FRAGRANCE FACTS
+ Body heat influences how scents develop so it is best to test a new fragrance on your wrist. The Fragrance Foundation recommends testing a maximum of three perfumes at one time (one on each wrist and one on an elbow if necessary). Wait ten minutes after application to get an accurate impression of the scent.
+ Like wine, perfume will degrade if exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
+ Fragrance is not formulated to last all day and should be reapplied every three to four hours. Best not to mention this to teenage boys.
+ Perfume will last longer on skin that produces more natural oils. Drier skin will require more frequent applications.
+ Women’s fragrances range in intensity from perfume (strongest), to eau de parfum, to eau de toilet, to cologne (weakest).
+ A majority of the ‘most expensive fragrances in the world’ are such because of their bejeweled packaging. There’s no gift with purchase but you get to keep the 5-carat diamond inlayed bottle when you buy Clive Christian Imperial Majesty on Amazon for $435,000. Nothing says luxury like free two-day shipping…
+ For more information, check out The Fragrance Foundation. Their annual (and aptly named) FiFi Awards honor the best in the fragrance industry.
Illustration by Michelle Ricks
