Heidi Norton
Pure perfume, also known as pure parfum or extrait de parfum, is the most concentrated form of fragrance, typically lasting up to 12 hours on the skin. It is applied to pulse points, including the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. These areas radiate heat, intensifying the scent. Pure perfume should be applied sparingly, as a little goes a long way. It is the most expensive form of fragrance due to its high concentration of fragrance oils, typically ranging from 15% to 40%. Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of pure perfume, keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat.
Characteristics of fragrances that come in pure perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Pure Parfum, Extrait de Parfum, Parfum |
| Concentration | Highest among fragrances; 15% to 40% but generally between 20% to 30% |
| Application | Apply to pulse points like wrists, neck, and behind ears |
| Quantity | Less is more; a tiny drop is sufficient |
| Layering | Should be worn alone without layering with other fragrances |
| Application technique | Avoid rubbing wrists together; let dry on its own |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat |
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What You'll Learn
Pure perfume is the most concentrated fragrance form
Pure perfume, also known as parfum or extrait de parfum, is the most concentrated form of fragrance available on the market. It has a higher concentration of fragrance oils, which gives it a richer and deeper scent. The higher concentration of oils also means that pure perfume has a longer staying power than other fragrances, typically lasting for six to eight hours, and sometimes even up to 24 hours. Because of this, pure perfume tends to be the most expensive type of fragrance.
The concentration of a perfume refers to the strength of its scent. The higher the concentration, the stronger and more pure the fragrance is. This is because a higher concentration means that the perfume contains more fragrance oils and less alcohol. The greater the concentration of perfume oils, the longer the fragrance will last on the wearer's skin, which is known as the fragrance's tenacity or lasting power.
Different types of perfumes have different levels of concentration, which can be confusing for consumers. The most common types of perfumes, in order of concentration, are:
- Parfum (20-40% concentration)
- Eau de Parfum (15-20% concentration)
- Eau de Toilette (5-15% concentration)
- Eau de Cologne (2-5% concentration)
- Eau Fraiche (1-3% concentration)
The higher the concentration of perfume oils, the more expensive the fragrance tends to be. This is because higher-concentration perfumes contain less alcohol, which is a cheaper ingredient. Additionally, the higher concentration of oils means that the scent will last longer on the skin, so less product is needed overall.
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It is also known as 'extrait de parfum'
Pure perfume, or "Parfum", is a term used to describe a fragrance that contains a high concentration of perfume oils, typically ranging between 20-40%, with 30% being the average. It is also known as "Extrait de Parfum", which translates to "extract of perfume". Extrait de Parfum is the most concentrated form of fragrance available on the market and is considered a luxury or special-occasion choice due to its intensity.
Extrait de Parfum is less common in designer fragrances and more common in niche brands such as Nishane. However, some designer brands such as Guerlain have also been known to sell extraits. The main difference between Extrait de Parfum and other types of fragrances is the amount of perfume oil they contain. Extrait de parfum contains a significantly higher concentration of perfume oils than Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, or Eau de Cologne.
The higher concentration of oils in Extrait de Parfum gives it a more intimate, less diffusive projection. This means that while it lasts longer, it may not fill a room as quickly as lighter formulations. With Extrait de Parfum, the top notes are less sharp or fleeting, and the heart and base notes are more immediately perceptible and evolve more slowly over time. The high concentration of oils also means that the fragrance isn't diluted with as much alcohol or water as lighter perfumes, resulting in a more concentrated essence of the scent.
The higher concentration of raw materials in Extrait de Parfum also makes it more expensive than other types of fragrances. However, because of its potency, Extrait de Parfum requires fewer sprays or drops per application and is designed to be worn in small amounts. This makes it ideal for those who want a luxurious and intimate fragrance experience that lasts all day without frequent reapplication. It is also a good choice for colder weather, when skin tends to be drier and can absorb more of the fragrance, giving it even more staying power.
