Fragrance Shopping Guides For Beginners

Shopping for fragrance can be quite a daunting task. With so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. There are different types of fragrances, each with its own unique characteristics. On top of that, you also have to decide between perfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, or cologne. Let's break it down for you:

Parfum (Pure Parfum):

Parfum contains the highest amount of perfume oils, ranging from 20% to 40%, which gives it a longer-lasting fragrance compared to its weaker counterparts. As a result, Parfum is typically more expensive but can stay on the skin for six to eight hours.

 

Eau de Parfum:

Eau de Parfum usually has a second higher percentage of perfume oils, typically between 15 and 20%. It lasts a bit shorter on the skin, around four to five hours. As the oil content decreases, more alcohol is added, making EDP less costly than pure Parfum. This type of fragrance is widely favored for evening or night wear.

 

Eau de Toilette:

Eau de Toilette is more affordable compared to Eau de Parfum because it contains less perfume oil (5 – 15%) and more alcohol. The longevity of EDT also decreases and typically lasts for about three to four hours (varying based on skin type). It is a highly favored option and often chosen to be worn during the day.

 

Eau De Cologne (Cologne Spray, Body Mist, Body Spray):

Eau de Cologne, also referred to as EDC, contains a lower concentration level compared to Eau de Toilette, typically ranging from 2% to 5%. Due to this, its lasting power decreases to approximately two hours.

 

Eau De Fraiche:

Eau De Fraiche contains a perfume oil concentration of approximately 1 – 3%, which is lower than EDC. However, it is not high in alcohol content; rather, it primarily consists of water.

 

So, when you're shopping for fragrance, consider the concentration of aromatic compounds and how long you want the scent to last. Choose the option that suits your preferences and budget.

 

What does it mean when a fragrance products without an original packaging?

 

Unboxed:

Unboxed products are real, genuine, new, and completely authentic. Occasionally, the outer packaging may get damaged during shipping, which is why it is taken off. Unboxed items still have the exact same scent as their boxed counterparts and are completely unused. Unboxed items are frequently available at a lower price compared to the boxed versions.

 

Tester:

Testers offer even greater discounts compared to the fancy boxed versions, making them a perfect choice if you don't require the fancy packaging. These testers are completely genuine, fresh, and just as full as the original fragrance. However, they are primarily intended for display at department store counters. Testers often come in a simple white box, although sometimes they may not have a cap or a box. By saving on the packaging, you can save even more!

 

Store Your Fragrances

Remember to tightly seal and store your perfume bottle in a cool, dry place, away from windows, direct sunlight, or any sources of heat. This will help maximize its shelf life. For optimal results, store opened bottles inside their boxes. Typically, fragrances last for about three years from their manufacturing date.

Happy shopping!