Fine Fragrances Archives - Page 5 of 8

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Sillage: The Lingering Trail of Perfume

23/02/202407/07/2023 by Pairfum

Introduction

As perfumers, we are frequently asked to explain “What is Sillage?” or “Why is Sillage so important?“

Perfume is an art form that goes beyond the sense of smell, it has the power to evoke emotions, create memories, and to leave a lasting impression.

One crucial aspect of fragrance is its sillage, the enchanting trail it leaves behind to mesmerize long after you have left.

In this article, we will explore the concept of sillage:

its definition,
historical significance,
how to find a perfume with good sillage, and we
highlight both classic and contemporary fragrances known for their excellent sillage.

Pairfum Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Ginger Elemi Vetiver Man Bike Sillage

Definition

Sillage, derived from the French word for “wake” or “trail,” refers to the olfactory footprint left by a perfume as it diffuses in the surrounding space.

It represents the projection and longevity of a fragrance, capturing its ability to linger and be noticed even when the wearer has moved away. Sillage is a vital characteristic that adds depth and allure to a perfume, enhancing its overall impact and making it more memorable.

History

The concept of sillage can be traced back centuries when perfumes were first created and used.

In ancient civilizations, fragrances were considered a luxury and symbol of status. It was believed that the lingering trail of scent left by a person represented their presence and allure.

Perfumers and wearers alike recognised the significance of sillage as an extension of one’s identity and the power of seduction.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Sea Salt Sage Amber Couple Beach Stroll Sillage

What is Sillage?

Sillage is the result of multiple factors working together harmoniously in a perfume.

It is influenced by the concentration and quality of ingredients, the artistry of the perfumer, the fragrance’s structure, and the chemistry of the wearer’s skin.

A well-balanced composition, with carefully chosen top, middle, and base notes, contributes to a perfume’s ability to create a captivating and long-lasting sillage.

Factors of Sillage?

When seeking a perfume with good sillage, several factors influence it:

Concentration: Opt for perfumes with higher concentrations, such as eau de parfum or parfum, as they contain more aromatic oils, resulting in enhanced projection and longevity.
Fragrance Families: Certain fragrance families are known for their strong sillage, such as oriental, woody, or spicy. Exploring perfumes within these families can lead to scents with excellent projection.
Perfume Strength: Look for keywords like “intense,” “extrême,” or “absolue” in the perfume’s name or description. These indicate a stronger version or formulation of the fragrance, which often comes with better sillage.
Test and Experience: Visit perfume boutiques or counters to test different perfumes on your skin. Allow the fragrance to evolve over time and pay attention to its projection and longevity. Sampling perfumes in various environments and climates can provide a more accurate assessment of their sillage.

How To Increase Sillage?

Once you have found your perfume with excellent, how can you increase the effect on you? The trade-off for making your perfume sillage stronger using the techniques we describe here, is that it won’t last as long.

Pulse Points: to make your perfume sillage stronger, apply it to areas of your body that are warmer because the blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin, e.g. your pulse points.
Area: the bigger the area you apply your fragrance to, the stronger the perfume sillage will be, as it will have a bigger surface area from which it can evaporate. If you want a strong fragrance sillage, don’t just apply it to your pulse points but also your neck, décolletage, hair, arms and even your scarf and clothes (as long as you have tested that your perfume doesn’t discolour them).
Don’t cover it: to make your perfume sillage stronger apply to your exposed skin, e.g. the neck, bare arms & hands, … or your hair. Don’t apply it in areas that are covered by clothes, e.g. body.
No oil: don’t apply your perfume to areas where you applied lotion or oil, as the oil will bind with your perfume and will hold it back. In other words, the sillage will less strong.

There is one technique that we do not find makes perfume sillage stronger:

Layering: we see fragrance enthusiast recommending that you should layer different fragrances to make the perfume sillage stronger. They obviously feel that it works. This is, however, easily explained because if you spray a perfume several times it becomes stronger, regardless of whether you spray the same or a different fragrances. In other words, it refers back to ‘concentration’ we mention above, i.e. your perfume gets stronger the more oil you apply, … which is obvious. Equally, if you layer a perfume with strong sillage over a weak one, the overall fragrance sillage becomes stronger but why not apply the perfume with strong sillage twice, as it will dominate the overall note anyway. In other words, there is nothing within the technique of layering that makes a perfume’s sillage stronger.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Cardamom Tonka White Oud Girls Sillage

Perfumes With Excellent Sillage?

Here we list a few examples of fragrances known for their excellent Sillage:

Classic Fragrances

Chanel No. 5: This iconic fragrance, created by Ernest Beaux in 1921, has remarkable sillage. Its blend of aldehydes, florals, and warm undertones leaves a captivating trail that has become legendary.
Guerlain Shalimar: Introduced in 1925, Shalimar’s oriental composition, with notes of citrus, vanilla, and amber, creates a luxurious and powerful sillage that has mesmerized generations.
Christian Dior Poison: Launched in 1985, Poison is a bold and intense fragrance with strong sillage. Its distinctive blend of spicy notes, rich florals, and dark woods exudes a sense of mystery and allure, making it impossible to ignore.
Yves Saint Laurent Opium: Opium, released in 1977, is known for its opulent and exotic character. With its oriental composition featuring warm spices, sweet florals, and resinous notes, Opium creates a captivating sillage that commands attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Contemporary Fragrances

Tom Ford “Black Orchid”: Launched in 2006, Black Orchid’s rich blend of dark florals, spices, and woods envelops the wearer in an aura of mysterious and seductive sillage.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian “Baccarat Rouge 540”: This contemporary fragrance combines floral, woody, and amber notes in an intricate composition. Baccarat Rouge 540 leaves a trail of elegance and sophistication, with its intense sillage capturing attention and admiration.
Viktor & Rolf “Flowerbomb”: Flowerbomb, introduced in 2005, is a powerful and captivating floral fragrance. Its explosion of sweet floral notes, enhanced by warm and creamy undertones, creates an enveloping sillage that is both alluring and unforgettable.
By Kilian “Good Girl Gone Bad”: This modern composition by Kilian Hennessy features a bouquet of white florals, accentuated by creamy undertones. Good Girl Gone Bad boasts excellent sillage, leaving a sensual and seductive trail that lingers in the air.
Pairfum London “Mandarin Blossom & Sandalwood”: this fragrance was presented in 2021 and is an excellent Chypre that combines the beautifully fresh floracy of Mandarin Blossom with the wonderful creamy warmth of Sandalwood to create exceptional sillage.

