Posts Tagged ‘Perfume Advice’

Top 10 Colognes [for Men]

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Aqua di Gio: A resolutely modern men’s cologne, inspired by a cool ocean breeze blowing over warm sand; emerging from the waves, the sun and the earth of the volcanic Mediterranean island of Pantelleria, where Giorgio Armani has his summer villa. The success lies in its transparency, its contemporary expression of masculinity, and its serene aromatic aura of herbs, woods and marine notes, making it the epitome of the fresh, watery, exhilarating cologne for warmer weather and casual wearing.

Gucci Pour Homme: There’s never a woman who smells this masculine fragrance and isn’t captivated by its solid, austere yet strangely sensuous, cedar core. It feels like a man working lovingly over polished mahogany planks, the air filled with the aroma of beautiful, rich woods bearing their own precious patina, almost incense-like. If handsome Aidan of “Sex & the City” smelled even remotely like that, being a carpenter-entrepreneur, we can’t for the life of us understand why Carrie didn’t end up with him!

John Varvatos: Fashion designer John Varvatos presents a modern, bold and at the same time sophisticated cologne with a very sensuous scent coupling the supple, luxurious smell of a new leather jacket with the cinnamon mints hiding in its pocket. Leather, vanilla, and spice mingle with tamarind leaves and date fruits into a composition that is unmistakably virile and playfully roguish. John Varvatos unsettles as much as it reassures.

Cool Water by Davidoff: Deceptively simple in composition, Cool Water is one of those masculine colognes that merges with a man’s skin and reads more like his personal aura than a perfume. This is its charm and the artistry behind legendary perfumer Pierre Bourdon’s sleight of hand. From crab apple and lavender to citrus, all the way through subtle driftwood and hushed amber and musk, Cool Water is a modern classic that is dependable for any season and any occasion. You can’t but like the guy who wears it!

Prada Infusion d’Homme: The perfumer, Daniela Andrier, has been quoted saying Infusion d’Homme ‘…has a very fresh, crisp smell — like a man just out of the shower.’ And it does! The iris prominent top notes (dry and almost brittle) are enlivened by a pinch of neroli, soon overpowered by a pure soap accord which “reads” as aqueous, sudsy and floral. Young, unassuming, discreet and yet lasting, Infusion d’Homme is a go-to fragrance when you don’t know what to choose and you can’t bother to waver.

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Perfume FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Perfume

What is the difference between Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne? Most perfumes are complex combinations of natural materials, such as essential oils from plants, and synthetic products that increase the lasting power and heighten the smell. Alcohol is used as a liquid base for perfume, and the ratio of alcohol to scented perfume concentrates determines what the final concoction is labeled. From highest concentration to least, the different forms of perfume are: • Perfume, also called extract or extrait perfume, can include 15-40% perfume concentrates. This is the purest form of scented product and is the most expensive as a result. • Eau de parfum contains about 7-15% perfume concentrates. This is the most popular and common form of perfume. It provides a long-lasting fragrance and generally doesn’t cost as much as extract perfume. • Eau de toilette has around 1-6% perfume concentrates. This makes for a light scent that doesn’t linger as long as the more intense versions. It was originally intended to be a refreshing body splash to help people wake up in the morning. • Eau de cologne is sometimes used interchangeably with the term eau de toilette. However, the concoction began as the name of a light; fresh fragrance mixed with citrus oils and was made popular by Napoleon. Some perfumers today have a version of this called eau fraiche.

While these are the main classes of perfume, other products are frequently scented with perfume concentrates too. Lotions, creams, powders, body splashes, aftershaves, soaps, and other cosmetic products may contain variable (though usually small) amounts of fragrance. Now that you have your scents straight, we’re sure you’ll smell like a rose all day!

Why do some fragrances seem to last much longer than others? People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time shorter than those with oily skin because oily skin has more natural moisture to hold in the fragrance.

PH levels (amount of acidity in our skin) also vary slightly from person to person. Our individual levels of PH will determine how each ingredient in a fragrance will react. People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time shorter than those with oily skin because oily skin has more natural moisture to hold in the fragrance. PH levels (amount of acidity in our skin) also vary slightly from person to person. Our individual levels of PH will determine how each ingredient in a fragrance will react.

How can I make my scent last longer? To achieve a longer effect, try layering your fragrance. Using the fragrance bath gel, (if the company offers one), then the moisturizer or powder, and then the Eau de Toilette, Eau de Perfume or Eau de Cologne, will usually have a longer lasting effect. Also, apply your fragrance low on the body, as well as behind your ears and on your neck, so that the scent rises and you won’t lose it as quickly. A light spray on the hair can last all day.

