FAQs

Choosing a New Fragrance

1. How do I choose a perfume I’ll really enjoy?
   Finding the right fragrance can be challenging. Your sense of smell is emotional, but the fragrances you enjoy will likely belong to one or two of the fourteen fragrance families. Use a fragrance finder to simplify the process.

2. How many different fragrances can I try at once?
   No more than three. Testing more than three scents at once can confuse your sense of smell.

3. How do the fragrance families help me choose the right perfume?
   Fragrances are grouped into families. By identifying the families you prefer, you can explore other fragrances within the same family.

4. What is the correct way to try a fragrance?
   Apply a few drops or a light spray to your wrist or the back of your hand. Wait a few moments for the fragrance to bloom on your skin.

5. Can I tell if I like a fragrance by sniffing the opened bottle?
   No. Sniffing the bottle only reveals the alcohol and top notes. A fragrance comes alive on your skin.

6. How should I test a fragrance if I don’t want to try it on my skin?
   Test on blotting paper or a tissue. It’s not as effective as skin testing but is the next best option.

The Olfactory Memory

1. How does our sense of smell work?
   Odor molecules bind to olfactory sensors in the nose, sending messages to the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions and memories.

2. How many different smells can I distinguish?
   Between 5,000 and 10,000, depending on your individual sense of smell.

3. Is perfume an aphrodisiac?
   While scent can make you feel sexier, there is no scientific evidence that fragrance is an aphrodisiac. However, it can boost confidence and attraction.

4. Why do we wear (and love) fragrance so much?
   Fragrance enhances confidence and social skills. People who wear fragrance regularly tend to have a more positive attitude toward socializing.

5. Why do I love some fragrances and not others?
   Our response to fragrance is partly genetic and partly learned. We build a “smell bank” of memories and associations that shape our preferences.

6. Why does fragrance bring back memories and feelings of the past?
   Smell triggers associative memory, linking scents to past events and emotions.

Wearing and Storing Fragrance

1. How can I make my fragrance last longer?
   Use fragrance layering: apply perfumed soap, bath oil, body lotion, and eau de toilette of the same scent to reinforce its impact.

2. Can I wear two fragrances at once?
   It’s not recommended. Each perfume is a balanced creation, and mixing fragrances can create an unpleasant odor.

3. How should I store my perfume?
   Keep fragrances in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Once opened, use the perfume as it deteriorates over time.

4. Where should I apply my perfume?
   Apply to pulse points like the wrists, elbows, base of the throat, and behind the knees, where warmth helps diffuse the fragrance.

5. What’s the best way to spray on perfume?
   Spray about 20cm away from your skin. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as it can bruise the fragrance notes.

6. Where else can I spray perfume, apart from my skin?
   Spray lightly through damp hair, mist your hairbrush, or add a few drops to a steam iron for scented clothes.

7. How long will an opened bottle of perfume last?
   Depending on the fragrance, it can last from six to 18 months if stored correctly.

Fragrance Composition

1. What is the difference between ‘perfume’ and ‘fragrance’?
   Perfume refers to the most concentrated form of a scent, while fragrance is a broader term. Usage varies by country.

2. What is the difference between aftershave and cologne?
   Aftershave is lighter and contains soothing ingredients, while cologne has a higher concentration of fragrance oils.

3. How is a new perfume created?
   Perfumers blend natural and synthetic ingredients to create harmonious scents. The process is akin to composing music or painting.

4. How many ingredients does a perfume usually contain?
   A perfume may contain 10 to over 100 ingredients. The quality depends on how well the ingredients blend, not the quantity.

5. What are the 'notes' in a fragrance?
   Fragrances have top, heart, and base notes. Top notes are the initial impression, heart notes form the core, and base notes provide longevity.

6. How long should a good fragrance last?
   Perfume (extrait) lasts six to eight hours, while eau de toilette lasts three to four hours.

7. How does climate affect the fragrance we wear?
   In summer, lighter fragrances are preferred, while winter allows for more potent scents.

8. Are synthetic oils cheaper and more likely to irritate my skin?
   No. Synthetic oils can be more expensive than natural ones and are not necessarily more irritating.

9. Are natural fragrance oils better than artificial ones?
   Both natural and synthetic oils are equally important in modern perfumery. Synthetics add originality and character.

History of Fragrance

1. Which were the first known fragrances?
   Ancient Egyptians used aromatic oils and essences 5,000 years ago. They used ingredients like rose oil, frankincense, and myrrh.

2. What is the history of Eaux de Colognes?
   Eau de Cologne originated in Italy in the 17th century and became popular in Germany in the 18th century.

3. When is a perfume considered a "classic"?
   A perfume becomes a classic when it transcends fashion and remains popular for generations.

4. Selected Classic Perfumes
   Examples include Chanel No. 5 (1921), Shalimar (1925), and Opium (1977).

Updates and Trends

1. Should I stick to one fragrance family?
   Not necessarily. Exploring adjacent or opposite fragrance families can lead to new favorites.

2. Can I wear a fragrance meant for the opposite sex?
   Yes. Fragrance preferences are individual, and you should wear what makes you feel good.

3. How do I buy fragrances online without smelling them?
   Stick to notes and families you know you love. Use classification systems and try samples if available.

4. Can you match fragrance to a personality or mood?
   Certain notes evoke specific moods. For example, citrus is fresh, while vanilla and spices are warm and comforting.

5. What are the most consistently popular fragrance notes?
   Floral notes remain strong, while citrus-based fragrances are popular in summer.

6. What notes are currently trending?
   Woody notes are crossing gender boundaries, complemented by amber, spices, and rose.

7. Are shared/unisex fragrances overtaking gender-specific fragrances?
   Unisex fragrances are growing in popularity, especially among artisan brands.

8. Should I change fragrances with the season?
   Seasonal changes in fragrance can refresh your style. Warmer notes suit winter, while lighter scents are ideal for summer.

9. Why does my favorite fragrance seem to smell different?
   Changes in raw materials, regulated by IFRA, can alter a fragrance’s composition over time.

Glossary

1. What does 'perfume' mean?
   The word comes from the Latin "per fumum," meaning "through smoke," referring to ancient rituals of burning aromatic substances.

2. What are fragrance 'families'?
   Fragrances are grouped into families based on their characteristic scents, such as Floral, Oriental, and Woody.

3. What is a 'nose'?
   A perfumer who creates fragrances by blending ingredients to achieve harmonious scents.

4. What are ozonic or marine fragrances?
   Fragrances with a fresh, marine character that evoke the scent of the sea.

5. What does Chypre mean?
   A fragrance family named after the island of Cyprus, known for woody-mossy scents.

6. What does the term headspace mean in perfumery?
   A technique that recreates the true-to-life fragrance of a living flower using advanced technology.