Tuesday, June 10, 2008

A note on summer fragrances

As the temperature climbs and the flowers bloom, we are compelled towards the bright, fresh scents that mark the entrance of spring and summer!

As the scents of the seasons change, now is a great time to consider a change in the scents we choose for ourselves. I often receive questions about what makes a fragrance suitable for particular events or seasons. Here are a few guidelines for choosing your fragrance for warmer months:

1. Choose a lighter formulation than you would in winter.
Warmer weather and warmer body temperatures intensify fragrance. The strength of fragrances are classified by the concentration of perfume oil present in the formulation, compared to the concentration of water and alcohol that are also present. From lightest to heaviest, fragrances are labeled:

Eau de Cologne (EDC):
this has 3-5% perfume oils and is the lightest and most inexpensive perfume.

Eau de Toilette (EDT): contains 4-15% perfume oils increasing its price.

Eau de Parfum (EDP): this has 15-22% perfume oils increasing its price.

Parfum: contains 22-50% perfume oils and is the highest concentration. This makes it last a lot longer and it is
the most expensive.

Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette are the most appropriate concentrations for the warmer months, helping the fragrance to seem lighter, and fresher. Also, some classic fragrances now come in lighter or summery versions allowing you to enjoy the same fragrance you wear in winter, during the summer. Look for the same fragrance name but with the addition of 'Eau de', 'Eau Fraiche' or 'd'Ete' all of which will suggest a summer version of your favourite scent.

2. Choose simpler fresh or floral fragrances that reflect the fragrances that naturally occur in nature (think spring blooms, the freshness of spring rains or the bright citrus scents of summer). Fragrances are also classified by type or scent category. The basic categories of fragrance include floral, oriental, woody and fresh.

3. Use a light touch: While you might already feel that you can't smell your fragrance because you've chosen a lighter concentration than usual but remember, we often become so accustomed to fragrances and odors that we are surrounded by on a regular basis that we can no longer detect them. Use only 1-2 spritzes of fragrance on your skin so that; as one article delicately states, 'others should perceive the perfume as a continuation of your personality not as an olfactory aggression.'

With these simple guidelines in tow, I wish you happy smelling!

I always love hearing from you, so please keep those emails coming! I can't wait to hear which fragrances become your favourite fragrances for spring/sumer 2008!