FRA9 FILE · Fashion, beauty & luxury
Parfum, eau de parfum or eau de toilette: how to choose
Concentration, development, projection and skin: why a family label alone cannot predict a fragrance.
Concentration, development, projection and skin: why a family label alone cannot predict a fragrance.
Concentration, not an absolute hierarchy
Extrait, parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette and eau de Cologne generally indicate concentration families, but percentages and formulas vary by house. More concentrated does not automatically mean more beautiful, more projecting or better in heat. The whole formula and material evaporation matter more than one term.
Longevity, trail and projection
Longevity is how long scent remains perceptible, projection is distance, and trail is what remains in movement. These dimensions do not always rise together. An extrait may sit close for a long time, while an eau de toilette may radiate brightly at first. Test lightly and note the scent after 15 minutes, two hours and day's end.
Same name, different formula
An eau de parfum is not necessarily an eau de toilette made stronger. Notes, balance and sometimes intention may change. Compare on separate blotters and then skin, avoiding too many scents in a row. Ask for the year or exact version when a name has existed for a long time.
Skin, climate and dose
Temperature, humidity, skin, clothing and spray count change the experience. Do not judge only from card in an air-conditioned shop. A dense formula may become tiring in a warm enclosed space, while a light one may need reapplication. Follow the label and avoid irritated areas.
Sample before bottle
For an expensive purchase, request a sample or buy the smallest legitimate size. Wear it in several contexts and check that you like the drydown, not only the opening. Compare price per millilitre, remembering that a large bottle ties up more money and may deteriorate with poor storage, light or heat.
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