What is the difference between a splash and a spray? There is absolutely no difference in the fragrance. The difference is in the application only. However, a spray bottle, being ostensibly sealed all the time, may actually have a longer shelf life. Making the decision between spray and splash is entirely a matter of personal preference.

Why do some men wear Cologne, and others prefer to wear After Shave? Cologne’s fragrance will generally last much longer than After Shave. However, many men choose to wear both. The fragrance lasts longer, you can use less of each, and you get the facial benefit of an After Shave.

Why does fragrance contain alcohol? Alcohol makes the fragrance emanate from your skin. Without alcohol, you would be the only person who knew you were wearing any fragrance at all.

What are the differences between After Shave Lotion, After Shave Gel, and After Shave Balm? After Shave Lotion will usually sting as well as help close the pores after shaving. However After Shave Balm is actually soothing to the skin After Shave Gel also soothes the skin, but cools the skin as well and relieves razor burn.

What is shower gel? Shower gel is soap in a different form. It is made for use by both men and women, foams up well and leaves your chosen fragrance on the skin. It then enhances your cologne or perfume and the fragrance will last much longer.

What do fragrance notes refer to? Fragrances are comprised of many different scents; these scents are called “notes.” Top notes are very light and last just a few minutes (5-10 minutes). Middle notes become apparent in about 15 minutes after application. These can last up to an hour or more. Bottom notes are the heavier ingredients. These last the longest, usually for several hours.

How can I keep my fragrance from going bad? Keep all fragrance in a cool, dry area, and away from windows as sunlight can unbalance the various ingredients. An opened bottle should be kept in its box to insure a longer shelf life.

What are Testers or Unboxed items? Testers are manufactured bottles of the exact fragrance sold at a fraction of the retail price. Fragrance companies want to promote their products and will manufacture Tester bottles to help increase the sale of the fragrance. We buy Tester bottles new in bulk quantity at super discounted prices and pass the savings on to you. Tester packaging may vary depending on the manufacturers’ preferences. Some testers may come packaged in a plain white or brown box and with or without a cap. Some bottles may have “Tester or Demonstration” written on the bottle. These will in no way affects the overall quality of the fragrance as testers have the same composition as the regular packaged item. Buying a tester is a great way to enjoy the same exact fragrance at a great price you will love!

What sizes are the miniature collectibles? Miniatures sizes varies from .10 oz to .15 oz approximately 10ml-15ml. Please note, some manufacturer’s packaging may indicate miniature collectibles as a sample size and may be labeled ‘Not for Sale’.

What are shared/unisex fragrances? Shared fragrances are for Men or Women

What are the Fragrance Abbreviations? EDT: Eau de Toilette EDP: Eau de Parfum Col: Cologne C/S: Cologne Spray A/S: After-Shave Spy: Spray Sp: Spray B/L: Body Lotion Bdy: Body B/P: Body Powder D/P: Dusting Powder Dust: Dusting Pwdr: Powder B/C: Body Cream B/G: Bath Gel Conc: Concentrate P/S: Purse Spray

The Perfume Shop Reviews

How to choose perfume

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Different plant oils break down at different rates; light molecules evaporate quickly, heavy ones slower. The composition of a perfume is called an accord where there are three set of ‘notes’ that appear gradually on top of each other thus creating an olfactive harmony.

Top notes (head) The compounds that make up the top notes are usually sharp and volatile. When you spray the perfume on, you get the impression of these notes first. This note will last for about 10 – 20 minutes before it evaporates.

Middle notes (heart) These scents appear just before the top notes die down and are usually rounded and soft. Rose, jasmine and lily scents are typical middle notes. The ‘heart’ gives the perfume its main character together with the base notes. The middle notes can start appear a few minutes after application and will last about 3 – 6 hours on the skin.

Base notes (dry-down) These scents are heavy and large molecules that evaporate slowly. They emerge last and have a rich and deep character. They are also used to give lasting power to the perfume. You’ll probably detect the first base notes between half an hour to an hour and they can last up to 24 hours on the skin.

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Perfume Advice

Perfume bottle on white background Perfume is powerful stuff. Who hasn’t caught the trace of a familiar scent and been momentarily transported to another time and place or simply reminded of someone? Our sense of smell is hotwired to the parts of the brain dealing with emotions, hence fragrance is like a key that unlocks memories. Of course, it also just smells good, bringing instant pleasure. With hundreds of new fragrances being launched each year, you’re spoiled for choice, though finding the perfect scent for you, or indeed to give as a gift, can be tricky. Should you go for a trendy celebrity endorsement? Or seek out something more individual and niche? The golden rule of perfume buying is simply that if you like it, buy it, whatever your best friend/sister/husband/the sales assistant says. Scent is subjective – one woman’s Beautiful is another woman’s Poison.

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