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2025-08-08Although people mainly perceive perfume as perfume, there are many 12 perfumes made from varying degrees of concentrated fragrance oils. Below are the most common types found in stores.
Eau de Parfum
Eau de parfum is among the strongest types of perfume, as it contains about 15 - 20% of the fragrance oil concentration. With such a high concentration, eau de parfum strength lasts 4 - 8 hours. This type of 12 perfume is popular among buyers and is readily available in various fragrances.
Eau de Toilette
Eau de toilette comes below eau de parfum in terms of concentration, as it contains roughly 5 - 15% of the fragrance oil. Eau de toilette perfume is lighter and more affordable, making it popular for everyday use. Note that EDT perfume does not last as long as ADP; hence, it does not require storage in a cool place like its predecessors.
Eau de Cologne
Eau de cologne primarily contains citrus scents and has an oil concentration of only about 2 - 5%. The perfume is very refreshing and lasts about 2 hours. It is commonly used as an splasher and is also available in varying scents.
Splash and Aftershave
These are light perfumes often used after shaving to soothe the skin. They come in lower concentrations and are typically used within the house or in informal settings. They are also available in various scents.
Parfum or Extrait de Parfum
Parfum is the most concentrated form of fragrance, containing 20 - 30% (or even more) oils. This concentration offers the longest wear, often exceeding 24 hours. Due to its high concentration, parfum is more expensive but requires only a small amount for a lasting effect.
Perfumes are composed of multiple notes; when a 12 perfume is applied, the various components interact with a person's body chemistry, skin type, and even the environment. Every perfume, regardless of oil concentration, contains three note types: base, middle, and top notes.
Top notes
These are the first scents detected in any perfume and usually last the shortest. They are also the most volatile and disappear after 10 – 15 minutes. Top notes are the perfume elements perceived when one first sprays the scent. They include citrus, lavender, and other refreshing, light, and sometimes adventurous scents.
Middle notes
Middle notes last longer than the top notes and are perceived immediately after the top notes fade. They last between 20 minutes and 2 hours. They are also known as the heart notes and usually comprise floral, fruity, or spicy scents that blend the top and base notes nicely.
Base notes
These are the heavier, richer scents that linger the longest, often lasting several hours or even a day. They provide depth and solidity to the perfume, anchoring the lighter top and middle notes. Base notes typically include deep, rich, earthy scents like vanilla, musk, sandalwood, and amber. They evaporate slowly, allowing the perfume to last a long time on the skin.
A twelve perfume can be worn on various occasions and in multiple seasons. Some of the most common wearing times include:
Daily and Casual Wear
Eau de toilette and cologne can be elegantly integrated with daily wear, as they are light and refreshing. They can be worn daily for work or during informal meetings, as they provide a subtle and refreshing scent that does not overwhelm. Also, these fragrances are ideal during warmer months, as lighter scents are more invigorating in the heat.
Evening and Special Occasions
Eau de parfum and parfum are concentrated and longer-lasting, making them ideal for evening events or special occasions. Their depth and richness make them suitable for formal events like dinners, weddings, or parties. These types also work well in colder months when stronger, warmer scents are more appreciated.
Professional Setting
Light and moderate fragrances are often suitable for the office or professional settings. Choosing a subtle scent that is not too overpowering is important, as strong fragrances can be distracting or irritating in a work environment. Stick with perfume oils or lighter concentrations.
Seasonal Use
Perfumes are often selected based on the season. Fresh, floral, and citrus scents are preferred in spring and summer, while woody, spicy, and oriental fragrances are more suited to fall and winter. Using seasonal perfumes allows for a more harmonious and enjoyable experience that aligns with the changing environment.
Festivals and Celebrations
Holidays, festivals, and other celebratory events allow folks to go all out and wear stronger, well-celebrated scents. Wearing perfumes that resonate with the spirit of the celebration, whether warm and festive for a holiday gathering or elegant for a wedding, adds to the overall experience and atmosphere.
Regular maintenance is an important step in helping prevent damage to all twelve perfumes, as improper storage can affect the scent and overall quality. Below are tips for maintaining the perfumes:
Proper Storage
The perfume should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as heat and light can break down the fragrance compounds and reduce their quality. A closet, drawer, or a dedicated perfume box is ideal for storage.
Keep in Original Packaging
To protect the fragrance from light and dust, always return it to its original outer packaging or a solid enclosure after use. This helps preserve the integrity of the scent.
Avoid Humidity
Along with heat, moisture can also degrade perfume, especially if it has a base of wood or other organic materials. Avoid storing perfume in the bathroom or any other place where humidity is present. Instead, store it in dry, stable environments like bedrooms or dressing areas.
Avoid Excess Heat
Do not store or expose the perfume to heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or even inside a car on a sunny day. Heat can break down the fragrance components and alter the scent.
Limit Air Exposure
To keep the perfume's original scent, do not transfer it to another container or leave it exposed to air for a long time. Additionally, when using a spray bottle, avoid excessive spraying to minimize air contact with the original bottle.
Use Within a Reasonable Time
While many perfumes can last several years if stored properly, it's best to use them within three to five years to ensure the fragrance remains as intended. This is especially true for lighter formulations like eau de cologne or aftershave, which may degrade more quickly.
Perfumes can last between three and five years when exposed to the right conditions. Note that lighter scents like aftershaves and colognes do not last as long as heavier perfumes; they should be used within 1 - 3 years. Further, organic-based perfumes degrade faster than synthetic ones.
A long-lasting perfume requires a combination of quality ingredients and oil concentration. Scents with high-quality fixatives like amber and musk usually last longer. Also, the type of fragrance plays a role; warmer, richer scents often cling to the skin longer than citrus or floral ones.
Yes, an opened 12 perfume will still be good five years after storage if it is kept in ideal conditions, such as avoiding light and heat exposure. It is said that fragrances stored in the original packaging and away from sunlight can last longer than those that are not.
Once opened perfume has gone bad, it starts to smell different from what it was at the time of purchase. The scent can turn flat, lose its richness, or develop an off-putting note. The liquid can also change color or become cloudy, and in some cases, the bottle might have residue at the top.