At Elegant.com it is important that customers choose the product that is most suited to their needs and lifestyle. We have therefore compiled this guide on all the elements of fragrances to help you decide which is the most suitable fragrance for you.

Fragrance Concentrations

Fragrances vary in strength, a factor that influences price. The main ingredient is an alcohol and water solution. It is the percentage of perfume relative to the water that determines the strength.

It is these factors which determine whether it is an Eau de Parfum, an Eau de Toilette or an Eau de cologne and so on. It also links to how long the fragrance will last on your skin.

Below is more detail by fragrance type to assist you in making an informed decision:-

For Women

Parfum

The strongest concentration and is compiled to provide exceptionally long lasting fragrance from very little liquid.

Eau de Parfum (Edp)

The next strongest version and is intended to give a more enduring scent.

Eau de Toilette (Edt)

The most popular and affordable concentration. Containing a higher percentage of water and fewer essential oils. Edt is nearly always presented in a spray.

Eau de Cologne

Weaker than Edt with a lower concentration of essential oils.

Eau Fraiche

The weakest fragrance type , which has the lowest fragrance content and is sometimes called 'Perfumed Mist'. Often alcohol free, this concentration proves popular in the summer months.

For Men

Eau de Toilette Spray

Generally the strongest concentration available and can be used on the body and on clothing but should not be used as an aftershave as it may cause irritation.

Aftershave

Weaker than Edt and may therefore be used on the face.

Aftershave Balm

A perfumed lotion or cream of similar concentration to aftershave.

Fragrance Categories

Fragrances are described by their scent. Below are the details of the ingredients that have been used to make up a particular scent:-

Citrus

The clean, tangy aroma of citrus fruits - lemons, mandarins, bergamot oranges and grapefruit.

Green

The sharp green scent of crushed leaves and fresh-cut grass.

Water

Soft sea breezes.

Floral

The fresh-cut fragrance of flowers from a single rose to a rich bouquet.

Soft floral

These soft, powdery floral aldehydes blend nature's flowers with the perfumery aldehydes.

Soft oriental

The soft, spicy notes of orange flowers, sparkling aldehydes and sweet flowers.

Floral oriental

Incense adds a sensual softness to heady flowers, spices and amber.

Oriental

The hypnotic fragrances of oriental resins, night-blooming flowers, vanilla, musk.

Woody oriental

Rich oriental notes blended with the potent wood scents of patchouli and sandalwood.

Mossy woods

Perfumers call these forest notes of oak moss, woods and citrus chypre fragrances.

Dry woods

Dry resins, cedar and tobacco make a mossy-woody fragrance drier, sometimes a little smoky.

Aromatic fougere

Sexy cool-warm notes of citrus and lavender, sweet spices and oriental woods.

Fragrance Hints and Tips

Kept fragrances away from heat and light, storing in a location with fluctuating temperatures will call quicker degradation of your product. An unopened fragrance will be good for at least four years.

Exposure to the air should be kept to a minimum, as once opened, the ingredients will deteriorate - this applies more to splash fragrances than sprays.

Sometimes Identical fragrances will not only smell differently on different people, but also last longer. This is due to the difference in chemical balance of our skin.

People who are sensitive to fragrances should apply to their clothes rather than directly on the skin.