Fragrances can often reflect the type of person you are and we shouldn’t underestimate the impact a carefully chosen fragrance can have on those we meet. Also we need to be careful of an unsuitable or overpowering fragrance as this can be a real turn off.
Concentration~
We often hear the words: Parfum, Perfume, Cologne etc, but what do they all mean?
Parfum has 22% Fragrance Oils. This is the most concentrated and longest lasting form of fragrance. It is also very expensive.
Eau De parfum has 15 – 22% Fragrance Oils. It is less concentrated than parfum, but more concentrated than Eau De Toilette.
Eau De Toilette and Cologne has 4 – 15% Fragrance Oils. These are light in concentration and intensity and usually more affordable, just right for an every day fragrance.
Notes: The different components of a fragrance are called notes and you will hear fragrances described this way. Top notes give the first impression of a fragrance.
Middle Notes are the dominant note in the fragrance and should last for several hours.
Base notes are an underlying quality to the fragrance and give it its longest lasting scent.
Fragrance Families.
Fragrances
Kylie Minogue' Pink Sparkle.
are traditionally divided into different families.
Chypre(pronounced ‘sheep-r’)
A Chypre fragrance contains woody, mossy and floral notes. It will often will contain Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Patchouli Bergamot and Vetiver.
Examples include:
Cuir de Russe by Chanel, Mitsouko by Guerlain, Chypre de Coty.
Marine
The Marine fragrance family is relatively new and is used to describe scents that evoke a feeling of the sea air. An ingredient called calone is used to give the marine scent.
Examples include: Feminine: Escape by Calvin Klein, Inis by Fragrances of Ireland, Aquawoman by Rochas.
Oriental
Oriental fragrances are common in both male and female fragrances. They are often warm, spicy and sweet and contain ingredients such as Vanilla and Tonka bean.
Examples include:
Jean Paul Gaultier “Classique”, Angel, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, Imari by Avon, Coco – Chanel
Floral
The majority of feminine fragrances are floral. Some are a bouquet of different flowers, with each individual flower complementing the others; some use one main flower and complement it with other notes and accords; others are very simple and can just be the scent of a flower alone. (This are called single-note scents)
Examples include: Chanel No 19, Anaïs Anaïs by Cacharel, L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci, Charlie by Revlon, Dolce Vita – Dior
Some people like to choose a signature fragrance and use it all the time. Buying the whole range of beauty and skin care products in their signature fragrance. This can be a very powerful tool. Scents are very evocative, vivid memories and feelings can be stimulated by just a hint of a familiar fragrance.
Alternatively choosing an everyday fragrance, a special occasion fragrance and a headier evening fragrance is also popular, allowing you to ring the changes as circumstances dictate.
Whatever you decide there are plenty of fabulous fragrances available today to suit all budgets, you are sure to find one that’s just right for you.
