This holiday, some will be receiving perfume you requested, some will be re-gifted travel size scents disguised as a creative “perfume bouquet”, and there will be a sprinkling of gifted scents that no one would wear. But it’s the thought that counts…right? If that’s true, which humbly speaking it is, make sure you really put some thought into it.
Earlier this month, we spoke with fragrance expert and Vice President of Business Development for Frangrance.com, Patti Kapla, about the ins and outs of perfume.
What is the difference between parfum, perfume, cologne, and toilette?
The difference is in staying power. It’s simply a matter of the amount or concentration of oils, also know as “juice”, in the fragrance. The highest concentration of juice is found in a perfume (or parfum). Next would be eau de parfum, then eau de toilette, and finally eau de cologne.
So how much juice is in each one?
The highest concentration of juice is in perfume (or parfum) which typically has 20% oil. Next would be eau de parfum at 10 – 15% oil, then eau de toilette at less then 10%, and finally eau de cologne at 5% oil.
How does this play out in wear time?
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. Colognes will last for about 2 hours, eau de toilette about 3 and perfume about 7 – but keep in mind that everyone’s body chemistry is different and these times are JUST guidelines.
Can you give us some do’s and dont’s on proper scent application?
DO: Apply your fragrance after moisturizing. “I believe moisturizers provide a base for your fragrance to latch onto so the best time to apply fragrance is right after you bathe and moisturize. By moisturizing you are allowing the fragrance to last longer and properly protecting your skin from any possible outbreaks.”
DON’T: Rub your wrists together. “When rubbing your wrists together you ‘break up’ the top notes which are the lightest notes of the fragrance.”
DO: Pair your fragrances with shower gels and lotions. “Lucky for us, layering with fragrance is easy to do when we have matching shower gels and body lotions offered with our favorite fragrance. Using the shower gel, soap, shampoo, etc. of your favorite fragrance will help make your fragrance last all day long! If you don’t have the matching lotions offered with your favorite scent, try applying Vaseline or a non-scented moisturizer to your pulse points before you apply your fragrance. It will give your scent something to hold on to.”
DON’T: Spray on your face or clothing. “Avoid spraying fragrance on your face as it may cause irritation, and avoid spraying directly on your clothing as it can stain some fabrics.”
DO: Apply to your pulse points. “Think your wrists, inside your elbows, the nape of your neck, even in the crease behind your knees! These are the places the perfume will react with the natural fluctuations in your body temperature and emit scent throughout the day without it being overwhelming.”
P.S As an added bonus, I’ve posted some scents you should check out the next time you’re being manhandled in the fragrance department of any department store, or if you are on the hunt for something different on Fragrance.com.