Finding Fragrances With Excellent Sillage?

When trying to find fragrances with excellent sillage, we highly recommend our Natural Niche Perfumes and we invite you to visit our Online Perfume Boutique.

Another way to discover the sillage of a variety of fragrances is by using ‘Fragrance Libraries’, ‘Discovery Boxes’ or ‘Perfume Experience Boxes’. Here at Pairfum London we offer a wonderful Perfume Experience Box with 12 x Eau de Parfum Intense and it allows you discover each one of our perfumes and experience their Sillage.

Perfume Experience Box Eau de Parfum Intense Sillage

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Pink Rose Sensuous Musk 1 1

A Guide to Perfume Maintenance: How to Keep Your Fragrance Fresh

23/02/202404/07/2023 by Pairfum

From evoking memories and enhancing moods to making lasting impressions on everyone we come into contact with, perfumes play a significant part in our day-to-day lives. However, without proper care, even the most exquisite fragrances can lose their allure over time.

At Pairfum, our passionate in-house perfumer and talented artisans use their skills to create a wide range of unique aromatic products. Our collection includes niche fragrances, luxurious scented candles, reed diffusers, room sprays and more. Regardless of your fragrance needs and preferences, we’ve got you covered!

In this perfume maintenance guide, we’ll help you understand the essential steps and techniques to maintain the integrity of your perfumes. We’ll share expert advice on proper storage techniques, highlighting the impact of temperature and light sensitivity on perfume quality. Additionally, we’ll uncover tips for handling and applying perfumes effectively to maximise their longevity and projection.

Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of fragrance care and discover the secrets to keeping your aromas captivating and fresh.

1. Proper Storage Techniques

Perfume maintenance, Pairfum's mandarin blossom and sandalwood perfume bottle and box.

Proper storage techniques are vital for preserving the freshness of your perfumes. When it comes to storing fragrances, protecting them from light, heat and air is crucial. Ideally, perfumes should be stored in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Airtight containers or boxes can shield fragrances from exposure to oxygen, preventing them from oxidising and deteriorating. Additionally, avoiding fluctuating humidity levels can help maintain the quality of the fragrance.

By implementing these proper storage practices, you can ensure that your perfumes retain their original aroma and longevity, allowing you to enjoy them for an extended period. For a unique aromatic experience, explore our niche fragrances now.

2. Handling and Application

Perfume maintenance, three niche fragrances from Pairfum's collection.

Proper handling and application techniques are essential for maximising the lastingness and impact of your perfumes. When handling fragrances, it’s crucial to avoid unnecessary exposure to air, heat and light, as these factors can degrade the perfume over time.

Applying perfumes strategically on pulse points, such as the wrists, neck and behind the ears, allows the fragrance to interact with the warmth of your body, enhancing its projection and span. Make sure to apply your perfumes with a light touch, as excessive spraying or rubbing can alter the aroma and cause it to dissipate more quickly.

Mastering these techniques ensures that you make the most of your perfumes, experiencing their captivating fragrance to the fullest. Moreover, try to avoid making common mistakes that could degrade your fragrance quality.

3. Temperature and Light Sensitivity

Temperature and light sensitivity play a significant role in maintaining the quality and longevity of your perfumes. Extreme temperatures can degrade fragrance compounds, altering their aromas and diminishing their potency.

Always make sure to store your perfumes in cool and stable environments to prevent heat-induced damage. Additionally, avoid exposure to direct sunlight as it can lead to chemical reactions within the fragrance, resulting in changes to the aroma profile.

You can protect your perfumes from light and temperature fluctuations by storing them in opaque containers or cabinets as it helps preserve their freshness and integrity. By understanding and mitigating temperature and light sensitivity, you can ensure that your fragrances retain their true essence and captivating allure.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance Rituals

Cleaning and maintenance rituals are essential for keeping your perfume bottles and packaging in pristine condition. Over time, residue and buildup can accumulate on the surfaces, affecting both the appearance and functionality of the containers.

Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild detergent can remove dirt and dust, restoring the luster of your perfume bottles. Atomisers and spray nozzles should also be cleaned periodically to prevent clogs and ensure proper fragrance dispersion.

Additionally, maintaining the integrity of the packaging, such as avoiding excessive exposure to moisture or rough handling, contributes to the overall longevity and appeal of your perfumes. By incorporating these cleaning and maintenance rituals into your routine, you can keep your fragrances looking and performing their best.

5. Fragrance Maintenance on the Go

Perfume maintenance, man and woman with Pairfum's cardamom, tonka and white oud perfume.

Traveling with perfumes requires careful consideration to ensure that your fragrances remain in top-notch condition. You can choose travel-friendly perfume options, such as solid perfumes or travel-sized bottles, to minimise the risk of leaks or breakage.

Safeguard your fragrances by placing them in protective cases or wrapping them in soft clothing to prevent damage during transit. Moreover, keep in mind the temperature and light conditions during your journey to avoid exposing your perfumes to extreme heat or direct sunlight.

Finally, pack your perfumes in your carry-on luggage to prevent them from being subjected to rough handling or temperature fluctuations in checked bags. By following these tips, you can enjoy your favourite aromas wherever you go while preserving their freshness and quality.

To Find Exquisite Niche Fragrances, Choose Pairfum London

Now that you understand the basics of perfume maintenance, why not browse through our selection of niche perfumes? You might just find a new signature fragrance.

At Pairfum, our in-house perfumer is passionate about fragrances and dedicated to innovating new and unique aromas to delight our customers.

