1. What is the difference between cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and parfum?
Cologne is the lightest form of fragrance containing 2-3% essence and will generally last between 2-3 hours.
Eau de toilette has between 4-8% essence and is the most common fragrance to be found which will last around 4-6 hours.
Eau de parfum consists of 8-12% essence and can last up to 6-8 hours.
Parfum is the most concentrated form of fragrance containing more then 20% essential oils and will generally last through out the day.
2. Why will my fragrance not last on my body?
It could be that you are using a cologne, which may be too light for you. Try a stronger eau de toilette or eau de parfum. Also layering your fragrances by using lotions or body creme's will make the fragrance last longer on you.
3. What is layering?
Layering is adding one on top of the other. You can start with a shower gel to bathe with, then using body lotion or body crème and then lightly spraying the fragrance, you can have your fragrance last all day. Also, dabbing on some dusting powder on top of your fragrance will do the same trick for you as you will be sealing the fragrance inside.
4. Some helpful hints about fragrance.
- Spray the fragrance 10-12 inches from your skin. This will help diffuse the perfume.
- Do not smell fragrance directly from the bottle. The carrier (alcohol) won't evaporate so the proper perfume notes will not emerge.
- Fragrance should be applied from below the knees upward. Perfume rises, so if applied only above the shoulders much of the essence is lost in a very short time.
- Apply your fragrance to pulse points like wrists, behind the ear, crook of the arm. The warmth in these areas helps the perfume develop.
- Fragrance should never be applied on clothing.
- After use, the fragrance bottle should be stored in a COOL DRY place. Prolonged exposure to heat, moisture and light will also affect the scent.
- Dry skin requires more frequent applications. Fragrance will remain longer on oily skin.
- The power of a fragrance is diminished in cold climates and intensifies in warmer climates.
- A particular fragrance never smells the same on any two people because it is affected by body chemistry.
- Changes in a person's diet produces chemicals that will come through the pores in the skin and will upset the delicate balance of a fragrance.
- During stressful conditions our bodies produce hormones which produce odor chemicals affecting perfumes on our skin.
5. As one gets older does the sense of smell diminish?
Yes. As we age our sense of smell slowly begins to diminish. As a result some older individuals apply more fragrance than needed.
6. How long will a fragrance last on me?
Fragrances are designed to last about 4 hours Some people may notice that a particular fragrance lasts all day but by then it will not smell as it's supposed to. You must reapply once or twice a day.
7. Is it important to apply fragrance all over the body?
Yes. If a fragrance is only applied to the neck or behind the ears the fragrance will rise and disappear. It is important to apply a fragrance all over the body to ensure the scent lasts.
8. How does skin type play a role?
Oily skin holds scents much more than dry skin. So those with dry skin need to reapply more often.
9. Is it important to change fragrances according to the different seasons of the year?
Yes, since heat increases the intensity of a fragrance. There are certain fragrances that are more appropriate for summer and other stronger scents that would be better for winter use. A good guideline to follow is to wear lighter scents in the summer and stronger in the winter. Citrus scents are perfect for summer while oriental ones are better for winter.
10. How does the color of your hair make a difference?
Blondes -- with fair skin will be happiest with long-lasting multi-floral creations. Their skin is often dry causing fragrances that are too subtle to evaporate rapidly.
Brunettes -- usually have medium-to-dark skin which contains natural oils, allowing scents to last longer. Dramatic Orientals are often favorites.
Redheads -- have extremely fair and delicate skin which may be incompatible with fragrances which have predominant green notes.
11. How long can I keep my fragrance stored?
Fragrances don't last forever. There are certain precautions though that will ensure the quality of the fragrance. Keep the bottle in a cool, dry, dark place. Heat can also destroy a fragrance so keep it from extreme temperatures. Colognes and eau de toilettes (not parfums) may be kept in the refrigerator in order to maintain their freshness. Fragrances usually last AROUND 3 years.
|