Learn About Perfumery in 2 Minutes!
- The word “Perfume” refers to fragrance in general.
- The word “Cologne” in America refers to men’s fragrances in general. But for some reason “perfume” is thought of as feminine. So, let’s get over it. Okay. Moving right along…
- Technically, “Perfume” refers to a fragrance containing 20-35% perfume oils with the remaining volume consisting of a base such as perfumers’ alcohol (plus water) or unscented oils such as coconut or jojoba oil. This concentration is enough to make the scent potent, noticeable and last all day.
- “Eau de Parfum” refers to a fragrance that contains 15-20% perfume oils. Eau de parfum is made to last on the skin all day without giving the person next to you a headache, or transferring onto someone else’s neck after a hug. It is the most common fragrance category and typically this is how all new fragrances are released. Many perfumes on the department store counter are eaux de parfum. (“Eaux” is the plural of “eau.” “Eau means “water” in French.)
- “Eau De Toilette” contains 5-15% perfume oils.
- “Eau De Cologne” contains 2-4% perfume oils and they only last a few hours. These are great to spritz on and freshen up, but not for all-day, lasting wear.
- “Splash” contains 5-10% perfume oils.
- “Room Sprays” and “Linen Sprays” contain 10-15% perfume oils.
- All fragrances designed at Gossamer Wings Perfume Studio will have a 20% concentration. But you can request a different concentration. My fragrances are labeled as “Eau de Parfum” which seems to be a more gender neutral term and makes everyone happy. 😉
Fragrance Notes
Top Notes are the scents that evaporate first. They are also the ones that you notice right away. They consist of lighter molecules and therefore evaporate fairly quickly; usually in 15 minutes. Top notes play a role in setting first impressions and shaping a fragrance’s story.
Examples: Citrus (Lemon, Bergamot).
Middle Notes or Heart Notes make up the “heart” of the fragrance. Their function is to retain some of the top notes’ aroma while also introducing new scents to deepen the experience. Heart notes emerge as the top notes begin to fade and can remain evident for the full life of the fragrance.
Examples: Floral oils like jasmine or geranium, herbal oils such as lavender and spicy oils like cinnamon.
Bases Notes are the scents that last the longest. They are heavier molecules and therefore do not evaporate as fast as Middle and Top Notes.
Examples: Woods (cedar, sandalwood), Earth (patchouli) and Musk.
