Understanding the art of perfumes
Choosing the perfect perfume for your skin is no less than a mammoth task. With so many options at your disposal, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and confused. One of the most common problems that buyers face while shopping for perfume is how they are unable to understand the French words written on the perfume bottles. We all tend to think that those are just some fancy French words that are written there to lure us into buying it however, this might not be true. When it comes to perfumes they can be divided into various categories based on the amount of fragrance oil and alcohol used in them. The reason why you should know about this while choosing the correct fragrance is simple:
Any perfume with a high concentration of fragrance oil is bound to last longer whereas perfumes with a high concentration of alcohol are bound to fade away in a couple of hours. Now many people want their perfume to last for an eternity nevertheless, some people cannot stand strong perfumes and feel nauseous because of it. And if you are one of those people then knowing about the perfume before you choose it might come handy for you.
The perfume categories based on their fragrance oil concentration can be divided into 5 major categories; parfum, Eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, and Eau Fraiche.
Parfum- is one of the purest forms of perfume and contains the maximum amount of fragrance. A parfum will contain anywhere between 20-40% and will last around 15-20 hours easily. It goes without saying that parfums are very expensive because of the high concentration of fragrance oil. If you are someone who has very sensitive skin, then parfums might be the best option for you. A parfum will not irritate or dry out your skin since it has less amount of alcohol in it.
Eau de Parfum- is the lighter version of a parfum. Anyone who is looking for a strong fragrance that has a light texture should opt for an Eau de parfum. The fragrance concentration lies between 15-20% and will keep your body smelling good for at least 10-15 hours. Moreover, if you do not want to shell a huge amount of cash on parfums then Eau de parfums are your second best bet. These might have less fragrance concentration but they are much better than other perfumes and have less alcohol in them too.
Eau de toilette- is the most common and popular thing available in the market. If you are looking for a perfect blend of good fragrance at a reasonable price, then a toilette is the go-to answer for you. An eau de toilette is also known as a first date fragrance and is best for daytime activities. The fragrance concentration lies between 10-15% and will keep you smelling good for 5-7 hours. Not only is the toilette less expensive but also easy to find. These will be good for anyone who is looking for a daily wear fragrance.
Eau de cologne- is something that has been associated with men. Eau de cologne is good for people who are looking for layering this fragrance with another one. It has somewhere between 2-5% of fragrance concentration and will last you around 2-3 hours. A cologne might not be your best bet if you are looking for something that lasts long. However, using it in certain places like behind the ear or near the neck might keep you smelling good for more time. Eau de cologne is not good for people who have sensitive skin or are prone to headaches due to the smell of alcohol.
Eau Fraiche- is something that has started creating a lot of buzz in the market. It has a very low amount of fragrance oil concentration however; unlike cologne, it does not have a high concentration of alcohol. Water is an ingredient that has been used to replace alcohol. The best part about a fraiche is its affordability and light texture. Apart from that these mostly come in big bottles since they require a regular application. These are undoubtedly best for people who are looking for cheaper options without having to compromise on the quality or the brand.
When it comes to the correct application of perfumes many people have no idea about what it means. While I understand that using perfume isn't as hard as applying makeup that requires hours of practice and endless YouTube tutorials it surely isn't a child's play either. What not a lot of people know is that there are certain pulse points on our body which can help your fragrance develop and last longer. Applying a couple of drops of perfume on these points can keep you smelling heavenly throughout the day.
Behind the ears and on top- now we know that using perfume behind the ears is nothing new but did you know that applying them on top of your ears can keep you smelling good all day? Ears unlike your facial skin are not sensitive and won’t make you feel itchy or dry.
Wrap it on your accessories- if you have sensitive skin and find it impossible to wear any fragrance directly on your body then opt for wearing it indirectly. Spritz some perfume on your earrings, necklace or bracelet to keep you smelling good without having to deal with itchy and red skin.
Elbows- the inside part of your elbows is a great spot. Any part where your veins flow closer to your skin is a great place to apply fragrance. These spots emit heat and make your perfume smell denser and better.
Neck and cleavage- spritzing a bit of perfume behind your neck and on your cleavage can also trigger the smell to last long. Make sure you apply the perfume behind your neck and not directly on your neck to avoid rashes or irritation.
Inside the bellybutton- while bellybuttons are great for piercing using perfumes on them can give you mind-boggling results. Your navel releases heat and when this heat gets mixed up with the perfume it spreads everywhere.
On your ankles- before wearing any heels or shoes make sure you apply perfume on your ankles to keep your feet smelling good. This will also help you carry the smell from your head to toes.
Pro tip- never apply fragrances on your hair no matter how tempting it might sound. Your favorite perfume contains alcohol which might not be the best thing for your hair. Thus, make sure you never get the fragrance near your hair or your scalp.