1. How is perfume made?

Perfumes are the fruit of imagination and are made from hundreds of ingredients such as plants, aromatic chemicals, natural oils and alcohol. The perfume industry began in France and up until now the center of the perfume industry is at Grasse.

2. Is Perfume considered to be a cosmetic product?

Yes, all perfumes, colognes and fragrances are body products and are considered cosmetic. The FDA affirms that not only powder and mascara is cosmetic, but perfumes as well.

3. What is the difference between perfumes, colognes, and eau de toilettes?

It is very simple, the difference between perfumes, colognes, and eau de toilettes consists in the concentration of the actual fragrance oils. In perfumes, colognes, eau de toilette the aromatic compounds is different. Eau de Cologne contains the least aromatic compounds (3-8%), while eau de toilettes contain the middle concentration. A perfume contains the maximum concentration (15-40%).

4. Why does a perfume change its smell on different people?

A perfume changes its smell on different people because each of us have an unique body chemistry that is affected by different external factors, such as the environment in which we live, stress, diet, skin type. These, sometimes unimportant features, change the smell of the same perfume on different people.

Note:

It is also important that anytime you want to buy a perfume or cologne, firstly you have to try it on your skin to see how it reacts with your body chemistry.

5. How long will perfume last on?

Generally speaking, perfumes last on our skin about 4 hours. Most expensive fragrances, for example Chanel or Agent Provocateur, will keep the smell better than any other cheaper fragrances. Usually, perfumes with higher essential oils are more durable on our skin than oil-based scents. Also, people have to remember that perfumes and colognes vanish more rapidly from the dry skin. For the smell to last longer you are advised to use a body lotion or body cream from the same fragrance range.

6. How do we apply perfumes?

It is important to notice that perfumes have to be sprayed on those parts of our body where our pulse beats. However, if a fragrance is applied only on neck or behind the ears the chance that it will fade away is bigger. It is important that any perfume wearer has to apply a fragrance all over the body, as if to ensure that the fragrance will last longer.

7. What are top, middle, and base notes?

Top notes offer a perfume first impression about its smell on the skin. Usually top notes include basil, mandarin, bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and other essential oils that quickly evaporate but leave a good impression. Even though they are not long lasting, top notes have a volatile, unstable and speedy first impression.

Middle notes balance the fragrance and not always give an immediate impression about the scent. It takes some minutes to calm the perfume and to give it a warm, soft and sweet smell. Middle notes include chamomile, ho wood, lavender, nutmeg, rosemary and other heart notes.

Base notes last the longest and are normally very intense and alluring. They make any connoisseur to feel excited about a certain fragrance, because base notes are rich, intoxicating and are the most expensive of all oils. Base notes include rose, sandalwood, vetiver, Ylang Ylang, vanilla, and other oils that hold the power in a fragrance.

8. How long can I keep my perfume stored?

Perfumes, as well as other products, have validity term. Once you open a bottle of fragrance it will not last forever. Perfumes have to be stored in a dry, dark place, considering that heat or sunlight can spoil any fragrance. Usually, Perfumes last three years from the date they were manufactured. You are advised to pay attention to the manufacturing date of the perfume any time you purchase one. Be aware of the difference between the manufacturing date and the day you buy the fragrance!!!

Colognes, not as perfumes, can be kept either in refrigerators, in order to keep their freshness.

9. Should I change my perfume / fragrance in accordance with the seasons of the year?

Yes, you should change the perfumes considering that the high or low temperature increases or decreases the intensity of a fragrance. There are certain fresh and calm scents like citrus that are more suitable for summer, while other stronger fragrances such as oriental would be more appropriate for winter.

10. How often can I reapply a perfume?

A fragrance lasts on the skin about 4 hours. Even if you do not feel the smell of the fragrance as at the beginning, the smell still persists and can be felt by others. It is not recommended to put too much perfume as it may give you headaches and may even disturb people around you. However, if you are really keen on preserving the smell of the perfume, make sure you do not reapply it earlier than after 4-5 hours.