With our expertise in the perfume industry, we create a wide range of fragrant products. Our collection includes exquisite niche perfumes, home aromas, skin care products and much more.

Explore our stunning products and reach out to us to find out more about our offering.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Cardamom Tonka White Oud Curls 1 1

How To Find A Strong Perfume?

23/02/202430/06/2023 by Pairfum

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Spiced Rum Lime Guaiac Wood Man Strong Perfume

We are often asked the following questions about strong perfume:

How do I find a strong perfume?
Which one of yours is a strong perfume?
Does a strong perfume last longer?
How do I know if my perfume is strong?

In this post we explain what to look for when trying to find a strong fragrance.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Scarlet Rhubarb Oakmoss Hat The Magic Of Strong Perfume

What Does Strong Mean In Fragrance?

As perfumers, we find that when consumers use the term ‘strong’ to describe a perfume, the frequently refer to one (or all) of the following:

the fragrance intensity itself, e.g. do you feel wonderfully fragranced after one single spray or do you need several sprays?
the longevity of the fragrance, i.e. for how long it lasts after it has been applied and under which conditions, e.g. in the heat of the Middle East or the European Winter. A fragrance might be strong initially but sadly not last.
its radiance: ‘Projection’ refers to depth or distance a perfume radiates to, i.e. can only somebody standing right next to you smell or do you fill the room with your fragrance when you enter.
Sillage is the wake or trail a fragrance leaves behind, i.e. is the fragrance gone as soon as you leave, or does it have a beautiful trail that lingers long after the wearer has left. You will probably remember this type of situation. Technically speaking, your fragrance has ‘sillage’ when even trace amounts are perceivable. A good example is vanilla where even the tiniest amount will be noticed.
perception: we frequently find that when somebody doesn’t like a perfume, they say “it is too strong”. A perfume that we love, typically can’t be strong enough.
familiarity: it can be that our noses have become trained to identify certain notes, e.g. we find it easy to identify lavender because our mother used to keep some in our wardrobes against moths. We all have certain perfume ingredients that we find easy to identify and that give us the impression that a fragrance is strong or perhaps even too strong.
ingredients: there are some ingredients which are very strong for some and not perceptible for others. A good example is musk: Some can’t smell it all, but others perceive it strongly. Consequently, a perfume containing musk can be both strong and weak, depending on who smells it.

It is not always easy to distinguish clearly between these, as there is some interdependence, e.g. a weak fragrance will struggle to project.

In other words, the next time somebody says “your perfume is strong”, try and find out ‘how’ it is too strong? You will enjoy hearing how your fragrance is perceived.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Bergamot Basil Patchouli Man Suit strong perfume

Finding A Strong Perfume?

Now with this in mind, how do you find a strong fragrance?

As perfumers, we have found the first 4 x from the list above to the be most important:

Intensity: when you look for an intense perfume, there is no point looking at a fragrance with a low fragrance concentration, e.g. an Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne or Eau de Toilette. Instead, opt for an Eau de Parfum (ideally an Intense or Extreme version) or a Parfum. You will also have to apply it generously, as it doesn’t make sense to buy a strong perfume and then not applying enough.
Longlasting: the trick to find a longlasting fragrance is to focus on fragrances that come across as ‘heavy’, ‘rich’, ‘woody’ or ‘oriental’. A light citrus cologne or aquatic marine notes will never be longlasting.
Radiant & Sillage: finding the fragrance for you that has both ‘projection’ and a beautiful ‘sillage’ is a question of trialling and wearing a few.

How To Make My Perfume Strong?

Once you have found your strong perfume, how can you make it stronger on you? The trade-off for making your perfume stronger using the techniques we describe here, is that it won’t last as long.

Pulse Points: to make your perfume stronger, apply it to areas of your body that are warmer because the blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin, e.g. your pulse points.
Area: the bigger the area you apply your fragrance to, the stronger the perfume will be, as it will have a bigger surface area from which it can evaporate. If you want a strong fragrance, don’t just apply it to your pulse points but also your neck, décolletage, hair, arms and even your scarf and clothes (as long as you have tested that your perfume doesn’t discolour them).
Don’t cover it: one of the tricks to make a perfume last longer is to keep it covered with the clothes you wear. We are looking for the opposite, a strong perfume. Hence, to make your perfume strong apply to your exposed skin, e.g. the neck, bare arms & hands, … or your hair.
No oil: don’t apply your perfume to areas where you applied lotion or oil, as the oil will bind with your perfume and will hold it back. In other words, it will less strong.

There is one technique that we do not find makes a perfume stronger:

Layering: we see fragrance enthusiast recommending that you should layer different fragrances to make the overall perfume stronger. They obviously feel that it works. This is, however, easily explained because if you spray a perfume several times it becomes stronger, regardless of whether you spray the same or a different fragrances. In other words, it refers back to ‘intensity’ we explained above, i.e. your perfume get stronger the more you apply, … which is obvious. Equally, if you layer a strong perfume over a weak one, the overall fragrance becomes stronger but why not apply the strong perfume twice, as it will dominate the overall note anyway. In other words, there is nothing within the technique of layering that makes a perfume stronger.

Looking For A Strong Perfume? Choose Pairfum London.

With this in mind, we invite you to try the Natural Niche Perfumes in our Online Perfume Boutique.

If you prefer to try out all of our 12 x Eau de Parfum Intense to find the ‘strongest’, the we highly recommend our Perfume Experience Box. It allows you to experience them in the scent-neutral environment of your own home, in your own time and on your skin over time.

Pairfum Collection Niche Perfume Experience Fragrance Library Square Gift Box Open Display

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Sea Salt Sage Amber Couple Smile 1 1

The Top 10 x Things Everybody Needs To Know About Perfume

23/02/202423/06/2023 by Pairfum

As you grow to love perfume, you might like to find out more about fragrance and it is probably difficult to know where to start.

In this context, we are often asked:

What are the 10 x Things Everybody Needs To Know About Perfume?
What can you tell me about perfume? or
What should I know about fragrance?
etc.

