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Advice

8 most common fragrance myths

8 most common fragrance myths
Alice Macfarlane
Beauty Writer3 years ago
View Alice Macfarlane's profile

Wearing perfume, for many, is part of a daily routine. You put on your perfume every morning in the same sense that you brush your teeth every morning, it’s just one of those things. Despite the popularity of the eau de parfum however, there are still many misconceptions surrounding these little bottles of joy. From confusions about how to apply perfume, to mix ups about how to store them, we’ve spoken to the fragrance experts at Aspects Beauty (owners of Versace, Moschino and more) to set the record straight on some of the most common fragrance myths.  

 

All perfume scent only lasts a few hours  

False. This all depends on the concentration of the fragrance oils within each perfume- the higher the concentration, the longer the scent will last. Extrait de parfum will last around 6 to 8 hours (sometimes longer!), eau de parfum (EDP) has a longevity of about 4 to 5 hours, and eau de toilette (EDT), usually lasts between 2 to 4 hours. 

 

You need to rub your wrists together when applying perfume 

False. Whilst rubbing your wrists together feels like the ‘go to’ move, this can actually impact the fragrance and the friction can cause the top notes to fade away quickly. The natural oils in our skin can also change the way a scent smells when vigorously rubbed together – Don’t rub, just spray! 

 

Perfume can only be applied to your wrists  

FalseFocus on your pulse points, wrists, neck, inner elbow, behind your ears and even your knees! These warm spots on your body emit extra body heat which naturally diffuses the scent, increasing its longevity throughout the day. 

 

Perfumes don't go out of date 

FalsePerfumes DO expire, with the average scent having a shelf life of 3-5 years. There a few things to check if you are unsure. Start off by smelling it to see if the scent has changed. Is it less potent? Then check the liquid to see if the colour looks darker than usual, or if there is significantly less in there. These are the signs of out of date perfumes.”  

Fragrance storage tips: 

  • Keep out of direct sunlight and heat 
  • Avoid shaking the perfume bottle 
  • Keep the scent in its original bottle 
  • Store away from moisture and humidity 
  • Keep fragrance in cool, dry and dark places where possible! 

 

Eau de Parfum is the same as an Eau de Toilette 

FalseDifferent strengths of fragrance contain different percentages of perfume oils - an eau de parfum has 8 – 15% while an eau de toilette has only 4 – 8%, making the fragrance stronger in the eau de parfum 

 

 

Perfume smells different on each person’s skin 

TrueFragrance can smell slightly different on everyone, this can be due to differing skin PH, skin acidity, what you eat and individual hormone balance. These factors can strengthen or weaken the notes in a scent, which means the fragrance can vary person to person. 

 

Advice

What are fragrance notes and how do I choose the right ones for me?

Searching for your signature scent? Learn more about the importance of fragrance notes and how to choose to right notes to suit you

All fragrance notes are the same 

FalseFragrance notes are split into three categories, top notes, heart notes and base notes. 

Top notes 

“These are the ingredients that you can smell as soon as you spray a scent. These are usually citrus notes and are made up of small, light molecules that appear immediately but evaporate quickly. Important for that first impression!  

Heart notes 

“Heart notes or middle notes appear after the top notes, these act as the main body of the fragrance and usually last a little longer. 

Base notes 

These notes bring the solidity and power to the scent, adding that all important depth. These ingredients take a while to develop so you won’t smell them straight away but they will add longevity to your fragrance. These notes are usually ouds, woods or musks. 

 

Some perfumes are better to wear at night compared to during the day 

False. “This comes down to preference – some might say that light, floral or fruity scents work better for wear during the day, whilst a dark and rich, sensual scent works best for an evening. Fragrance is very personal and can be a source of comfort or confidence, so wear what makes you feel good! 

 

Discover our full range of fragrances on LOOKFANTASTIC. 

 

 

Alice Macfarlane
Beauty Writer
View Alice Macfarlane's profile
As someone with an affinity for all things beauty, discovering fantastic new products is my not-so-secret obsession. Over the years I've tried and tested a mountains worth of creams, serums and cleansers, finding some of my favourite 'holy-grail' products along the way. However, I'm always on the lookout for more ways to nourish my hair, perfect my dewy base, or enhance my skincare routine. Working as a beauty blogger for over 3 years, I've been lucky enough to collaborate personally with lots of amazing beauty brands including Christian Dior, The Body Shop and Dermalogica. I've used the Dermalogica special cleansing gel religiously since I first got it and their products are some of my ultimate skincare faves. When it comes to cosmetics, NARS Sheer Glow foundation is definitely my go-to - I live for a light, glowy base!
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