When browsing perfumes at a perfume shop, have you ever wondered what EDT or EDP stands for? Do you feel even more confused after walking out of the shop thinking about what type of scents you like? Fret not, this is a beginner’s guide and introduction to the vast and interesting world of perfumes. You will learn how to choose a perfume, what is perfume made of and the basics of perfume notes and layering!
Scents play a crucial role together with emotion to form memories. Instinctively, the scent of a person would determine the impressions formed. Someone with a clean vibe would smell fresh, light and powdery, while a strong and bold person would smell spicy, intense and musky.
Figure 1. Types of Perfume Concentrations
When browsing perfumes, we would often come across the terms “Eau De Toilette” or “Eau De Parfum”, but what does that actually mean? These terms categorise Perfumes based on their concentration of fragrance oil vs alcohol. Parfum, Eau De Parfum (EDP) and Extrait De Parfum tend to last longer compared to Eau De Cologne and Eau Fraîche due to them having a higher concentration in fragrance oils. Depending on your preference, the different concentrations also give a slightly different scent profile to the fragrance, but retain the same “DNA” within the fragrance series. (e.g., Dior Sauvage EDT, EDP, Parfum, Elixir)
Figure 2. The Fragrance Triangle
Within the Perfume’s “DNA”, the different scents (notes) that the Perfume provides can be further classified into Top, Middle and Base notes. Created by a famous French perfumer named Jean Charles, the triangle categorises notes based on their Odour Life (How long it takes for a scent to become uncharacteristic). On average, Top notes like Citrus will last for 15 - 30 minutes, while Middle notes like Spice will last for 2 - 4 hours, and Base notes like Wood will last for 4 - 8 hours.
Figure 3. The 4 Major Fragrance Families
Notes can also be classified into different “families” like Fresh, Floral, Amber and Woody, which we will further explore in the next blog post about the “Michael Edwards Fragrance Wheel”. The world of Perfumery is a never ending journey of exciting discovery, and a perfect balance between Art and Science. Don’t be shy to bring your friends along to any perfume shops to try out the different perfumes available! You might discover a scent that would leave a lasting impression and represent you.
Keep an open mind and smell everything!
- TJ, Scent Curator