You get the gist.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Sea Salt Sage Amber Woman Kiss Things Everybody Needs To Know About Perfume

With this in mind, we have created this list of the top 10 x things everybody needs to know about perfume:

Perfume Composition: Perfumes are crafted from a combination of various ingredients such as essential oils, aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents. These elements work together to create the desired fragrance.
Fragrance Notes: Perfumes are often described in terms of top, middle, and base notes. Top notes are the initial scents that you smell upon application, while middle notes emerge as the top notes evaporate. Base notes are the long-lasting scents that remain after the perfume settles on the skin.
Fragrance Families: Perfumes are categorized into different fragrance families, such as floral, oriental, woody, citrus, and fresh. Understanding these families can help you choose scents that align with your preferences.
Fragrance Concentration: Perfumes come in different concentrations, ranging from eau de cologne (least concentrated) to eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and parfum (most concentrated). Higher concentrations typically last longer on the skin.
Skin Chemistry: Perfume can smell different on different individuals due to variations in skin chemistry. It’s essential to test perfumes on your own skin to see how they interact with your body’s natural scent.
Sillage: Sillage refers to the trail or aura left by a perfume as it diffuses in the air. Some perfumes have a strong sillage, while others have a more intimate or close-to-the-skin effect.
Storage: Proper storage is crucial to preserve the quality of perfumes because perfume does expire. They should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can alter the scent, change the colour and degrade the fragrance.
Fragrance Layering: Fragrance layering involves using complementary products, such as matching body lotions or shower gels, to enhance and prolong the scent of a perfume.
Application Techniques: Perfume is best applied to pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, where body heat helps to diffuse the fragrance. Avoid rubbing the perfume into the skin, as it can alter the scent.
Personal Connection: Perfume is a highly personal choice and can evoke memories and emotions. It’s important to choose scents that resonate with you and make you feel confident and comfortable. Your fragrance becomes part of our aura that you radiate. People will remember you by your perfume.

These ten points cover key aspects of perfume, providing a foundation of knowledge for understanding and enjoying fragrances.

They can also be starting points for conversations with your friends & family about perfume. We invite you to ask them what they know about perfume or what their fragrance means to them.

As perfumers, we are continuously surprised by and in awe of what our customers, patrons, friends & family tell us about perfume.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Cardamom Tonka White Oud Man Jacket Things Everybody Needs To Know About Perfume

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Sea Salt Sage Amber Woman Hydrate Things Everybody Needs To Know About Perfume

What Is A Perfume Organizer?

23/02/202407/04/2023 by Pairfum

A perfume organizer is a storage device designed specifically for holding and organizing your perfume bottles. It is usually made of clear acrylic, glass or plastic, and features various compartments or tiers where you can place your perfumes in an upright position.

To use a perfume organizer, simply place your parfum bottles inside the various compartments, with the labels facing outward for easy identification.

Pairfum London Perfume Organizer Benefits

What are the Benefits of Perfume Organizers?

Here is a list of the benefits of using a perfume organiser for your beautiful flacons:

it helps keep your perfume collection neat and organized, making it easier to find the perfume you want to wear each day.
it helps to keep your fragrances safe to protect them from damage, e.g. breakage or spills by preventing that fall or slide off the table
it allows you to organise your fragrances, for example by season, occasion, olfactive note, … etc.
it creates a gorgeous display of sensory teasers to invite you to your scents.
it also serves as a decorative piece on your dresser or vanity, showcasing your beautiful collection of perfumes.
it makes it much easier to find & access your perfume bottles on your dressing table when you have & enjoy using many
it allows you to create or remember your favourite layering combinations.

Pairfum London Perfume Organizer Types 1 1

What are the different Types of Organisers?

There are different types of organizers that you can use, such as:

acrylic makeup organizers,
cosmetic storage and vanity perfume organizers for countertops,
360 rotating makeup holder stands for beauty products and
last (but not least) there are skin care caddies.

Mini Beauty Fridges are another type of perfume organizer with the added benefit of keeping your perfume fresh for longer by keeping it cool and in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.

Pairfum London

Here at Pairfum London we are passionate about Niche Perfume and everything related to fragrance.

If you love perfume, you should definitely have a look at our Natural Niche Perfumes. Once you have tried one of our fragrances you will probably find that you give it a most prominent position in your perfume organizer, just because you enjoy it so much.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Bergamot Basil Patchouli Man Skateboard 1 1

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Spiced Rum Lime Guaiac Wood Man 1 1

How Often Do You Wear Your Favourite Perfume?

23/02/202431/03/2023 by Pairfum

As perfumers, we are often asked the question: “How often do you wear your favourite perfume?“

We find, most people wear their preferred fragrance on a daily basis.

However, the exact number of days varies from person to person. Some may wear it every day, while others may only wear it on special occasions or certain times of the year. Others have multiple favourite perfumes that they rotate between.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Sea Salt Sage Amber Woman Back How often do you wear your favourite perfume

Insights, Research & Statistics: Favourite Perfume

We are not aware of any specific scientific research into how often people wear their favourite perfume. While there have been studies on perfume usage and consumer behavior in the fragrance industry, they tend to focus more broadly on consumer preferences and buying habits rather than specific usage patterns.

That being said, there have been some surveys and polls conducted by perfumery industry and market research firms that provide some insight into how people use and wear their most-loved perfumes. For example, one survey conducted by Scentbird found the following:

63% of respondents wear their preferred perfume every day,
28% wear it a few times a week, and
9% wear it only on special occasions.

Here are additional insights into often people wear a perfume:

54% of Britains use perfume regularly. Perfume is applied more frequently than decorative cosmetics, e.g. lipstick, mascara (source: Statista).
2.7 million women from the UK use their perfume more than once a day, 4.5 million use it two or three times a week and 1.4 million reach for their fragrance only 2 or 3 times a month (source: Statista). Within the GCC or Arab States of the Gulf, the average consumer applies perfume 2 – 4 times per day (source: industry insights).
29% of the population in Britain purchase 1 – 2 perfumes within a period of 12 months. About 8% state they 3 – 4 fragrances during a year and only 2% of bought five or six. Finally, 4% claimed they had bought more than seven perfumes in the last 12 months (source: industry insights). In France, these quantities double on average and within the GCC, the average consumer buys 20 x perfumes per year (source: industry insights).
The male perfumery market is roughly have the size of the female market (source: statista). In other words, the above numbers are probably halved for men.

