There are certain descriptions given to a fragrance. For example, you may have heard of Eau de Parfum (EDP), Eau de Cologne (EDC), and Eau de Toilette (EDT), Parfum and Extrait. The difference is the concentration of perfume oil found in them. For EDP, the oil concentration is between 8% and 15%.  For EDC, on the other hand, the oil concentration is between 2% and 4%. In the case of EDT, the concentration is between 4% and 8%. Oil concentrations also vary for perfumes (15% to 25%) and aftershaves (2% to 4%). In case of Parfum and Extrait, the concentrations are higher than 20%.

Ever wondered why the smell of perfume changes throughout the day? This is due to the Top, Heart and Base notes in a perfume. When creating a fragrance, the chemistry of the skin and the raw materials used causes a perfume to evolve over time. A perfume is a very complex composition of top notes, heart notes and base notes.  The top notes are the most delicate and do typically not last very long. Heart notes tend to be herbal, floral and spice notes which last longer than the top notes but you will be able to smell the base notes the longest. Base notes are usually composed from wood, amber and musk. You may have heard people referring to this when buying perfumes locally or online. Notes are a perfume's individual element. This can be lemon, sandalwood, rose, cedarwood, flowers, woods, spices, and herbs used in producing fragrances.  These can be combined to produce scents, thus creating harmonies in a fragrance. Perfumery-related terms are somewhat the same as those related to music. These different notes are also where personalities and scents meet. If you’re daring and adventurous you might go for something with spices, whereas a soft natured person might be drawn to softer scents too.

There are so-called "hot spots" when applying your perfume. The rule of thumb is to use your perfume on these spots. These are also called Marma Points. Apply your perfume to the following spots: The temples  Wrists  Behind your ears  The nape of your neck  The crease of your elbows The small of your back  The back of your knees  Women, in particular, can also apply perfume between their breasts or at the navel area if they wish. Applying perfume to these areas will make the scent more fragrant. Remember not to rub your wrists together after applying perfume.

Like any other thing, perfumes are not meant to last forever. Storing them properly is one way to ensure they last until the expiry date. That way, you can enjoy your perfume before it expires.  Keep it away from heat and light, or it can become musty or sour. You can store your bottle in a dark cupboard or inside a drawer, ideally inside its box. Also, remember that citrussy and lighter scents tend to deteriorate faster when compared to florals.

There are certain factors you should remember when storing perfume. Humidity, sunlight and variations of temperature will impact your perfume over time. The molecules in the perfume will change and will definitely impact the fragrance. Therefore, to make your perfume last longer and stay fresh, make sure to store it upright in a dark place that is not impacted by humidity or extreme changes of temperatures – so the bathroom shelves or open areas or in your car (unlike most people) is really not ideal.

Applying it in the right places is essential to make your fragrance last longer. Generally speaking, you should apply perfume directly onto the pulse points - such as behind the ears, on the wrists, and inside of the elbows.  Using a light moisturizer before spraying can help keep your skin hydrated and help trap moisture so that it can hold onto the scent for longer. Additionally, touching up throughout the day can help make your fragrance last even longer.

Yes, it can. Perfume typically has a shelf-life of between three and five years, although this varies depending on the specific product and its ingredients.  If your perfume has been open for longer than that time frame, it is best to discard it as the scent will not be effective anymore.  Take notice of the expiration date printed directly on the product packaging, or check the manufacturer's website for more information.

Yes, perfume can freeze if stored in temperatures lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit because most fragrances are made of pure alcohol; when frozen, the molecules become clogged and may change consistency. Store it away from windows or near cold drafts to avoid damage to your perfume.

The main reason perfume can smell different on everyone is due to the natural chemicals in our skin. Everyone's body chemistry is unique and will interact differently with a fragrance, causing it to develop and change over time.  Other factors like humidity and temperature can also impact how a perfume smells on someone because they can affect the strength of the scent. Additionally, certain perfumes may react differently to skin types and age.

No, perfume does not change colour. Perfume is an alcohol-based product, so it typically won't change its hue. Therefore, if you notice a colour change, it is most likely because of a reaction between the perfume and other elements, such as air or sunlight. If this happens, it is best to discard the product as it may have gone off.

Changing fragrances with the seasons is unnecessary, but it can be a fun and exciting way to switch up your scent. Different scents evoke different feelings due to their ingredients; for instance, floral scents may feel more appropriate in warmer weather, while rich, spicy fragrances feel more suitable in cooler temperatures. A great way to experiment with different scents is to purchase sample sizes or perfume sets.