Perfume Dictionary

Perfume

This consists of a 15-30% concentration of perfume essence and is the strongest fragrance available. This means that not only do you need to use less, but also that the fragrance lasts longer, typically for up to 6 hours, depending on skin type.

Parfum De Toilette

This is usually between a perfume and an EDP in strength but a few companies use the term to describe an EDT. Eau De Parfum (EDP) This is lighter than Perfume, with an 8-15% concentration, and so is less expensive but still has long lasting characteristics, from 3 to 5 hours.

Eau De Toilette (EDT)

This is a lighter more delicate fragrance, with a 4-8% concentration of the essence, and is therefore most suited to everyday use. It is normally less expensive than Eau de Parfum, and lasts for 2 to 4 hours.

Eau De Cologne (EDC)

This is often referred to just as Cologne and has the greatest dilution of fragrances with a 3-5% concentration of perfume essence, lasting up to 2 hours.

Eau De Toilette (EDT)

This has the greatest concentration of essence generally available for men and hence lasts the longest, up to 5 hours. It is often available in either a splash or a spray. Aftershave Less strong, it is the most popular choice and lasts for 2 to 3 hours.

Aftershaves are kinder to the skin than EDT's. Those with very sensitive skin should use aftershave balms.

The % by volume that you see on the bottles is the amount of alcohol that is in the fragrance blend. Basically perfume companies 'pad out' their fragrances with alcohol, firstly to make them go further and also because otherwise they would be incredibly strong to wear! A perfume with strong smelling essence ingredients will have more alcohol with it than one which is more delicate.

Splash Cologne is light, watery alcohol/perfume oil solution of 1%-3% perfume oil in 99%-97% alcohol, respectively. They are used generously, for refreshment for the whole body, after the shower or bath for example. They have a subtle perfuming effect, and the notes are fresh and clean. Some countries especially favor this application, and two prime examples are France and Spain.

Chypre

Scents in this family include sage, lavender, oakmoss, patchouli and resins. Named for Mediterranean Island of Cypress and inspired by Francois Coty's perfume of the same name, this scents woodsy - mossy feel is perfect for the outdoor lover. Famous chypre fragrances include Halston by Halston Fragrances, Knowing by Estee Lauder, Miss Dior by Christian Dior.

Citrus

Scents in this family include lemon, manderine, tangerine, lime, grapefruit, and bergamot. The light and fresh feel of these perfumes are nice for weekend of casual use. Famous citrus fragrances include Eau De Rochas by Rochas, and Gieffeffe by Gianfranco Ferre.

Floral

Scents in this family include violet, carnation, rose, gardenia, lily of the valley, tuberose and narcissus. Floral perfumes usually include a combination of several different floral scents. Famous floral fragrances include Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld, Eternity by Calvin Klein, Accenti by Gucci, and Joy by Jean Patou.

Floriental

Scents in this family include jasmine, gardenia tangerine, freesia, oamanthus, orange flower, and moon flowers. This category also has base scents of sandalwood, musk, amber, and apricot. Although this actually a sub category of the floral family it is extensive enough to give proper recognition. The perfumes in this family can be worn during the daytime and a night on the town, due to the combinations of exotic floras, spices, and essences. Famous floriental fragrances include Joop! Femme by Joop!, Samsara by Guerlain, Sun Moon Stars by Karl Lagerfeld, and Tresor by Lancome.

Fougere

This family include coumarin, oak moss, lavender and sometimes geranium oil. Pronounced "fooz-hare," fougre' is the French word for fern. This, of course, is an odd term for a fragrance since ferns have no scent at all! Famous fougere fragrances include Baryshnikov by Parlux Fragrances, Cool Water by Davidoff, and Safari by Ralph Lauren.

Fruity

Scents in this family include apple, apricot, mandarin,bergamont neroli, passoin fruit, pineapple,and papaya. These perfumes are known to have a clean citrus quality and a soft, peach-like warmth. Famous fruity fragrances include Jess by Jessica McClintock, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, and Liz Claiborne by Liz Claiborne.

Modern

Scents in this family are made from aldehydes, which are pure scent chemicals. These scents grow stronger as the are warmed by the skin, aldehydes also intensify the other scents in a perfume. This trend started by Coco Chanel with her Chanel #5 is used in almost every perfume manufactured today. Famous modern fragrances include Chanel No.5 by Chanel, Red by Giorgio Beverly Hills, and White Linen by Estee Lauder

Oriental

Scents in this family include amber, vanilla, woods and resins. These perfumes are best for eveningwear due the fact that most carry a very heavy scent. Famous oriental fragrances include Black Pearls by Elizabeth Taylor, Casmir by Chopard, Opuim by Yves Saint Laurent, and Shalimar by Guerlain.

Spicy

Scents in this family include cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cardamon certain flowers with a spicy tone to them like carnation and lavender. Famous spicy fragrances include Coco by Chanel, KL (Lagerfeld) by Karl Lagerfeld, and Poison by Christian Dior.

Woody

For men this family includes sandalwood, rosewood, cedar and vetiver, also included here is the sub-heading of oceanic woody scents of myrtle, musk and blue iris. Famous woody fragrances include Aramis by Estee Lauder, Cool Water by Davidoff, and Safari by Ralph Lauren.

Spicy

For men this family includes bay oil from the West Indies, pepper, cloves, Mediterranean basil, cinnamon, and olilanum. Famous spicy fragrances include Bijan by Bijan Fragrances, and Joop! Homme by Joop!.

Oriental

Scents in this family include amber, vanilla, woods and resins. These perfumes are best worn at night due the fact that most carry a very heavy scent.

Leather

For men this family includes oil (from juniper trees) and birch tar (a resin extracted from Finish birch trees). This very potent combination of smoky and sweet scent makes family of colognes very popular. Famous leather fragrances include English Leather by Dana Perfumes, Royal Copenhagen, and Pour Lui (Oscar) by Oscar De La Renta.

Lavender

For men this family includes oils taken from the lavender and lavender plants grown in southern France as well as spike lavender from Spain. One of the fragrance world oldest scents is pure basic feel is perfect for every day use. Famous lavender fragrances include Ungaro by Ungaro.

Citrus

For men this family includes oils of lemon, orange, lime, and bergamot. Famous citrus fragrances include Armani by Giorgio Armani, Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche, Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger, and Blue Jeans by Gianni Versace.

Fougere

For men these families include coumarin, oak moss, lavender and sometimes geranium oil. Pronounced "fooz-hare," fougre' is the French word for fern. This, of course, is an odd term for a fragrance since ferns have no scent at all! Famous fougere fragrances include Boss No.1 by Hugo Boss, and Paco Rabanne by Paco Rabanne.