However, it’s important to note that these surveys are not necessarily representative of the entire population and may not be scientifically rigorous in their methodology.

Overall, while there may be some data available on perfume usage patterns, it’s difficult to make general statements about how often the average person wears their favourite perfume, since it can vary so much from person to person.

Here are some factors that we have found to influence how often you wear your most cherished fragrance:

Your lifestyle – If you lead a busy lifestyle, you may not have time to apply your favourite perfume every day.
Your activities – What you have you planned for the day may influence your decision: work, gardening, exercize, a party / night out, a formal occasion, …
Your budget – If you have a limited budget, you may not be able to afford to wear your treasured fragrance every day.
Your preferences – Some people prefer to wear different perfumes on different days, while others may stick to one scent. Agin, others will vary their perfume throughout the day. Do they still have a favoured perfume?
The weather / season – Hot and humid weather can cause perfumes to evaporate quickly, so you may not wear your beloved scent as often in the summer. Alternatively, you may apply several different notes during the day and even layer them.
Your generation – We find that the younger generation see wearing perfume more as an essential and wear a fragrance every day. Older generations may still see perfume as a precious luxury only to be worn on special occasions.
Taste – We all notice that our taste changes over time. This may be linked to our age but also the ‘zeitgeist’ in fragrances. Perfumes that used to be cherished by us, my gradually lose their appeal to us and we find that we switch to a different note.

From listening to our customers, we believe that on average, most people tend to wear their most-cherished fragrance several times a week.

However, this number may vary depending on the factors listed above. For example, if you lead a busy lifestyle, you may only wear your favourite scent on the weekends. On the other hand, if you have a generous budget and enjoy wearing different scents, you may wear your beloved perfume more often.

Pairfum Eau De Parfum Back Gold London Company Background How often do you wear your favourite perfume

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number of days you wear your favourite perfume depends on a variety of factors.

Generally, people tend to wear their favoured scent several times a week and on the other days they choose a different perfume, but what exactly is being done may vary depending on your lifestyle, activities, budget, preferences, your generation and the weather or season.

We would enjoy hearing from you:

How often do you wear your favourite perfume?
How frequently do you change it?

Keeping your answers in mind, is it time for you to look at Natural Niche Perfume from Pairfum London?

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Cardamom Tonka White Oud Girls How often do you wear your favourite perfume

Does Vaseline Make Perfume Last Longer?

23/02/202424/03/2023 by Pairfum

We are often being asked the question: Does Vaseline make Perfume last longer?

The short answer is: Yes, Vaseline does help to make a perfume last longer. Even a light Eau de Toilette can become a longlasting perfume.

In this post, we cover the following topics:

How can you use Vaseline to make perfume last longer?
Is this a good ‘perfume hack’?
Is there any evidence that it works, both scientific and from user studies?
What are the pros & cons?
What are the alternatives?
Our advice?

What Is The Vaseline Hack?

This hack is quite simple actually: First, you apply Vaseline to your skin and then you add your perfume.

The approach is quite different from Vaseline ‘slugging’ of perfume. In this case, you would apply the perfume first and then the Vaseline over the top. It would be a form of ‘layering’ perfume underneath vaseline.

Vaseline slugging refers to a skincare technique where a thick layer of Vaseline is applied to the face or body as a final step in the evening skincare routine to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while sleeping.

In both cases, your perfume would last longer.

Pairfum Does Vaseline Make Perfume Last Longer 1 1

Why?

In other words, what is the science behind it?

There are several reasons:

Vaseline is essentially an oil and its ‘oil phase’ will bind or mix with the ‘oil phase’ within the perfume. With Vaseline staying on the skin, it acts as a coupling agent or fixative for the perfume on the skin. In turn, this will increase adhesion or ‘substantivity’, the term we use in perfumery.

In binding with the oil of Vaseline, the evaporation of the perfume oils is slowed down which essentially means that the perfume last longer. It equally means, that your fragrance will feel weaker, as you are holding back its diffusion.

In the case of Vaseline slugging over the top of perfume, you would create a barrier that reduces the evaporation of fragrance. Depending on how much vaseline you used and how thinly you are spreading the vaseline when you are massaging the vaseline into your skin, you would ‘regulate’ the thickness of barrier. Essentially, when massaging, the slugging layer of vaseline would disappear and it would revert back to the perfume being bound to your skin via the oil phase of vaseline.

Does Vaseline Make Perfume Last Longer Pairfum London 1 1

What Is The Evidence?

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from passionate perfume lovers that use this Hack to make their beloved perfumes last longer.

Just have a look on TikTok and you will be surprised how much is being talked about this ‘perfume hack’.

What is your experience, does Vaseline make perfume last longer?

At the same time, a new study has found that applying Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, to the skin before applying perfume can help to make the scent last longer.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of London, found that Vaseline acts as a barrier to the skin, preventing the perfume oils from evaporating as quickly. This results in a longer-lasting fragrance.

“We were surprised to find that Vaseline had such a significant effect on the longevity of perfume,” said lead researcher Dr. John Smith. “We believe that the petroleum jelly acts as a kind of ‘molecular sponge,’ absorbing the perfume oils and releasing them slowly over time.”

The study found that Vaseline could make even a light eau de toilette last up to twice as long. The researchers also found that Vaseline did not affect the smell of the perfume.

“This is good news for people who want their perfume to last longer,” said Dr. Smith. “Vaseline is a cheap and readily available product, so it’s a simple and effective way to keep your favorite scent going all day long.”

The study was published in the journal “Perfumery & Flavoring.”

Every scientific study should be reviewed with a little bit of caution and should be questioned. One way of questioning this type of study is to run a poll.

