What is the difference between Pure Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne? The differences are simply a matter of the amount or concentration of oils in the fragrance. The highest concentration is in pure perfume (or parfum). Next would be Eau de Parfum, then Eau de Toilette, and finally Eau de Cologne. Some manufacturers make a solid perfume, solid perfume is as strong as a pure perfume however it is in a gel-like consistency. Eau De Toilette and Eau De Cologne are generally interchangeable, especially in Men's fragrances. After Shave has the least amount of oils. The higher the concentration the longer your fragrance will last, and the less you need to apply. What is the difference between a splash and a spray? There is absolutely no difference in the fragrance. The difference is in the method of application only. However, a spray bottle, being sealed all the time, may actually have a longer shelf life. Making the decision between spray and splash is entirely a matter of personal preference. Why do some men wear Cologne, and others prefer to wear After Shave? After Shave Lotion will usually sting as well as help close the pores after shaving. After Shave Balm is actually soothing to the skin. After Shave Gel also soothes the skin, but cools the skin as well and relieves razor burn. What do fragrance notes refer to? Fragrances are comprised of many different scents, these scents are called "notes." Top notes are very light and last just a few minutes (5-10 minutes). Middle notes become apparent in about 15 minutes after application. These can last up to an hour or more. Bottom notes are the heavier ingredients. These last the longest, usually for several hours. How can I keep my fragrance from going bad? Keep all fragrances in a cool, dry area, and away from windows as sunlight can unbalance the various ingredients. An opened bottle should be kept in its box to insure a longer shelf life. What is the difference between Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne? The differences are simply a matter of the amount or concentration of oils in the fragrance. These oils are called "juice." The highest concentration of "juice" is in perfume (or parfum). Next would be Eau de Parfum, then Eau de Toilette, and finally Eau de Cologne. Actually, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne are generally interchangeable, particularly in Men's fragrances. After Shave has the least amount of oils. The higher the concentration of "juice" the longer your fragrance will last, and the less you need to apply. back to top Why do some fragrances seem to last much longer than others? People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time shorter than those with oily skin because oily skin has more natural moisture to hold in the fragrance. PH levels (amount of acidity in our skin) also varies slightly from person to person. Our individual levels of PH will determine how each ingredient in a fragrance will react. back to top How can I make my scent last longer? Fragrance lasts longer on some people than on others because of differences in our skin (oily or dry) and in our PH levels. To achieve a longer effect, try layering your fragrance. Using the fragrance bath gel, (if the company offers one), then the moisturizer or powder, and then the Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum or Eau de Cologne, will usually have a longer lasting effect. Also, apply your fragrance low on the body, as well as behind your ears and on your neck, so that the scent rises and you won't lose it as quickly. A light spray on the hair can last all day. back to top What is the difference between a splash and a spray? There is absolutely no difference in the fragrance. The difference is in the application only. However, a spray bottle, being ostensibly sealed all the time, may actually have a longer shelf life. Making the decision between spray and splash is entirely a matter of personal preference. back to top Why do some men wear Cologne, and others prefer to wear After Shave? Cologne's fragrance will generally last much longer than After Shave. However, many men choose to wear both. The fragrance lasts longer, you can use less of each, and you get the facial benefit of an After Shave. back to top Why does fragrance contain alcohol? Alcohol makes the fragrance emanate from your skin. Without alcohol, you would be the only person who knew you were wearing any fragrance at all. back to top What are the differences between After Shave Lotion, After Shave Gel, and After Shave Balm? After Shave Lotion will usually sting as well as help close the pores after shaving. After Shave Balm is actually soothing to the skin. After Shave Gel also soothes the skin, but cools the skin as well and relieves razor burn. back to top What is shower gel? Shower gel is soap in a different form. It is made for use by both men and women, foams up well and leaves your chosen fragrance on the skin. It then enhances your cologne or perfume and the fragrance will last much longer. back to top What do fragrance notes refer to? Fragrances are comprised of many different scents, these scents are