Eau de Parfum: Mistakes to Avoid

An eau de parfum is a composition that contains 15 to 20% of aromatic extracts, diluted in 70 or 90° alcohol. The fragrant molecules are distributed into top notes, heart notes, and base notes; this is referred to as the olfactory pyramid.

Being concentrated, the perfume water has along-lasting hold, of6 to 8 hours. Compared to other formulas such as eau de Cologne or eau de toilette, perfume water is more concentrated; however, it is less concentrated than a toilette perfume which can contain up to 40% of aromatic molecules.

It is still advisable to use one's perfume sparingly. One or two sprays are generally enough to distribute all the scents on oneself. Furthermore, one should avoid repeating the action several times throughout the day, as there is a risk that the scent may become overpowering.

In order to prolong the fragrance, it is necessary to spray the perfume on strategic points. These are the pulse points such as the wrist, the nape of the neck, the crook of the elbow etc. To smell good all day, it is also recommended to spray the fragrance in the morning after showering. Indeed, hydration helps to fix the aromatic molecules.

It may seem customary to store one's perfume in the bathroom and use it after bathing. However, it is important to note that the humidity and fluctuating temperature of the bathroom can potentially alter the colour and scent of the perfume. To maximise the lifespan of your perfume, keep it in a dry place, shielded from light. Shelves exposed to light should therefore be avoided. Instead, store the perfume bottle in a drawer in your bedroom. The ideal scenario would be to keep the bottle in its original box.

Not testing a perfume before purchasing is a mistake to avoid, given that the fragrance is likely to change throughout the day. Before acquiring a new bottle, spray it directly onto your wrist to test it over the course of a day. To release all the scents, avoid rubbing your wrists together. It is not recommended to test several perfumes at once, as this risks mixing the different scents.

There is a belief that rubbing the wrists after spraying perfume helps to spread the fragrance. However, this action should be avoided, as it alters its composition. Instead of enhancing the scent of the perfume, this habit dissipates the volatile molecules that make up its composition.