floral notes, the fresh fragrance family might have exactly what you need. Green Notes are best described as the scent of dew-covered grass in the morning or a cut stem of a plant. Fresh green fragrances are often reminiscent of herbal and leafy scents for a crisp, uplifting smell. 

Fresh, tangy, and invigorating Citrus Aromas can elevate your mood and energize your senses. The primary characteristics of citrus-based perfumes are their lightness and freshness. These are what make them particularly appealing during warmer months or as daytime fragrances.

FLORALS

• Smells Like: Fresh Cut Flowers, Powdery
• Subfamilies: Fruity, Floral, Soft Floral
• Common Notes: Rose, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Ylang-ylang, Fruit, Patchouli, Resin, Musk

Any fragrance that has a sweet and flowery scent will belong under this family, using notes such as roses, jasmine, lilies and peonies. Every blossom boasts its own distinct scent characteristics, adding complexity to any fragrance composition. Consider roses, for instance; their fragrance can span from gentle and sugary to potent and piquant, depending on the particular variety.

It may surprise you, but several well-loved floral notes originate from unexpected sources. Take jasmine, for example, its exquisitely lush aroma is derived from tiny white blossoms that unfurl only during the night.

Adding to this spectrum, there exists a fascinating subset known as floral-fruity fragrances, where delicate flower scents harmonize with zesty fruit notes, creating a refreshingly modern blend.

These floral fragrances can fall into categories such as Single Floral, focusing on the aroma of a single flower like roses, Floral Bouquet, a fusion of various flowers, or Soft Floral, intertwining floral notes with spicy or powdery elements.

They serve as excellent choices for the vibrant days of summer or the blossoming season of spring.

AMBERS

• Smells Like: Herbal, Spicy or Dry Resin Notes
• Subfamilies: Soft Amber, Amber, Woody Amber
• Common Notes: Vanilla, Myrrh, Anise, Warmth, Spice, Bergamot, Musk, Pepper

The amber (previously known as "oriental") scent family includes herbs, spices, and dry powdery resin notes. Amber scents can be described as “sensual,” warm and “exotic.”Oriental fragrances are warm, sweet and even a little spicy, and are often made with interesting notes of cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla alongside the likes of jasmine, orchid and orange blossom. Amber–rich aromas conjure up images of exotic lands far away from home.

Typically, in feminine fragrances, light floral essences are commonly blended with scents in the amber family to brighten the perfume. On the other hand, Masculine fragrances in the amber family tend to feature blends of woody scents.

WOODS

• Smells Like: Warm, Opulent, Powdery
• Subfamilies: Woods, Mossy Woods, Dry Woods.
• Common Notes: Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Citrus, Orange blossom

The wood family includes scents that are warm and opulent, mixing incense like fragrances like sandalwood and patchouli with drier notes like cedar. Using wood-based smells like cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver and amber, it’s a great choice for wearing in the evening.

Woody fragrances are split into mossy woods with an earthy, sweet undertone, and dry woods which often have a smoky, leathery smell to them. These fragrances often evoke images of being in a lush forest or cozy log cabin. They’re typically characterized by rich base notes that can linger for hours on your skin or fabric.

Woody scents play well with others; they make an excellent base for other more volatile notes in perfumery compositions.

For instance:

Pairing them with floral notes creates depth while retaining freshness.

Mixing them with spicy ingredients results in an exotic warmth that captivates attention. 

CONCLUSION

When choosing a fragrance, take into account aspects like your personality, lifestyle preferences, and even the current seasons. For instance, if you enjoy the outdoors or have a penchant for natural settings, you might be drawn to woody or fresh citrus fragrances.

Yet, the world of scents is wonderfully flexible! Fragrances offer the delight of adaptability – don't hesitate to explore various scent profiles until you discover one that truly resonates with your individuality.

The decision rests with you – there's no universal solution since everyone possesses distinct preferences when it comes to crafting their personal fragrance narrative.

 

ALL ABOUT FRAGRANCES 

 

What's the difference between Eau de Toilette vs. Eau de Parfum?

An Eau de Parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance oil than an Eau de Toilette. In the fragrance world, the order of highest to lowest concentration is Pure Perfume (which tends to be solid), Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne.

Generally, an Eau de Parfum is composed of 15 percent to 20 percent perfume oil, while an Eau de Toilette scales a little lower, ranging from 8 percent to 12 percent.

Do Eau de Parfums and Eau de Toilettes smell the same?

If both types of fragrance are made with the same notes, then yes, they would smell similar, but not exactly the same. For example, a spritz of Eau de Parfum would release a higher concentration of fragrance than an Eau de Toilette. As the level of fragrance oil is increased, certain notes can develop on the skin to be richer, sharper or sweeter.

Different concentration levels of the same fragrance can be extremely subtle, which is all a part of the fun. It allows different notes or ingredients to breathe, creating a singular experience for the wearer.

Does perfume expire?

Depending on the quality of ingredients and where it is stored, most perfumes have a shelf life of at least three to five years.

Do Eau de Parfums have better sillage than Eau de Toilettes?

For the most part, Eau de Parfums have better sillage, meaning they wear longer. However, keep in mind that different notes carry different patterns of longevity.

What's the best way to store a perfume?

To maximise the shelf life of an Eau de Parfum keep it in a cool, dry, and dark location. Beware of excessive light, variations in temperature (especially heat).

Do our perfumes contain Alcohol?

We use a special type of alcohol called perfumer's alcohol, which is not available in liquor stores and is strictly intended for perfume production. Our perfumes do not contain alcohol that you would typically drink.