Frequently Asked Question

1. Why do perfumes smell different on different people?
2. How can I make my perfume last longer on my skin?
3. How long can I keep my perfume before it "turns"?
4. How many milliliters are in an ounce?
5. What is the difference between essential oil and perfume oil?
6. How long can I keep my fragrance stored?
7. Why do some fragrances seem to last much longer than others?
8. How can I make my perfume last longer?
9. What is the difference between a splash and a spray?
10. Why does fragrance contain alcohol?
11. What do fragrance notes refer to?
12. How can I keep my fragrance from going bad?
13. Why does a fragrance last longer on some people?
14. How long will a fragrance last on me?

Answers

(1) Why do perfumes smell different on different people?

Your own body chemistry affects how different notes react on your skin. Anything that affects the "natural" smell of your skin, such as stress, hormonal changes, your current diet or medications, might change how a perfume smells on you.
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(2) How can I make my perfume last longer on my skin?

All other things being equal, perfumes evaporate more rapidly from dry skin, so the best way to make fragrance last longer is to use a relatively heavy body lotion or cream. Some people like to buy the "matching" cream for their fragrance, but you can also use an unscented cream like Cetaphil, or try petroleum jelly or jojoba oil. You might also try a light mist to your hair, which is said to hold scent longer than skin.
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(3) How long can I keep my perfume before it "turns"?

Some industry experts say that perfume should be replaced every year, but properly stored, perfumes should last much longer. Most perfumes will keep several years, some will keep many more years than that.

To store perfume properly, keep it away from heat and light. A dark closet or a covered box is best. Also avoid direct exposure to air. Splash bottles, which expose the fragrance to air every time they are opened, are problematic. Consider decanting into a smaller atomizer for regular use. If you apply perfume directly from a bottle stopper, wipe the stopper with a clean, lint free cloth before replacing it in the bottle.
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(4) How many milliliters are in an ounce?

Here is a quick conversion chart:

100 ml = 3.3 or 3.4 oz
  50 ml = 1.7 oz
  30 ml = 1 oz
  15 ml = 1/2 oz
  10 ml = 1/3 oz
 7.5 ml = 1/4 oz 
    5 ml = 1/6 oz   
 3.7 ml = 1/8 oz = 1 dram

Note that all of these are approximate; strictly speaking, 1/2 oz is 14.787 ml.
A standard perfume sample is in a 1/32 oz (1 ml) vial.
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(5) What is the difference between essential oil and perfume oil? 

Essential oils are volatile, fragrant liquids extracted from plant leaves, bark, wood, stems, flowers, seeds, buds, roots, resins and petals, usually through steam distillation. In other words, they are raw materials that can be used to create perfumes. They are highly concentrated and apart from a few exceptions, should not be used directly on the skin, although they can be diluted in a carrier oil, such as jojoba, for such use.

Perfume oils are fragrance components, natural or synthetic, in an oily base rather than an alcohol base, and can be used directly on the skin.
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(6) How long can I keep my fragrance stored?

Fragrances don't last forever. There are certain precautions though that will ensure the quality of the fragrance. Keep the bottle in a dry, dark place. Heat can also destroy a fragrance so keep it from extreme temperatures. Fragrances usually last 3 years from the date they were manufactured, not the day you buy it. Certain clearance centers which I won't name but everyone knows who they are carry bottles that are at least 2 or 3 years old. Buy from department stores and reputable perfumeries to ensure the quality of the fragrance.
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(7) Why do some fragrances seem to last much longer than others? 

People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time shorter than those with oily skin because oily skin has more natural moisture to hold in the fragrance. PH levels (amount of acidity in our skin) also vary slightly from person to person. Our individual levels of PH will determine how each ingredient in a fragrance will react.
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(8) How can I make my perfume last longer?

Fragrance lasts longer on some people than on others because of differences in our skin (oily or dry) and in our PH levels. To achieve a longer effect, try layering your fragrance. Using the fragrance bath gel, (if the company offers one), then the moisturizer or powder, and then the Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum or Eau de Cologne, will usually have a longer lasting effect. Also, apply your fragrance low on the body, as well as behind your ears and on your neck, so that the scent rises and you won't lose it as quickly. A light spray on the hair can last all day.
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(9) What is the difference between a splash and a spray?

There is absolutely no difference in the fragrance. The difference is in the application only. However, a spray bottle, being ostensibly sealed all the time, may actually have a longer shelf life. Making the decision between spray and splash is entirely a matter of personal preference.
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(10) Why does fragrance contain alcohol?

Alcohol makes the fragrance emanate from your skin. Without alcohol, you would be the only person who knew you were wearing any fragrance at all.
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(11) What do fragrance notes refer to?

Fragrances are comprised of many different scents, these scents are called "notes." Top notes are very light and last just a few minutes (5-10 minutes). Middle notes become apparent in about 15 minutes after application. These can last up to an hour or more. · Bottom notes are the heavier ingredients. These last the longest, usually for several hours. How can I keep my fragrance from going bad? Keep all fragrance in a cool, dry area, and away from windows as sunlight can unbalance the various ingredients. An opened bottle should be kept in its box to insure a longer shelf life.
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(12) How can I keep my fragrance from going bad?

Keep all fragrance in a cool, dry area, and away from windows as sunlight can unbalance the various ingredients. An opened bottle should be kept in its box to insure a longer shelf life.
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(13) Why does a fragrance last longer on some people?

Blondes or people with light skin have a tendency towards dry skin, and fragrances are basically oils that will be absorbed by the skin like moisturizers. To help your fragrance last longer use a matching body lotion or unscented body lotion to apply to pulse points before applying your fragrance.
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(14) How long will a fragrance last on me?

Fragrances are designed to last about 4 hours or so. Some people may notice that a particular fragrance lasts all day but by then it will not smell as it's supposed to. You must re-apply once or twice a day.
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