How to choose your perfume: the complete guide

The basics of perfumery

A perfume reveals itself in three stages called notes. Top notes are the first you notice, fresh and light — they last 15 to 30 minutes. Heart notes form the main character of the perfume and last 2 to 4 hours. Finally, base notes linger all day and leave your olfactory signature.

Olfactory families

Floral: Dominated by flowers (rose, jasmine, peony), this family is both romantic and elegant. Ideal for everyday wear and the office.

Woody: Sandalwood, cedar, vetiver and oud create deep, sophisticated fragrances, perfect for autumn and winter.

Oriental: Amber, vanilla, spices — enveloping, sensual perfumes designed for the evening.

Fresh: Citrus, herbs and aquatic notes for a summery lightness that is perfect every day.

Choosing the right concentration

Eau de Toilette (5–15% concentration) offers lightness and freshness. Eau de Parfum (15–20%) is more intense and lasts 6 to 8 hours. Extrait de Parfum (20–30%) is the most concentrated form, long-lasting and very powerful.

Our advice

Always test a perfume on your skin and wait 30 minutes before deciding. The result on a blotter is very different from the result on your skin, because your unique body chemistry transforms every fragrance.