Fragrance Terms
Base Notes Explained
Fragrance Families Explained
What is the best way to store my fragrance?
How can I make my fragrance last longer?
Where should perfume be applied to?

We have put together this page to answer some of the questions frequently asked of us in an effort to help you search for the fragrance most suited to you. You will find detailed information within our listings about the fragrances we stock. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions that have not been answered here or within our listings.

Fragrance Terms:
Some of the abbreviations and fragrance types you will see used on this site are listed below. These terms refer to the strength of the fragrance and it is important to understand what these terms mean before buying a fragrance as you could end up disappointed.

Aftershaves:- 0.5 - 2% perfume oil
EDC = Eau de cologne:- 2 - 5% perfume oil
EDT = Eau de Toilette :- 4 - 10% perfume oil
EDP = Eau de parfum:- 8 - 15% perfume oil
Parfum or Perfume:- 15 - 30% perfume oil (the most concentrated)

The more perfume oil used in a fragrance, the stronger it is and the longer it will last on your skin. This will also mean the more expensive it is.

Base Notes Explained:
A fragrance is composed of 3 separate layers. Each layer has its own individual ingredients, which are known as 'notes'.

Top Notes:- These notes are much lighter than the other notes. These are the first notes that you will be able to smell once the fragrance has been applied. They usually last for about 5-15 minutes.

Middle Notes:- Once the aroma from the top notes has passed, you can then get to the heart of the fragrance or the 'middle notes' as they are known. The other notes centre on this middle layer. This is why the middle notes are also commonly known as the 'heart notes'. They define the character of the fragrance. They usually last for up to an hour or more.

Base Notes:- These are the heavier ingredients and they provide the base for your fragrance. This is the foundation for the middle notes to linger on. These notes last for several hours but will vary depending on what strength your fragrance is (i.e. EDT or EDP).

Fragrance Families Explained:
Fragrance families (or Olfactory groups) are 'aroma groupings' of similar scents. This is the classification system used by the fragrance industry to determine the similarities or differences between different fragrances. A scent can remain distinctive and unique, but it will still contain certain characteristics that will place it into a specific fragrance family.

Fragrance families are also the key to finding the perfume you like to wear. Once you know which particular family is your favourite, it will then make your fragrance choices that much easier as you will know exactly what to look for when it comes time to purchase a new fragrance.

What is the best way to store my fragrance?
A bottle of perfume can be kept for a very long time PROVIDED it is stored correctly. Your perfume bottle should be kept in a cool, dark place away from excessive temperature fluctuations and direct light. Excessive exposure to these conditions will alter the chemistry and the consistency of your fragrance. Correct storage procedures will help ensure that your fragrance will remain as fresh as the day you bought it. So make sure you don't store your perfume bottles on the window ledge, in the fridge or even in the bathroom.

How can I make my fragrance last longer?
Certain factors will determine how long a fragrance will last. For example users with dry skin will find that their fragrances will not last as long as others as they are unable to absorb the fragrance oils as well as others into their skin. To help make your fragrance last longer you can use the matching products such as bath and shower gels, along with the body lotions prior to applying your fragrance. This is what is commonly known as the layering technique.

Where should perfume be applied to?
Perfume should be applied to your pulse points. Your pulse points give off more heat than other parts of the body due to the blood vessels being so close to the skin. These points include the wrists, neck, behind your ears, crease of your arm, the back of your knees and your cleavage area.