called "notes." Top notes are very light and last just a few minutes (5-10 minutes). Middle notes become apparent in about 15 minutes after application. These can last up to an hour or more. Bottom notes are the heavier ingredients. These last the longest, usually for several hours. back to top Perfume Is… Perfume is usually made of a mixture of fragrances, either man-made (synthetic) or organic which, when combined, creates a pleasant scent or aroma. As well as on our persons, perfume fragrances are used in air fresheners for homes and cars, and many other everyday commodities. Perfume fragrances are the ways we identify with our surroundings, people, and memories. Perfumes and perfume scents surround us, but perfume is more than just a pretty scent. Perfume design is a science. When we first smell a perfume, our brain tries to identify the origin of the aroma. Perfume developers have categorized perfume scents into seven different categories, used to create both synthetic and natural perfumes. The perfume categories include Chypre, Citrus, Floral, Fougère, Leather, Oriental (Amber), and Woody. In addition, perfume designers sub-categorize these scents even further by whether the perfume is designed for men or women. Chypre has a base of bergamot, jasmine, or oak moss with a scent similar to apricot or custard. Citrus is based on the distinctive smells of citrus fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons. Floral perfumes are the scents of a single flower variety or a group of flowers. Fougère (aromatic) is usually men’s cologne and tends to have a woody smell mixed with herbs. Leather is another usually masculine scent with a focus on honey, aromatic wood, or tobacco smells. Orientals are based in camphorous oils and incense resins. Woody fragrances come from natural woods and other aromas you’d find in the forest such as patchouli and sandalwood. Although you may be familiar with the distinct aromas of each of these categories, what many people don’t know is the perfume note classifications of their perfumes. Perfume Notes Perfume notes explain how the scent changes after application. The top notes are the initial scents you smell when you first apply your perfume. After approximately 30 minutes or so, you’ll notice that the top note changes. These changes are the middle notes, or heart notes. The true scents of the perfume, the heart notes, also last the longest. As these scents fade, the perfume’s base components, such as musk or essential oils, are the final notes of the perfume. What are perfume’s base components? As noted above, perfumes are either synthetic or natural (organic). Natural Perfume Scents: Many plants exude a natural fragrance, which comes from the part of the plant that has been broken down to its essential oils and compounds. Several parts of a plant may be used to extract the scent for a perfume. Flowers and blossoms are obvious plant parts used in making perfume, but leaves, twigs, roots, bulbs, seeds, fruit, bark, wood, resin, and even lichens can be used as well. Other organic fragrances, such as musk, civet, castoreum, ambergris, and honeycomb, come from animals. Synthetic Perfume Fragrances: Creating perfumes from organic substances, such as plant and animal scents, is an expensive process that results in very pricey perfume. The use of chemical compounds to create perfumes allows designers to develop similar scents for a fraction of the cost, making perfumes affordable and favorite fragrances readily available to everyone in the world. Synthetic aromas in perfumes normally aren't found in the environment, but are common in many of today’s perfumes. Synthetics come from combinations of some of the chemicals found in petroleum and pine. One such example is the pale yellow liquid ionone, with its woody, dry, fruity, raspberry, and violet aromas. Another is linalool, a naturally occurring terpene alcohol chemical with a floral scent with pleasant hints of spice. Why We Like Perfume So Much Think of perfume and pleasant thoughts float to your mind. The mention of perfume brings a different smell and memory to each person. Just about everyone wears or owns perfume or cologne of some kind. In the United States, many children are introduced to perfume by the time they are three or four years old. Perfume is like an olfactory photograph. The fragrance of perfume attaches itself to you and your memories. When you smell the perfume of a close friend or relative, you automatically think of the person. Although you can’t see their features, their essence is captured in the lingering fragrance of their perfume. How can I keep my fragrance from going bad? Keep all fragrance in a cool, dry area, and away from windows as sunlight can unbalance the various ingredients. An opened bottle should be kept in its box to insure a longer shelf life. back to top What are the Fragrance Abbreviations? EDT: Eau de Toilette EDP: Eau de Parfum Col: Cologne C/S: Cologne Spray A/S: After-Shave Spy: Spray Sp: Spray B/L: Body Lotion Bdy: Body B/P: Body Powder D/P: Dusting Powder Dust: Dusting Pwdr: Powder B/C: Body Cream B/G: Bath Gel Conc: Concentrate P/S: Purse Spray