About Extrait de Parfum (EDPs)
Extrait de parfum is alcohol-based perfume that contains between 30-40% pure fragrance compounds and is considered to be the highest concentration of scent available. The literal translation from French is "perfume extract." All of our perfume is at this concentration, whether alcohol or oil-based.
Alcohol-based perfumes generally have a higher sillage and projection compared to perfume oils, primarily due to alcohol's ability to lift and diffuse fragrance compounds during atomization. This effect particularly enhances the top notes, making them more prominent in alcohol-based perfumes than in oil-based. In contrast, perfume oils sit closer to the skin and may seem less volatile, wearing more linearly as the warmth of the skin gradually releases the scent.
How one experiences the notes between EDP and oil has a lot to do with the environment and application, however, in a controlled side-by-side-comparison they are nearly indistinguishable in wear after a few minutes on a scent blotter and on the skin.
EDPs really shine by emphasizing the top notes during the initial stages of wear, and tend to be more diffusive and longer lasting since they adhere to your hair and clothing in addition to your skin. Wear time can vary from scent to scent and person to person, but generally, musk-heavy or resinous scents typically remain detectable throughout the day in both formats, while others may require reapplication at some point.
In our EDPs, we use perfume-grade 200 proof denatured grain alcohol, which leaves no residual scent once it dries.
Resting: Upon receiving your order in the mail, it's always a good idea to let your perfumes rest for a couple of days at least before trying them. Extremes of heat and cold during travel can temporarily alter the scent of a perfume.
Application: Open the cap and spray on clothes, hair, and skin from a distance of about 1-2 feet to get the most even application to create an aura of scent around you. Press the atomizers in quick, firm bursts to maximize the fineness of the mist.
Trying: As with judging a book by its cover, never judge a perfume by smelling it straight from the bottle. Fragrances are meant to be worn on the skin, and you will get a misleading blast of top notes by evaluating it before it is sprayed.
Due to the strength of extraits, you may need to test several times and in different environments to let the aspects of the fragrance reveal itself. You will notice different notes after the second or third application, we promise! Our noses naturally become tired after continuous exposure to a fragrance, particularly at high concentrations, and it is easy to become anosmic to a fragrance shortly after initial application. Step outside, smell coffee beans, or even better—your own (non-perfumed) skin—to reset your nose. You should be able to detect the fragrance again.
Never test more than one perfume at once, this can easily smother certain notes and tire out your nose.
Since our EDPs contain between 30-40% fragrance compounds, which sometimes give a pronounced color to the alcohol, please be careful about applying to clothing in close proximity as it may stain. Be sure to only apply light pressure when smoothing perfume onto your skin. This will allow you to fully experience the top and heart notes.
Perfume plays off your skin chemistry and goes through its own aging process. Test over time to see how it changes.
Safety: It is always advisable to test a small amount of any new perfume on the sensitive skin of your inner elbow before use. If signs of irritation develop such as burning, redness/rash, or itching then discontinue use immediately and wash the perfume off with soap and warm water.
Please always consult with your doctor before using fragrances (including natural perfumes) if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have a health condition which can be affected by the use of fragrances.
Perfume is for topical use only – do not ingest, no matter how good it smells! Please keep all perfume out of reach of children and pets.
Storage: Store your perfumes in a cool, dark place since sunlight and heat can damage them. Also be sure the lids are on tightly to avoid evaporation and oxidation. When stored properly, they will last for many years.