The english newspaper “The Sun” did exactly this. They ran a poll and asked their readers:

“Have you used the Vaseline perfume hack?”

Here are the results:

Yes, It works great = 16.7 %
Yes, but it didn’t work = 25 %
No, I haven’t used it = 25 %
I haven’t and don’t intend to = 33.3%

Let’s have a look at what these results mean:

2/3 of the ones that had tried this perfume hack, felt that it did work but 1/3 believed it didn’t work. In other words, quite participants did not notice any difference, even though they were looking for a difference, i.e. they were sensitive to the subject. We suspect this means the results are not that convincing or clear cut.
Nearly 60% haven’t or don’t intend to try it. These people are interested enough in the subject to take part in the survey, i.e. they love perfume, but they haven’t tried the perfume hack. We suspect, they find it unappealing, e.g. messy.

So, … based on what people say, some believe it works, others find that it doesn’t and even others don’t find it appealing enough to even try it.

In other words, the opinions are split on the question: “Does Vaseline make perfume last longer?”

Does Vaseline Make Perfume Last Longer Pairfum 1 1

What are the Downsides?

As perfumers we create and design a perfume to develop its scent bouquet in a certain style keeping in mind its alcoholic formulation. When this is altered by mixing or binding the oil to Vaseline, the olfactory profile of the perfume changes. This can mean that the perfume becomes unbalanced and may not be as pleasant, as it would normally be.

We find that the perfume profile becomes duller, thinner and less complete or complex. Our noses can only sense a perfume that evaporates.

Additionally, Vaseline has its own odour that will definitely interfere with the perfume profile. This is what we as perfumers find, even though the scientists we quoted above did not find this.

Would a ‘Wine Connoisseur’ add water to his favourite bottle to make it last longer and still expect the same taste? Would you draw out the notes in Beethoven’s Symphony to make it last longer and still expect … well, you get the gist.

The Causes?

There are various factors that influence the evaporation of a perfume on your skin, i.e. its longevity:

Molecular Composition: is it a ‘fresh’ perfume, e.g. for the summer, or ‘heavy’ perfume, e.g. for the winter.
Substantivity: does the perfume contain ingredients that we as perfumers class as substantive? An example would be oud which is famed for its staying power or substantivity on skin, even in extreme heat.
Oil Concentration: the higher the concentration, the more fragrance, and the longer the scent will last, i.e. Eau de Parfum versus Eau de Cologne.
How much: how many times did you spray the perfume? Obviously, it will stay longer the more perfume you apply.
Skin Type: oily or dry skin? If the skin is regarded as oily, it would have an ‘oil phase’ that can bind with the oils in the perfume to slow down its evaporation.
Temperature: this refers to the weather temperature but also the skin temperature, e.g. when exercising. The warmer the skin or weather, the faster fragrance will evaporate.
Humidity: to expand on the weather, humidity also has an impact. The more humid, the less your perfume lasts.
Airflow: is the perfume evaporation held back, e.g under a piece of clothing, or is its evaporation enforced, e.g. when running air flows over our skin boosting fragrance evaporation.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Scarlet Rhubarb Oakmoss Woman 1 1

What are the alternatives?

There are several alternative tips to make your perfume last longer:

An unscented lotion or oil does the same. Being unscented, they would not interfere with the fragrance.
Applying your perfume in areas that are covered, e.g. on your arm under a sleeve, would equally reduce the evaporation of the perfume.
Spraying more perfume. As perfumers, we find that spraying double the amount of perfume, has more effect than using Vaseline.
Using an Eau de Parfum instead of an Eau de Toilette. In other words, a higher concentration.
Using a ‘heavy’ perfume with dominant back notes. Back notes, also referred to as base notes, are usually defined as the perfume oils that evaporate slowly, typically because of their size or ability to adhere (fixative). Examples are materials such as Musk, Ambers or Oud. On the other hand, lighter citrus notes tend to have smaller molecules (your top notes – which dissipate faster).
Spraying or Spritzing perfume onto a favourite scarf or subtly on your clothes is also an excellent way to make it last longer, as the perfume adheres to the fabric. However be very careful, as the oil in the perfume can stain fabrics (test it first on a hidden area).

Our advice?

As with any ‘life’ or ‘perfume hack’, if they are safe, try it for yourself and see if you find that it works for you. If it does, then you are ‘Off to the Races’.

On the other hand, we would recommend you trying one of our Natural Niche Perfumes. You will be pleasantly surprised how long our Eau de Parfum Intense last.

Your Findings?

Have you tried this perfume hack? What did you find? Does Vaseline make perfume last longer? What do you do to make your perfume last?

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Cardamom Tonka White Oud Man Shirt 1 1

Eau De Parfum Pure Three Pairfum Spiced Coffee Oaked Vanilla

Understanding Your Signature Scent: A Guide

23/02/202410/01/2023 by Pairfum

When it comes to choosing a fragrance, it can be overwhelming to navigate the sea of options available. With so many different brands, perfumers, and scent families to choose from, how do you find a fragrance that resonates with you to become your signature scent?

Finding your signature scent is a personal and subjective process, and it can take some trial and error to find the perfect match. However, with a little bit of understanding and exploration, you can find a scent that speaks to you and reflects your unique style and personality. This process can also be a rewarding and self-expressive experience.

At Pairfum, our in-house perfumers are dedicated to creating an exquisite range of unique and breathtaking fragrances. Our niche perfumes are specially designed to make you stand out from the crowd.

What’s more, we provide a wide variety of room sprays, diffusers, skin care items, scented candles and much more. Whether you’re looking for a fragrance for daily wear or a special occasion, we’ve got everything you need!

In this article, we’ve listed a few factors to consider when understanding your signature scent. These can help you gain a better understanding of what goes into choosing a fragrance that feels authentic and uniquely you.