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It is the most expensive type of fragrance
Pure perfume is the most expensive type of fragrance. The price of a perfume is largely determined by the rarity and quality of its ingredients, and the time and labour involved in the extraction methods used to obtain them. Natural ingredients are not only difficult to source from all over the world but also exist in limited quantities. For instance, it takes 7-8 million jasmine flowers to produce just 1 kilogram of jasmine oil. Similarly, the absolute oil of jasmine, the most precious of the oils, requires 8000 flowers to yield 1/25 of an ounce. Other expensive ingredients include ambergris, a secretion produced by sperm whales, and natural musk, which involves killing an endangered male musk deer.
The extraction methods to obtain pure oils are also costly and time-consuming. Techniques like distillation, maceration, and the traditional French technique of enfleurage demand exceptional patience, precision, and care. For example, the enfleurage process, used most commonly with jasmine or tuberose, can produce heavenly, creamy essences. However, it is even more labour-intensive than other methods.
The creation of a unique scent is an art, and luxury perfumes are a blend of meticulous craftsmanship, brand reputation, and branding and marketing expenses. Leading brands like Chanel, Dior, and Gucci use up to 80 different ingredients in a single perfume, and the intricate production process is a delicate dance of scent, science, and artistry.
The Clive Christian Passant Guardant, officially recognised as the world's most expensive perfume, is an ode to the complexity of perfume-making and a celebration of extraordinary craftsmanship. It is crafted with the rarest and highest-quality ingredients, presented in a magnificently decorated crystal flacon adorned with handcrafted 24-carat gold latticework.
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It is applied to pulse points
Pulse points are the warmest areas of your body, which include spots like the wrists, the side of the neck, the temples, and the inside of the elbows and backs of the knees. These points emit heat, enhancing the fragrance and its longevity. The heat allows the oils in the perfume to warm up faster and absorb more quickly into the skin.
Applying perfume to the wrists is perhaps the most common method, as it is the perfect vehicle to distribute your scent to other pulse points. However, it is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the top notes of the perfume and affect how the scent develops on your skin. Instead, you can spray your wrists and then touch them to your neck, hair, and beyond.
Another effective and ritualistic pulse point is directly behind the ears. A spritz here ensures that your perfume will wind up in your hair, contributing to its range and longevity, as well as guaranteeing an all-day diffusion.
Some people may choose to avoid applying perfume to pulse points, as they believe it can be too drying for delicate, sun-exposed skin. Additionally, if you wash your hands frequently, the scent may not last as long on your wrists. Instead, you can try applying perfume to your upper back between your shoulder blades, your lower back, or your upper forearm.
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It should be stored properly
Pure perfume is a luxury product with a deep and rich fragrance, and as such, it should be stored properly to ensure its longevity.
Firstly, it is important to note that perfume will remain in pristine condition until it is opened. Oxygen causes the scent to dilute and become oxidized, so the clock starts ticking after the first use. Therefore, it is best to keep the bottle in its original box, as these boxes are designed to hold the aromatic elixir within, and storing the bottle within it can increase the life of the scent.
Secondly, light, heat, and humidity are all detrimental to fragrances. Bright light, especially sunlight, breaks down the essential oils in perfumes, weakening the fragrance. Similarly, heat and humidity can cause unwanted chemical reactions, so it is best to avoid storing perfume in the bathroom, where there are extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Instead, choose a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or cupboard outside the bathroom, to store your perfume.
Thirdly, while some people opt to store their perfume in the fridge to prolong its life, this is not recommended. The cold temperature can disrupt the delicate chemical balance of perfumes, and chilling fragrances may cause scent molecules to break down, resulting in a loss of depth.
Finally, it is important to be mindful of where you keep your perfume bottle. Keeping it on a dresser or bathroom counter, although convenient, exposes it to light and humidity, which can alter the sensitive DNA of the fragrance. Instead, a closet or cabinet in its original box is ideal for ensuring the longevity of your pure perfume.
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Frequently asked questions
Pure perfume, also known as extrait de parfum or pure parfum, is the most concentrated form of fragrance, typically lasting up to 12 hours on the skin. It contains 15% to 40% fragrance, with most pure perfumes having a concentration between 20% and 30%.
Pure perfume should be applied to your pulse points, including your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. These areas radiate heat, which helps to intensify the scent. Remember, less is more — you only need to apply a small amount.
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your pure perfume. Store your fragrance in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
