Jargon Buster

Use our handy jargon buster to help you understand the world of fragrance and its unique language

Aftershave:

Aftershave is usually found in splash on form rather than spray, which makes it easier to apply to the face. It is a fragrance containing a small percentage of alcohol which closes the pores and stimulates the skin so is perfect for the face. It lasts approximately 3 hours.

AfterShave Balm:

Aftershave balm is a gentle treatment for the face with no alcohol and contains moisturising ingredients so can be soothing and calming after shaving.

Base Notes:

The lasting smell you get after a fragrance has settled on your skin.

Body Notes:

Also known as the heart or middle notes of the fragrance: this is the perfume’s dominant scent.

BodyLines:

Include shower gels, body lotions, balms, soaps and talcs developed to smell exactly like the perfume to allow for layering. See Layering.

Citrus:

Fresh and fruity, bursting with crisp and zesty essences like lemons, limes and oranges.

Classic:

A fragrance that has been popular for many years and is widely loved by generation after generation.

Eau de Parfum (EDP):

EDP is stronger than eau de toilette (EDT) and usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours in the skin. Great if you don’t want to reapply throughout the day.

Eau de Toilette (EDT):

EDT is the most wearable of all fragrance types and also the least expensive. It is usually in spray form and last between 2 to 4 hours on the skin. Ideal for everyday use. It is not recommended for men to use EDT on their faces as it can be harsh on facial skin.

Floral:

Flower based perfumes. The height of femininity with flowers such as roses, lily of the valley or blossom accords.

Fragrance Family:

The fragrance families are Citrus, Fruity, Woody, Fresh, Floral; each perfume belongs to a fragrance family.

Fresh Aquatic:

Refreshing, invigorating scents with green aquatic notes

Fruity:

full of ripe, fresh edible fruit notes.

Heart:

see Body.

Juice:

This is the word used by the fragrance industry to describe the actual liquid perfume.

Layering:

Using various different scented products to build up layers of scent e.g. shower gel, then deodorant, then body lotion then perfume. Layering makes a fragrance last longer as it adds another 'layer' of scent to the skin.

Middle notes:

see Body Notes.

Notes:

This terms has been borrowed by the fragrance industry from music and describes the individual ingredients (notes) that make up a whole fragrance (top note, middle note, base note).

Oriental:

An exotic, sensual and heavy fragrance typically with dry woods, vanilla and musk.

Pure Perfume:

Pure perfume is usually found in dab on form as you only need to apply a small amount. Depending on your skin type pure perfume can last for up to 6 hours as it has the highest concentration of perfume oil in it. Pure perfumes are only made in certain brands.

Spicy:

Warm and punchy, enhanced with exotic spices such as clove oil, cinnamon, ginger and lavender.

Top Notes:

The initial burst of smell that you get when you apply a fragrance.

Woody:

Warm, earthy and dry containing mossy and leathery notes.