Home / Perfume Glossary
Your ultimate guide to understanding perfumes and fragrances.
Perfumes vary by oil concentration. The more concentrated, the longer and stronger the scent.
| Type | Oil Concentration | Longevity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parfum (Extrait) | 20–30% | 8–12 hours | Special events, winter, night |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15–20% | 6–8 hours | Daily wear, evening |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5–15% | 3–5 hours | Casual daywear, summer |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2–5% | 1–2 hours | Gym, refreshing splash |
| Body Mist / Splash | <2% | 30–60 mins | Post-shower, layering |
Perfumes develop in three stages:
Top Notes
First impression — citrus, herbs
Heart Notes
Main scent after dry-down — florals, spices
Base Notes
Long-lasting foundation — wood, musk
Fragrance Pyramid: Top → Heart → Base
Explore categories to find your signature scent:
Fresh
Citrus, Green, Aquatic — Lemon, Mint
Best for: Summer, office
Floral
White Florals, Rose — Jasmine, Tuberose
Best for: Spring, dates
Woody
Dry / Soft Woods — Cedar, Sandalwood
Best for: Fall, winter
Oriental
Spicy, Resinous — Oud, Vanilla
Best for: Night, festive
Gourmand
Edible Notes — Chocolate, Caramel
Best for: Cozy, winter
Atomizer
Sprays perfume in fine mist.
Decant
Small sample from larger bottle.
Sillage
The scent trail left behind.
Projection
How far the scent radiates.
Longevity
How long it lasts on skin.
Dry Down
Final stage after full evaporation.
Blind Buy
Purchase without testing.
Layering
Combining scents creatively.
Batch Code
Shows perfume manufacture date.
Niche vs Designer
Artisanal vs fashion house scents.
Smell-Alike / Scent Twin
Dupe of a luxury scent.
Skin chemistry and environment affect scent evolution.
EDP has more oils, so it lasts longer.
Layer with lotion, apply on clothes, use pulse points.
Use subtle ones with low projection.
Spray, wait 10+ mins, assess base notes.