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• What is the difference between "parfum de toilette" and "eau de toilette" ?

• What is the olfactory family of a perfume?

• How do I choose a fragrance ?

• How and where do I apply the perfume ?

• Why is it difficult to smell one's own perfume after a while?

• How do I preserve my perfume ?

The differences are simply a matter of the amount or concentration of oils in the fragrance. These oils are called "juice." The highest concentration of "juice" is in perfume (or parfum). Next would be Eau de Parfum, then « Parfum de toilette » and Eau de Toilette. Actually, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne are generally interchangeable, particularly in Men's fragrances. The higher the concentration of "juice" the longer your fragrance will last, and the less you need to apply.

Fragrances are comprised of many different scents, these scents are called "notes." There are 3 differents notes : ? Top notes, also called « The spirit »: The lightest of the bunch disappears within 5-10 minutes, and usually consists of citrus (lemon/orange), minty, fruity,or light spice ingredients. ? Middle notes, also called «The heart » : This is the part of the fragrance that you'll notice after about 15 minutes of wear, and last for an hour or so. They tend to be medium spices (cinnamon), light woods/moss, or heavier citrus/fruity scents. ? Bottom notes, also called « The soul »: The base notes tend to be the heavier, longer lasting ingredients- like wood, leather, heavy spice (pepper), and tobacco. The base notes are the last thing you'll smell from your fragrance, and last for several hours.

The best way of choosing a perfume is to test it directly on your skin as opposed to a scent card, as skin acidity changes the scent from one person to another. Also, the base notes, which are usually warm and sensual, are stunted on the card and may go unnoticed whereas they would be very noticeable on the skin. Similarly, do not choose a perfume because you like it on somebody else - you may get an unpleasant surprise. After spraying the fragrance on your skin, wait a few moments before you decide whether or not you like it. This gives the alcohol time to evaporate, and for your skin to bring out the top notes.

Fragrance should be applied to pulse points. This is where the blood vessels are closest to the skin giving off more heat and acting like mini fragrance pumps. Pulse points are the wrist, behind the ear, crook of the arm and knee, base of the throat. Also, for long lasting fragrance spray at the ankles, it allows the fragrance to blossom up. Some advices : ? Light, floral fragrances are more suitable for daytime and warmer seasons. ? Stronger essences are more appropiate for evening and cold weather months. ? Select a different fragrance for business and leisure hours, day and evening wear.

Anosmia (the inability to smell a scent) comes about when one has gradually become used to smelling a particular fragrance. To avoid this, do not apply the perfume too near to your nose. Instead, put it on the base of your neck, behind your ears and on the insides of your wrists, elbows or knees. Moreover, these areas of the body - which are called pulsation points - make for better perfume diffusion.

Fragrances don't last forever. There are certain precautions though that will ensure the quality of the fragrance. Keep the bottle in a dry, dark place. Heat can also destroy a fragrance so keep it from extreme temperatures. Your fragrance should last six months to a year if kept out of direct light and closed tightly to avoid oxidation and evaporation.