Hints & Tips
Concentrations
Fragrances vary in strength, a factor that directly influences it's prices on the open market. The main ingredient is an alcoholic water solution. It is the percentage of perfume relative to the water that determines its strength.
For Women
- Parfum is the strongest concentration and is compiled to provide exceptionally long lasting fragrance from very little liquid. Parfum is the most expensive variant produced within any of the Fragrance Houses and can often retail at hundreds or thousands of pounds per bottle.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP) is the next strongest version produced and is intended to give a more enduring scent for a more accessible and reasonable price.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT) is the most popular and affordable concentration and is the one that most people will recognise. Containing a higher percentage of water and fewer essential oils, EDT is nearly always presented in a spray.
- Eau de Cologne is weaker than EDT with a lower concentration of essential oils.
Eau Fraiche has a very low fragrance content and is sometimes referred to as 'Perfumed Mist'. Often alcohol free, this concentration proves popular in the Summer months.
For Men
- Eau de Toilette (EDT) is generally the strongest concentrate available and can be used on the body and on clothing but should not be used as an aftershave as it may cause irritation.
- Aftershave is weaker than (EDT) so that it can be used on the face.
- Aftershave Balm is a perfumed lotion or cream of similar concentration to the alcohol based liquid form.
Fragrance Tips
Perfume is a personal way to communicate one's sensuality and attractiveness. It is an integral part of one's personality as much as one's type of skin, voice or smile. A special touch of fragrance can make an unforgettable impression on others. Here are some tips for applying fragrance:
- Apply fragrance to your pulse points which are areas on your skin where the blood flow is strongest and the skin is warmest such as: wrist, behind the ear, chest, neck, behind the knee and inside the elbow.
- Layer the fragrance for longer lasting wear
It may be necessary to re-apply your fragrance after 3 -4 hours (Especially in the Winter see the facts below) - Walk into your fragrance. This is a method of spraying the fragrance into the air and walking into it. The fragrance will then be evenly applied to your body whilst not being too overwhelming.
- When testing a new fragrance, allow the fragrance to "settle" on your skin for about 10 minutes. You will experience the different "notes" as the scent mingles with your body chemistry. You should not test more than 3 fragrances at one time as your nose will not be able to pick up the complexities of the fragrance notes.
- Avoid over-applying your fragrance, This will lead to an unappealing response from others.
- Experiment with different fragrance families. A balanced fragrance wardrobe should include a variety of fragrances for that perfect occasion.
Fragrance Families
- Fragrances are generally categorized into fragrance families based on it's individual notes and composition. There are three levels of "notes" associated with every fragrance. These are referred to as the Top, Middle and Base notes. The Top notes are the initial essences that are revealed when first applied.After about 5 minutes, the fragrance is absorbed into the skin and middle notes are revealed. Finally around 10-15 minutes later, the scent is fully developed as it lingers at it's base.
- The Four key Fragrance families are as follows; Fresh Green, Oriental Spicy, Woody Ambry and Floral Fruity
Fragrance Layering
Today applying fragrances has become somewhat of an art form. With so many scents to choose from, finding the right products to combine to from your signature scent is another way to complete and convey your personal style. You may have heard of layering your fragrance. This is a method of applying a fragrance along with matching scented products such as a shower gel, lotion, skin cream or oil etc. which is becoming increasingly popular. Layering your fragrance is a way to keep the scent long-lasting on your skin. However you choose to combine these products ultimately depends upon your preference and body chemistry. For example, if you have dry skin, a lotion or body cream will work best to keep your skin hydrated as perfume tends to last longer on moisturized skin. If you have oily skin, applying a bit of talc will help the fragrance to stay on your skin. Below are some tips on how to use these products. Go on and Pamper yourself you know you want to!
- Shower Gels / Soaps - Cleansing our skin with a scented gel or soap leaves your skin lightly fragranced and remove unwanted dead skin and dirt.
- Body Lotion / Moisturizer - A great base for your chosen fragrance! A perfumed moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated, soft and scented with your favourite aroma.
- Body Cream - Perfumed body creams will have a richer, more luxurious consistency than most lotions & moisturizers. This is highly recommended if you have dry or very dry skin.
- Perfumed Talc / Powder - A scented talc or powder is great applied to moisturized or oily skin. Helps absorb perspiration, wetness and fights odour.
- For Men: After Shave Balm - Lightly scented, a balm helps soothe razor burn and keeps your skin feeling cool and hydrated. Recommended for sensitive, normal and dry skins.
- For Men: After Save Lotion - Can be used alone or before applying a fragrance. Acting like a toner, an after shave lotion helps prepare your skin for an ultimate fragrance experience to complete the male grooming experience.
- Body Oil - A concentrated scented oil that locks in moisture. A favourite in the ancient courts of Egypt and Greece. Massage onto your skin for a warming and long -lasting experience, even better if you can get someone else to do it for you!
And finally if you have got a fragrance----- WEAR IT! The days when perfume was saved for a special day or occasion are well and truly over. Today it's the ULTIMATE accessory. So enjoy it daily
