Famous Iconic Fragrance
What do all these fragrance terminologies mean? What’s good for my budget? Lena – Fort Worth, TX
I can see how this would be confusing! Sometimes the prices can be steep and you may wonder what are you buying! For me, I too have to remind myself…some of it you are actually spraying in the air too! However, it makes you feel and smell wonderfully!! 🙂
So here are the meanings:
Parfum – French translation for perfume! 20% to 30% concentration of essential oils used to compound the scent! The intent is to last longer on the body, therefore it’s the most expensive!
Eau de Parfum – French translation again meaning a lighter perfume. About 15% to 18% concentration! Less expensive than the parfum formula.
Eau de Toilette – Mostly in a spray bottle with 12% to 14% concentration. Very light, can be used only two times to obtain the desired strength of the scent. Based on the formula, it can be totally satisfying for a budget!
Cologne – The lightest of them all! Only 6% to 8% concentration! The scent won’t stay long, therefore a re-application is needed, multiple times throughout the day! Less expensive and a price point which should not increase much!
It is important for any fragrance type to be kept in a cool place, like the refrigerator!!! Yes, the refrigerator – the formula blend will not change and will last!
Picking a fragrance, can be fun! Are you in the mood for floral, sweet, spicy or perhaps earthy with a fruity twist? There are so, so many to choose from! However, remember your body chemistry is unique! Just don’t take a perfume tester and spray it in the air to see if you like it!
Spray on your pulse points and wait at least 5 to 8 minutes (don’t mix with another). Determine if you like the fragrance and you don’t have an allergic reaction. If you don’t like it, ask for an alcohol swab, remove and then ask for coffee beans! Yes, to help clear your senses and then try another one!
I have a few favourite of my own fragrances, some are listed in the Letia’s Favorites tab, while the others are: Betsey Johnson’s TooToo, Rihanna’s L’Fleur, Banana Republic’s W, Givenchy’s Amirage and the best for last is Valentino’s Valentina which I buy duty free for the parfum!
I do like a layering effect, so the fragrance lasts longer! So give this a try also!
I usually buy either the matching soap or bath/shower gel. Use this first, then dry, apply your regular light scented lotion to your body, air dry, then put on the matching lotion (if you have).
Then finally spray the fragrance at your pulse points, followed by another little spray when you are ready to go out the door!
Still stumped on what fragrance? You can go to your nearest department store and ask for samples OR go to Sephora, for $50 you get a sampler of the top fragrances (click Sephora).
Hope this information was helpful! Remenber to have fun! Once decided, I’m sure it will become your signature fragrance! And Oh! For men, the word cologne or pour de homme are used!
For my readers, do you have a favourite or signature fragrance? Please share and tell why you love it!
One of my favorites! Coco Chanel Hint Bigtime!
Letia. 🙂
Little secret…at your local Sephora; the staff (if asked), will refill your tester vials free of charge (only 0.05 fl. Oz. Or less and 3 per visit) to also help with your decision!
Letia Mitchell LifeStyle & Design® 