What Are the Different Types of Perfume Scents?

The human nose is incredibly powerful and able to pick up one trillion scents. Maybe this is why it's so difficult to choose a perfume.

The different types of perfume scents can be confusing. But breaking it down to the most common scents makes buying perfume much easier.

If you're in the market for a new perfume or just curious about your perfume options, here are the most popular kinds of perfume to choose from.

1. Parfum

Parfum is a type of perfect that has the most fragrance. If you're looking for a heavily scented perfume, this is what you want. It is usually more expensive than other perfumes.

Because of its concentration of fragrance and having a more oily texture, it's recommended that you use small dabs so the scent isn't overpowering. Small dabs are enough for the entire day.

2. Eau de Parfum

Eau de Parfum is less concentrated than parfum but still contains a very strong scent. It's less expensive than a parfum because of its lower levels of fragrance oils. However, you can expect the scent to last up to 8 hours.

3. Eau de Toilette

Next is eau de toilette and it's a much lighter fragrance, that only tends to last a few hours. Because it's lighter and cheaper, it typically comes in a spray that's easy to apply and reapply. If you cannot handle strong scents for a long period of time, this is your go-to.

4. Eau de Cologne

Eau de cologne also has a lower concentration of fragrance oils, yet the alcohol content is higher. You can expect the scent to last just a few hours. Even though eau de cologne are most commonly aimed at men, there are other scents that may satisfy women as well.

5. Fraiche

Fraiche is the last and lowest concentration of fragrance among the types of perfumes. It's basically a high level of alcohol and water with very little fragrance. It's perfect to use if you want a hint of a scent and wish to use it sparingly.

Types of Perfume Scents

Now that you know the different types of perfumes, there are several basic categories of fragrance. Within those categories are even more options, but if you stick to the basic scent, you'll find something that you like. Here are the most popular scents.

1. Floral

Floral fragrances are exactly what they sound like, abundant in floral scents. The most common floral notes are jasmine, rose, orange, or cherry blossom. Floral scents range in intensity from extremely overpowering to light and airy.

2. Woodsy

While you might catch a whiff of a floral scent in a woodsy fragrance, these types of fragrances are more earthy and full-bodied. When you're sampling a woodsy fragrance you'll likely pick up on sandalwood, pine, and cedarwood notes. Woodsy scents are more popular with males, but females sometimes prefer a light wood-like scent.

3. Citrus

A citrus scent offers a clean and light scent but may become too overpowering quickly if you don't choose the best combination. The citrus notes that are most popular are orange, lemon, bergamot. Citrus fragrances also have the power to energize you if you need a quick pick-me-up.

4. Fruity

While citrus scents are very closely related to fruity fragrances, they're not quite the same. Where citrus can give you a clean feeling, fruity fragrances are more robust and playful, and appeal to both men and women. You can typically find fruity flavours like berries, watermelon, or cherries.

5. Spicy

Warm and spicy fragrances are perfect for those who want a lingering scent all day. They're great to use during the wintertime and are considered heavier scents all around. Spicy scents would be cinnamon, musk, vanilla, or cloves.

6. Marine

If you're into marine or aquatic life, you might enjoy fragrances that carry notes of the ocean. These are especially wonderful if you love living the beach life or if you just want to take the scent of the beach with you. You'll find fragrances that resemble sea salt or ocean breezes.

How to Apply Perfume

The purpose of using perfume can be to conceal an unpleasant odour. However, how much you apply is going to relate to what type of fragrance you use and the type of perfume as well. Parfum is the most concentrated and the oiliest, so a little goes a long way.

With other types, you could potentially reapply, but you won't want the scent to become too overpowering. Sometimes it takes trial and error, but if you have a heavier scent with a low concentration, the application can get a bit tricky.

Apply perfume takes practice to get it right and it will vary depending on how well the perfume stays on the skin and how it interacts with your body. Here are some tips for the best application.

Always apply perfume to dry and clean skin. This enables the scent to stay on your skin.

Apply perfume after you are fully dressed. This way, you know where your scents will be the heaviest.

How many dabs or sprays you will use will depend on what type of perfume you use and how powerful you want the scent. Typically speaking, if you're using a high concentration, a couple of sprays or dabs should do the trick, and you can reapply if you think the scent is fading.

Which Types of Perfume Scents Do You Love?

With all the different types of perfume scents available, you're bound to find something that works best for you. Trying many scents is part of the fun, and when you find something you love, your confidence grows and grows.

Are you looking for the best perfume for you? Shop our selection today and find what you're looking for!