I once attended a crash cosmetology training class where I got insight into the different kinds of perfumes and what the various terms used to describe fragrances mean.
Here’s a brief run-down of some common terms you usually see when buying Perfumes or fragrances:
1)Perfume (parfum)
Perfume refers to both body scents generally except scented lotions or creams.It also refers specifically to the strongest and longest lasting fragrance. They are mostly “layered” scents, meaning they contain a combination of different fragrances. These layers of scent are called “notes” in the French perfume industry, and they are not chosen at random.Typical perfumes have three notes. The first, comprises of the strongest scents and is also the shortest lasting. These are the scents that you’ll smell when you first put on the perfume, but they will usually wear off within a few hours, exposing the next layer…The second layer, or “middle note,” is made of less volatile scents that will usually last until midday or early afternoon. By evening, the third and final layer is all that remains of the perfume. This is usually the most subtle scent; even though it is longer lasting, the strength of it will decrease through the day.As a result of this layering, the best perfumes will slowly change their scent through the day. Good parfumiers have perfected the science of blending scents, so that the layers compliment each other, and the change in scent, while recognizable, is both subtle and pleasing.
2) Colognes
Colognes are beyond being exclusively “men’s perfume” like many of us think.A cologne is a perfume with only a single scent to it. As a result they are both stronger and shorter lasting than perfumes.Because they will dissipate faster, as a result of their having only a single scent, they are prepared with a stronger scent. Majority of the colognes out there are for men, though women are not excluded.
3) Eau de Toilette
“Eau” means water while “toilette” is the act of getting oneself dressed or prepared in French. This is a water based fragrance and can be referred to from the interpretation above as “make up water”.It isn’t usually a strong fragrance.
4) Eau de Parfum:
Eau de parfum or “Perfumed water” is more longer lasting than eau de toilette.It is also based on single layered scents, but less imposing than cologne.
5) Scented Lotions and Creams
Scented body lotions and creams usually contain scented oils in about the same concentration as eau de toilette; enough to last for a couple of hours.
So the next time you’re out buying a “perfume” keep these terms in mind.
Photo: Jasmin Flower
