5 Fragrance RULES All Men Should Follow!

When we first hear the word fragrance, we think of Perfume or Cologne from something like Tom Ford or Dior. The smell which resonates with this term is either floral or bubbly around women and aquatic or spicy around men. But, what we don't realize that fragrance, its effect, and the smell is more complicated yet simple than just being called a perfume.

When you enter a store to purchase one unless, and until you're getting from an online store, you'll be bombarded with terms like EDT, EDP, or Cologne. A simple & same make like Dior Sauvage can be available in as Perfume, Eau de Parfum (EDP), Eau de Toilette (EDT), and an Air Spray version of EDT. While the basic difference between these fancy names is the concentration of Parfum Oil. As you'll see in the chart below:

It explains that “fragrance” is generally a unisex term for, well any smell that’s a certain amount of fragrance oil diluted in alcohol and water. Depending on the concentration, it gets a different name. Here’s the rundown:

1. Eau Fraiche – The most diluted version of the fragrance, usually with one to three percent perfume oil in alcohol and water. Usually lasts for less than an hour.

2. Cologne (eau de cologne) – The oldest term for perfume, used in North America for masculine scents. Light, fresh and fruity, typically composed of two to four percent perfume oils in alcohol and water. Tend to be used in fragrances for younger people. Usually lasts for about two hours.

3. Toilette (eau de toilette) – A light spray composition with five to 15 percent pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. Usually lasts for about three hours.

4. Perfume (Eau de Parfum) – Historically genderless, used to describe both men’s and women’s fragrances. The best term used to describe a fragrance. Contains 15 – 20 percent pure perfume essence and lasts for about five to eight hours.

5. Perfume – A corruption of the Latin phrase per fumum (through smoke). The most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options. Slightly oilier, perfume, or parfum, is composed of 20 to 30 percent pure perfume essence. A single application of perfume can last up to 24 hours.

While it's certainly something used by almost everyone in the different forms, as they please. There are some basic rules to remember to make the experience better for both you and the other person in front of you.

1. Know the concentration of the fragrance you’re buying. The more powerful a fragrance, the less you’ll need. EDTs last around 5-hours but depends on your body chemistry, EDPs last longer because they’re more concentrated.

2. Switch it up, the variety is the spice of you smelling sexy. The best strategy is to have a few fragrances and rotate.

3. How to wear it doesn’t spray and walk. You’ll waste a lot. Also, don’t spray directly on your clothes. You should spray on pulse points such as 2 squirts neck after a hot shower and moisturizer.

4. Don’t layer fragrances or scents if you use moisturizer or body wash, don’t use fragranced versions.

5. Less is more! Overpowering fragrances can be just as offensive as bad body odor.