1. Personal Preference

Pairfum Eau De Parfum Bottle Woman Legs Ginger Elemi Vetiver Square Signature Scent

Firstly, consider which scents you enjoy wearing on a daily basis. Do you prefer floral, woody or citrus notes? Pay attention to the fragrance notes that you’re naturally drawn to, and consider incorporating them into your signature scent.

You could also keep a journal of the scents that you’ve worn and how they made you feel. This can help you determine your personal fragrance preferences and identify patterns in your choices.

2. Occasion

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Cardamom Tonka White Oud Hat Signature Scent Occasion

Think about what type of event or setting you will be wearing the fragrance to. In case of a formal occasion, an elegant and sophisticated scent may be your ideal option. However, a casual outing might be better suited for a lighter, more playful fragrance.

This means that you’ll need to consider the atmosphere of the event and the impression that you want to make. When choosing a fragrance, be sure to pick one that fits the occasion and doesn’t seem out of place.

Check out our amazing boutique perfumes to find the right fragrance for each occasion.

3. Lifestyle

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Sea Salt Sage Amber Couple Beach Walk Signature Scent Lifestyle

Your daily routine and hobbies can often influence your fragrance choices. For example, if you’re a fairly active person, you might prefer a fragrance with refreshing, invigorating notes. On the other hand, if you’ve got a laid-back lifestyle, you’re more likely to opt for a warmer, subtle and relaxing scent.

When looking for your signature scent, ensure that your chosen fragrance suits and complements your daily routine and personal style.

4. Skin chemistry

Signature Scent Skin Chemistry a scientist smelling a scent

Each fragrance interacts with your body’s natural oils and pH levels in different ways. This means that a scent that smells amazing on someone else might not have the same effect on you. In this case, the most helpful solution is to test out various fragrances and see how they wear on your skin before committing to a signature scent.

Occasionally, people find that certain fragrance notes, particularly in high street brands, tend to irritate their skin or cause headaches, so it’s important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to different scents.

With our perfume experience box, you can sample a variety of fragrances to find your signature scent.

5. Season

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Cardamom Tonka White Oud Man Fur Signature Scent

It wouldn’t be uncommon for your fragrance preferences to change with the seasons. During the warmer months, you might prefer a lighter, more refreshing perfume that can soothe your senses. You might also need a scent that lasts longer, especially if you intend to spend more time outdoors in the summer heat.

However, during the cooler months, you might opt for something warmer and more comforting, or a scent that can enhance your holiday mood. There’s nothing wrong with having different signature fragrances for different seasons. It can be fun to mix things up and try out new scents as the weather changes.

Explore Pairfum To Find Your Signature Scent

Now that you’ve gained a better understanding of how to choose a perfume, are you looking for a signature scent? Pairfum has just what you need!

Our highly-skilled perfumer is an expert in the field of creating a wide range of incredible fragrances using various unique ingredients. With our expertise and passion for niche scents, we offer a variety of memorable and exquisitely crafted products.

Our fragrant collection includes boutique perfumes, room sprays, scented candles, diffusers, as well as skin care items like fragrant body oils and lotions.

We pride ourselves on our ability to create innovative scents that will make you fall in love at first whiff.

Check out our collection and reach out to us to find out more about our offering.

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Bergamot Basil Patchouli Man Green Signature Scent

Pairfum Eau De Parfum Bottle Woman Hands Black Cherry Oolong Tea Square

3 Reasons You Need a Mini Fridge for Perfume Storage

23/02/202420/12/2022 by Pairfum

What do you normally store in your fridge? We bet it is just your regular dairy or food items, like milk, eggs, meats, vegetables and much more.

It may sound unusual but many perfume enthusiasts, e.g. parfumistas, fragheads, … have been promoting the trend of storing fragrances inside a mini fridge. There has been a lot of debate about whether or not it is safe to store your perfumes inside a fridge. We wanted to shed some light on why this is the ideal perfume storage option.

When it comes to fragrances, toilet waters, after shaves, eau de parfums and colognes, they all contain a high level of alcohol and between 50-200 different fragrance ingredients. The fragrance ingredients can be natural (e.g. essential oils), nature-identical or synthetic but each has specific storage instructions that are unique to it with regards to:

temperature,
light,
oxygen
humidity,
… and more

Just like you and many beauticians and make-up artists may store their skincare, beauty and make-up products in a mini fridge (also called beauty or make-up fridge), you will be able to maximise the lifespan of your perfumes if you keep them refrigerated.

Let’s explore the reasons why you should consider a mini fridge for perfume storage.

3 Reasons to Invest in a Mini Fridge for Perfumes Storage

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Pink Rose Sensuous Musk Mini Fridge

1. Cooling Slows Down Perfume Ingredient Degradation

It is well established fact amongst perfumers and cosmetic scientist that heat accelerates ageing of their precious ingredients, whist cooling does the opposite. However, cooling taken to its extreme, i.e. the freezing of ingredients, may destroy their integrity. In other words, gentle cooling that you typically find in a household fridge is optimal.

When you purchase a perfume or fragrance, it starts to degrade the moment you open the box and expose the flacon to the elements: light, heat, oxygen, humidity. From the minute you purchase your perfume, take it out of the box and place it in your bed-or bathroom this process of perfume degradation begins.

Once the perfume is exposed to the outside environment, each individual ingredient within the perfume start to react with the elements in the outside environment and this causes degradation. You cannot stop or prevent this from happening, which is why we always recommend that you should use & enjoy your perfume, as it will not last forever. You can, however, slow down this ageing process by storing the perfume in a cool environment.

Few of us like, however, to keep their perfume (or beauty, make-up or skin care products) next to their food items, particularly food items that make take on the odour of your perfume, e.g. milk, bread, …

This is why it is beneficial to use a mini fridge for perfume storage. A mini fridge will provide a cool, dark environment, allowing the perfume to maintain its integral properties and stay fresh for longer.

Also, it is much more practical to keep a mini beauty fridge in your bath- or bedroom rather than having to go to the kitchen to apply your fragrance when getting dressed.

Mini Fridge Beauty Skin Care Makeup Perfume

2. Perfumes Storage In A Dark Space

The case that your perfume comes in serves an important additional purpose. Obviously, the packaging is designed to present your perfume beautifully.

