Perfume is more than a fragrance—it’s an invisible accessory, a whisper of identity that lingers in the air long after you’ve left the room. Whether you’re drawn to clean florals, spicy woods, or sweet gourmand notes, finding your signature scent can feel like discovering a hidden piece of yourself.
Here’s your guide to the world of perfume—from understanding the basics to wearing it well.
What Exactly Is Perfume?
At its core, perfume is a blend of fragrant essential oils, aroma compounds, alcohol, and fixatives. But beyond the chemistry, perfume is an art form. It has the power to evoke memory, shift moods, and tell stories—without ever saying a word.
The Language of Scent: Concentrations Explained
Perfume comes in different strengths, and the concentration of fragrance oil directly affects how long it will last on your skin:
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Parfum (Extrait de Parfum): The most concentrated form, with 20–30% fragrance oil. Rich and long-lasting—ideal for evening wear.
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Eau de Parfum (EDP): Contains 15–20% fragrance oil. Versatile and lasting, perfect for everyday use.
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Eau de Toilette (EDT): Lighter with 5–15% oil, ideal for daytime or summer.
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Eau de Cologne (EDC): A fresh, short-lived splash (2–5%), often used for a quick refresh.
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Body Mist or Splash: Delicate and fleeting, perfect for casual or post-shower wear.
The Fragrance Families
Just like music has genres, perfume has families, each with its own mood and personality. Exploring these can help narrow down what resonates with you:
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Floral: Classic and romantic, featuring notes like rose, jasmine, and lily.
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Fresh: Clean and energizing—think citrus, green leaves, or aquatic breezes.
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Woody: Grounded and earthy, built on sandalwood, cedar, or patchouli.
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Oriental (or Amber): Warm, spicy, and mysterious. Vanilla, incense, and amber are key players.
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Gourmand: Edible and cozy—vanilla, caramel, coffee, and chocolate notes dominate.
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Chypre: A sophisticated blend of citrus top notes and mossy, woody bases.
Don’t be afraid to blend genres—a floral-woody or citrus-spice can create a totally unique olfactory experience.
Finding Your Scent
Choosing a perfume can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Start by considering what you already enjoy: the scent of fresh rain? A cup of chai? Your grandmother’s garden?
Test no more than three or four perfumes at a time. Spray on your wrist, not a paper blotter, and give it time to settle. The top notes will hit first, but it’s the middle and base notes—what lingers hours later—that truly define the scent.
Also consider season and setting: light, citrusy scents shine in summer; spicy, deeper fragrances bloom in colder months.
Fragrance doesn’t have to be gendered. Many modern perfumes are designed to be worn by anyone—regardless of how they present. These unisex blends often balance traditionally masculine and feminine notes, making them fluid, versatile, and empowering.
Pro tip: try wearing a unisex scent like our Pure Instinct Fragrance Oil with Pheromones so you can feel feminine, no matter which gender you’re presenting with.
How (and Where) to Wear It
Perfume is most effective when applied to pulse points—areas where the skin is warm and the blood flows close to the surface. Try:
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Wrists
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Neck
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Behind ears
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Inside elbows
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Back of knees (yes, really—especially if wearing a dress or shorts)
Avoid rubbing your wrists together, which can crush the top notes and change the fragrance. Instead, let it dry naturally on the skin.
Making It Last
Want your scent to stay with you all day? Try these tricks:
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Moisturize first – Apply an unscented lotion before perfume to help it grip.
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Layer – Use matching body lotions or oils to build longevity.
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Store smart – Keep your bottles out of sunlight and away from heat, which can break down the oils.
A light mist on clothing or hair can also extend the fragrance—but test first to make sure it doesn’t stain fabric or dry out hair.
There’s a certain romance to having a “signature scent,” but don’t feel pressure to choose just one. Fragrance, like fashion, can be seasonal, situational, or entirely mood-driven. You might wear something citrusy to brunch, something soft and powdery to work, and something sultry at night.
In the end, perfume is about expression. It’s personal. It’s intimate. And it’s yours.
So go ahead—follow your nose.