A decade-long fragrance connoisseur's guide to scents

You know that moment you meet someone and they compliment how you smell? That's when you've done something right. But how do you get that

Which is why you need a fragrance cheat sheet.

I'll recommend actual scents and show you how to combine fragrances in later posts but for now, we'll stick with the fundamental knowledge of perfuming:

Definitions in Simplest Terms

• Eau de Toilette (EDT): Toilet water. Less intense and less expensive
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): Fancy toilet water. More intense and more expensive.
• Parfum: The fanciest of waters. NOT from a toilet, how dare you think that.
• Sillage: how many people will smell you when you walk in the room
• Accord: a blend of complementary scents that will get you compliments

There are two Types of Perfumes

1. Oil Based: These scents are made from natural oils. Think: lavender essential oil, but a lot bougier. An oil based scent is usually stronger, allergy cooperative, and will last longer on the skin. 
2. Alcohol Based: as the name implies, alcohol is the base. These scents will typically not last as long and usually serve your mid-tier fragrance markets.

Scents change based on location, altitude, and temperature.

• Dry Climates: Fresh + sweet and floral fragrances
• Wet Climates: Musky, woody, sweet

The goal is to mimic the fragrances found in proximal nature.

I know this sounds ultra hippy-dippy, but imagine having a penguin in the Sahara Desert -  it might still live under the right conditions, but it ain't thriving.

Pheromones are important(ish).

How your body interacts with a fragrance is important. However, the way the surrounding environment interacts with your fragrance is what makes the biggest difference. Think about it. The room you're in is a lot bigger than you are. So yes, try the fragrance out at home. But also try the fragrance out in a park, office or restaurant if you really want to know how you'll smell with it on.

Congratulations!

You've completed the first level. Stay tuned for location-based perfume recommendations (level 2) and the perfume blending guide (level 3).