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