Perfume questions, answered
Short answers to the questions people ask most, with links to the full guides.
Basics
Eau de parfum usually has a higher share of fragrance oil than eau de toilette. The names are conventions, not legal standards.
The first, middle, and longest-lasting layers of a perfume.
A broad style group such as floral, amber, woody, or fresh.
Wearing and storing
Your nose stops noticing a constant smell. Others may still smell it.
How long a fragrance lasts varies with concentration, skin, and climate.
It changes over time, faster with heat, light, and air.
Buying
No. We help you work out what you like, then test for yourself.
No. We are not a retailer. Prices, sizes, concentrations, and availability change, and brands may reformulate a fragrance. Check the label and the retailer before you buy.
Some links may be affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Labels
There is no official definition. It means whatever the brand says it means.
Health
General information, not medical advice. Patch test new fragrances and stop use if irritation occurs. See a doctor about skin reactions or breathing concerns.
Fragrances can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Patch test a new fragrance on a small area of skin, and stop using it if irritation occurs. See a doctor or dermatologist if a reaction does not go away.