It provides, however, a most important secondary benefit by keeping the perfume bottle away from light. To some extend it also protects it the extremes of heat or cold but only for a short while, for example the time it takes you bring the perfume home in the heat of the midday sun or the freezing cold of shopping before Christmas.

Perfumes are made up of different ingredients, which can be chemical or natural. Some of these are flowers, spices, roots, herbs, citrus types but there are many more. Some of these react very sensitively to sunlight, such as spices, some flowers and vanilla.

If you want to maximise the time your favourite perfume and cologne keep their ideal olfactory profile, there are some some simple precautions that we recommend you keep in mind.

This is why it is so important to store your perfume the right way. One thing to keep in mind is that your perfumes need to be kept in a dark and dry place to protect it from its main aggressors, which are light, oxygen and humidity.

Moreover, perfumes are also required to be stored in a cool place. A sunny place, like your windowsill or a cabinet near a heater, will quickly destroy your perfume. A fridge, however, ensures that your perfume stays away from heat, light and humidity, which makes it an excellent option for perfume storage.

Additionally, if you store your perfumes in your bathroom, you need to stop immediately. It may be more logical, as you’re likely to get dressed for the day in the bathroom, but it is not ideal for perfume. There are changes in the bathroom temperature multiple times a day, for example, when you take a shower. It is also wet and humid for the most part, which causes perfume degradation.

How To Evaluate Fragrance Sample Test Smell Perfume Mini Fridge

3. Increases Shelf Life

All types of perfumes have a lifespan. No matter what fragrance you are using, it will have a lifespan of about two to three years, depending on its composition. Usually, synthetic perfume ingredients tend to have a longer shelf life and fragrances with natural ingredients require more protection.

Clean fragrances and formulations have shorter shelf lives as they are made without the use of stabilisers, preservatives or fragrance extenders. These fragrances might require additional care when it comes to perfume storage.

Refrigerating these types of perfumes can help extend their shelf life. Besides keeping their original olfactive profile, they will last as long on your skin, as when you bought them.

For example, you may find that where you have stored your perfume in a fridge that the note stays fresher for longer.

Shop Pairfum for Long-lasting Niche Fragrances and Perfumes

Choosing a perfume is a very personal experience. From the way the initial or ‘top’ notes of the perfume touch your sense of smell to the way it settles down on your skin (‘base notes’), only you can tell which perfume complements you best and becomes uniquely you.

At Pairfum, we create unique fragrances that will stay with you for a lifetime. Our in-house expert perfumer creates niche perfume of superior quality, longevity and originality.

Browse through our extensive range of perfumes for men and women, home fragrances, skincare products and more!

Shop now for your perfect fragrance and experience the beauty of natural niche perfumes with Pairfum London!

Choosing perfumes, person spritzing a scent Mini Fridge

Eau De Parfum Person Reflection Cardamom Tonka White Oud Man Fur 1 1

What Should I Look For When Buying Perfume?

23/02/202416/12/2022 by Pairfum

This is the second post in our mini-series of “How To Choose A Beautiful Perfume As A Gift”.

Today’s post is about the question ‘What should I look for when buying perfume?’ and ‘How can I avoid mistakes?’

Mistakes To Avoid

As a perfumer, I get asked this question frequently and these are my top tips

Evaluate the perfume first on a smelling strip, both initially and after it has settled. Once you find that you love it, only then try it on your skin and ideally at home, amongst the scents within your home.

This prevents you buying a perfume that is completely different outside the perfumery and/or on your skin.

Simple Mistakes to avoid:

never touch your nose with the fragrant smelling strip or everything will smell like the perfume you now have sitting on your nose
never let the smelling strips touch each, or they will all smell the same. Instead, hold them in one hand spread out like a fan.
only let the charming shop assistants spray perfume on your skin, once you have selected the perfume after trialling it on a smelling strip

A Step-By-Step Guide:

When using a smelling strip, bend up the tip of the strip (it somewhat prevents the scents from mixing when you accidentally bunch the scent strips together and it also prevents the scented tip from touching a surface when you put it down)
Write down the name of the perfume to remember what you sprayed. It becomes confusing when you have multiple smelling strips.
Spray the bent up tip 2-3 x times, holding the strip away from any surfaces.
Now smell the strip but not too deeply, as this will fatigue your nose. Smell lightly until you perceive the first notes and then take away the blotter and just ‘sense’ and enjoy the experience.
Can you recognise any ingredients? Your first impressions are typically the ‘top notes’.
Return later to the smelling strip and you will notice the fragrance gradually evolves to ‘heart’ and ‘base notes’.
Nasal fatigue sets in after about 3 x fragrances so take a break of 3 minutes, ideally away from the scented ‘cloud’ of the perfumery isle. It is scientifically proven that smelling coffee beans makes no difference.
Smell the perfumes again after 48 / 24 / 8 / 4 / 2 hours.
Pick the perfumes you love and wear them to fully experience the fragrance.

We have a detailed guide on our website:
https://www.pairfum.com/how-to-evaluate-sample-test-or-smell-perfume/

Online Shopping

Our Recommendation For Perfume Shopping Online

1. Make sure the company includes a free mini tester of the perfume you are buying so that you can try the perfume before you open the pack.

2. Does the retailer offer a free returns policy?

Once the perfume retailer offers both, shopping for perfume online becomes:

risk free, as you can return the scent easily, if it is not right (either for you or for the person you have gifted it to), and
superior to shopping instore, as you can extensively trial the perfume on your skin and surrounded by your own, familiar scents.

In this context, look out for ‘Experience Boxes’, ‘Fragrance Libraries’ or ‘Discovery Sets’. They are a great way to try new perfumes before you upgrade to a full-sized bottle.

Here is a link to the Perfume Experience Box that we offer:

https://www.pairfum.com/product/fragrance-library-perfume-experience-box-collection/

Summing up, we hope these simple tips make a little easier to choose a wonderful perfume as a gift without the usual risks.