About Perfume

Perfumes have been around for thousands of years.  The Egyptians were the first to incorporate perfume into their culture, and the first to place perfume into glass bottles.  Soon after, the entire world began to see (and smell) that perfumes tickle the senses and evoke strong emotions. 

Of course, perfumes have undergone many changes since the ancients first used them.  Changing tastes and the development of modern chemistry have led to different and more elaborate perfume mixtures.  Some perfumes now consist of more than 250 different ingredients.

Perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, animals, objects, and living spaces a pleasant smell.

There are actually many different types of designer perfumes to select from, below is a breakdown of the fragrance/perfume abbreviations we use on our site. Concentrations are listed from the strongest to weakest:

  • EDP - Eau de Parfum / Parfum
  • PDT - Parfume de Toilette
  • EDT - Eau de Toilette
  • COL - Cologne
  • EDC - Eau de Cologne

EDP - Eau de Parfume / Parfum is a type of designer perfume with a 15-30% perfume essence concentration.  As such, it is the strongest available fragrance.  As a result, the wearer does not need to use as much of the perfume and it is capable of lasting much longer.

PDT - Parfum De Toilette is generally somewhere between Parfum and Eau De Parfum when it comes to strength, though some companies actually use this term to describe Eau De Toilette.  When it comes to men’s cologne, the term is used to describe the greatest concentration available and is usually available in either a splash or a spray.

EDT - Eau De Toilette has a 4-8% concentration, making it a lighter and more delicate fragrance.  As such, it is less expensive and makes a good choice for every day use.  Eau De Cologne has a 3-5% concentration and generally can last up to two hours.

COL - Cologne and EDC - Eau De Cologne is the more popular choice for men as it is more gentle on the skin, but it does not last as long as Eau De Toilette. 

So next time you're out buying a fragrance, remember to check if it's EDP or EDT, as EDT is always cheaper but if you want the best and longer lasting scent go with EDP. 


Some Facts About Perfume

Generally, the fragrance of perfumes last longer for people who have an oily skin. This is because their oily skin has more natural moisture content that holds the fragrance. On the other hand, dry skin has less natural moisture content and, hence it fails to hold the fragrance for a longer period of time.

Admired perfumes for men range from citrus, spicy, woodsy, leathery and while they are designed in a controlled environment, the same for the women are designed for primal senses with the combination of subtleness and refinement. 

Perfumes for women can be found in different wonderful themes such as floral like roses, jasmine, fruity like citrus or orange blossoms, oriental like mix of spices, amber and so on.

Perfumes are worn by both men and women to display their individual personality. However, what smells wonderful on your friend might not suit your body temperament. Hence, while buying a designer perfume, bear the following dos and don`ts in mind.


Here's a guide of the different scents available to you:

Fruity
Fruity fragrances use fruit scents as part of the formula to create a spicy, fresh, and youthful scent that is versatile and may be worn in all seasons. These fragrances provide a classic scent with an added twist, and are ideal for outdoor wear particularly during milder weather.

Woody
Woody perfumes (sometimes called "chypre") are unique in that they feature hints of earthy tones such as tree bark or moss that are associated with forest scents. Woody scents are generally suited for the mature woman, since they have a very sophisticated quality. These scents - which can include sandalwood, patchouli, bergamot and cedar - are particularly suited for cooler evenings, and add a rich, natural and fresh air.

Green
Green fragrances provide a lighter scent that is reminiscent of freshly cut grass or spring growth. The predominant notes of these fragrances are derived from green plants such as pine, juniper, grass, leaves, and herbs. Generally speaking, green fragrances feature more neutral tones, making them ideal for all occasions – particularly for younger or sportier women.

Oriental
Oriental perfumes are strong and full-bodied, creating a sensual, exotic, and warm impression. Oriental fragrances include ingredients such as spices, musk, balsams, resins, sweet vanilla, and sumptuous flowers. Fragrance tones in this category cross over from spicy fruit scents to warm and woody ones. Oriental perfumes are ideal for corporate environments and special events.