Facts, Myths and Secrets

What are the different forms of fragrance?

Perfume – the most concentrated form of fragrance – usually over 20% of fragrance concentrate is used in an alcohol or alcohol and water carrier– fragrance at its most intense – for application to the pulse points where the warmth of the body helps subtly diffuse this opulent elixir

Eau de parfum – a relatively recent invention designed to address the lack of long lasting character perceived with some eau de toilette fragrances by offering a more concentrated product – usually from 15 to 20% of fragrance concentrate.

Eau de toilette – here the product is designed to be applied all over the body to provide a lighter version of the fragrances or as a base for the perfume. Levels of 8 to 15 % are quoted as the levels of the concentrate in products bearing this description

Eau de cologne – mostly used for light, citrus based fragrances used at low levels in alcohol and water bases.

Cologne – mostly used for fragrance for men this is usually the most concentrated form with levels up to 15%

Aftershave – a specially formulated product with added ingredients designed to help soothe the skin after shaving. The levels of fragrance concentrate present vary considerably from 1% to 15%.

How long can you keep perfume?

There are three things that perfume doesn’t like – light, heat and air. Once opened a perfume should be used and enjoyed – not left in a bathroom or on a dressing table for special occasions. Club Parfumerie uses specially coated glass bottles for the rechargers. This helps protect the product from light. If kept unopened the contents will keep for up to two years but as with wine the maturation process continues and if left too long the perfume will begin to spoil. Once opened the contents should be used within six months. Ideally perfumed products should never be kept in direct sunlight, or in hot or humid environments.

Is it true that a perfume will smell differently on different people?

Classically constructed perfumes with natural ingredients at their heart respond to body chemistry to a far greater extent than some modern perfumes based on synthesised ingredients. The same perfume will also smell differently on the same person as diet, weather and biological changes and anything that affects the body’s natural chemistry will impact on both the odour and how it is perceived. Club Parfumerie perfume, cologne and eau de toilette are based on precious essential oils and absolutes