HOW TO DECIPHER A FRAGRANCE DESCRIPTION

Perfume is described as a mirthful musical metaphor – three sets of “notes” that make up a harmonious “accord”. And because one artful metaphor is never enough, these notes are often presented as a “fragrance pyramid” to show how one’s nose follows the evaporation process of a perfume from top to bottom. 

HEAD NOTES

• What one smells first, forming an immediate impression
• Around 20% of a perfume
• Longevity: a few minutes

HEART NOTES

• Deeper scents that appear after the head notes
• Around 30% of a perfume
• Longevity: two to four hours

BASE NOTES

• The final stage of a fragrance
• Around 50% of a perfume
• Longevity: four to six hours (or even longer)

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL THE "EAU DE"...

There are three main fragrance types: Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne. The difference between these delectable versions lies in the concentration of perfume oils. And it is this concentration that dictates which fragrance lasts longer.

EAU DE PARFUM

• The most concentrated fragrance
• Lasts approximately four to five hours
• For special moments and high impact 

Why not try Highgrove Bouquet? Long-lasting earthly sunshine in a bottle.

EAU DE TOILETTE

• Lighter than Eau de Parfum
• Lasts around two to four hours
• A suitable everyday staple-

• Look to Luna for a goddess-approved example

EAU DE COLOGNE

• Lightest of the three
• Lasts around two hours
• Exceptional for daytime wear 

THE ETYMOLOGY OF ‘FRAGRANCE’

 Alas, discerning the real meaning of “parfum” and “cologne” can lead to some confusion.  

PARFUM

French, of course, for perfume. Brought into common parlance in 1533, when Catherine de Medici arrived at the French court with her perfumer in tow. Parfum is the overarching term for fragrance, regardless of concentration, although traditionally it was used to denote a fragrance for ladies.  

COLOGNE

First used in Europe in the 18th century to refer to fresh, citrus-based unisex fragrances developed in Cologne, Germany – hence the name. In the first half of the 20th century, perfume houses began to borrow “cologne” to signify a lighter concentration to Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette. It also became the sole preserve of scents marketed for men.

FEMININE AND MASCULINE FRAGRANCE 

Nowadays, gender distinctions matter little. Everyone is free to use Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne only in reference to concentration. Fragrance is such an individual choice, it would be a shame to pigeonhole anyone.

THE LAST WORD

When it comes to a signature scent, take the knowledge above and choose what simply feels – and smells – right to you. Try our Fragrance Profiling Experience to discover your new signature scent. 

FIND A FRAGRANCE