Everything You Need to Know About Fragrance

A spritz of your favourite scent is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. It can help boost your confidence and trigger fond memories, but how much do you really know about the fragrance you reach for day after day? Do you know your Eau de Parfums from your Eau de Toilettes? How to correctly store your perfume? Or even how to choose the perfect scented gift?

To celebrate National Fragrance Week, perfume experts from COTY (who have a portfolio of luxury fragrance brands such as Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs, to name a few!) are revealing the answers to all these questions and so many more!

Hit the play button below to find everything you need to know about perfume and continue reading as we answer some of the most asked questions.

5 Common Fragrance Questions Answered

1. Do fragrances go off?

Yes, fragrances can go off! Just like your makeup or skincare, perfume does have a shelf life. However, you can help your chosen scents last longer by taking good care of them.

Remember, storage is everything! Keep your fragrance bottles in a dry, cool place and away from sunlight - such as in the fridge or a draw. As tempting as it may be to line them up on your bathroom shelf, this isn’t a great idea as the changing temperature can affect your fragrance drastically!

2. How can I make my fragrance last longer?

The key to longevity is layering! Yes, you know those scented lotions and shower gels that come with a gift set? They're not just a handy bonus; they’re there to help your scent last longer. Use the shower gel first, layer on your lotion and then apply your perfumes to enjoy a luxe experience all day!

3. What’s the difference between an Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum?

You may have noticed your favourite brands stock the same version of a fragrance but in different concentrations. An Eau de Toilette (known as EDT) is lighter and well suited to daytime wear, such as to the office. In comparison, an Eau de Parfum (known as EDP) is more robust and recommended when you want your scent to linger for longer and make more of an impact.

4. How can I match my fragrance to my lifestyle?

As our expert, Will, mentions in the video, every occasion warrants a fragrance! We suggest choosing a light scent for the daytime, with a lower impact, such as an Eau de Toilette. In the evening, let your fragrance bloom! Opt for an Eau de Parfum for a more vivid, richer, and impactful presence. And finally, if you’re going ‘out out’ or want to seriously impress on date night, stick to an Eau de Parfum or level up to a pure Parfum. These will ensure you stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons!

5. Where should I apply my fragrance?

Your signature scent should be applied directly to your pulse points, such as the neck, wrists, and the back of your knees. These are the ideal spots as they are often left uncovered by clothes. However, when applied to your wrists, give them a little rub/ dab together to encourage the notes to develop quickly into the ‘dry down’ scent, which is the essence of the fragrance you are left with once the fruity, fresh, top notes have evaporated.