Perfume and Cologne Guides

Aramis Gentlemen's Collection

Aramis, a brand owned by the Estee Lauder Cos. Inc, is launching The Gentleman’s Collection this coming September 2009 and the collections feature eight of the most popular editions in a new package. With the purpose of reviving the Aramis line, contributes to refreshing name and style of the house as well as introducing the fragrances to young customers. The idea behind the line is to offer a wardrobe of scents “each for a different day, for a different mood”.

The scents included in the Aramis Gentleman’s Collection are:

Aramis 900

Aramis 900

Aramis 900 (1973) initial launched in 1973 by Elizabeth Arden, and the fragrance was created by Bernard Chant, a renown perfumer, as a masculine interpretation of (Aramis’ sister-brand) Clinique’s Aromatic Elixir

Aramis Devin

Aramis Devin

Devin (1978) also by Bernard Chant is a fresh green fragrance and was the recipient of a FiFi award that year.

Aramis JHL

Aramis JHL

JHL (1982) Created by Estee Lauder for her husband, whose initials were JHL. (Joseph Harold Lauder).

Aramis Tuscany Per Uomo

Aramis Tuscany Per Uomo

Tuscany (1984) An Italian themed fragrance with notes of patchouli, bergamot and geranium.

Aramis New West for Him

Aramis New West for Him

New West (1988) An oceanic calone based fragrance.

Aramis Havana

Aramis Havana

Havana (1994) a distinctive scent with notes of juniper, grapefruit, cumin, pepper, tobacco, patchouli and vanilla.

Aramis Life

Aramis Life

Aramis Life (2003) was launched with the face of tennis star Andre Agassi with notes of bergamot, cucumber, cedarwood and leather.

Aramis Always

Aramis Always

Aramis Always (2006) was created by Jean-Claude Delville and contains notes of lime, ginger, lemon, mandarin, cedar and vetiver.

Six of the scents — Aramis 900 (1974), Devin (1977), JHL (1981), Tuscany Per Uomo (1984), New West for Him (1988) and Havana (1994) — will be relaunched in the U.S. All eight, including Aramis Life (2003) and Aramis Always for Him (2006), will be relaunched internationally.

The original Aramis scent, named Aramis Classic, which was launched in 1964, will remain unchanged as an independent product of the wardrobe. Aramis Classic continues to rank in the top 20 in the U.S., said Diana Espino, vice president and general manager for the Aramis brand, and number 17 globally.

Bergdorf Goodman will be the first to unveil the collection beginning in September, before selected stores worldwide are slated to get the line in October. Each fragrance in the Aramis Gentleman’s Collection is an eau de toilette that is packed in a 100ml bottle and is expected to retail at $48.  If you are thinking of getting set of it, it is definitely a good buy and especially if you are in for a style fulfilling treats.  Like myself, all gentlemen who are currently using the Issey Miyake aftershave definitely would not mind getting a set of it.

Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Style

Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Style

Elizabeth Aden will be launching a new fragrance under its 5th Avenue feminine Fragrances this fall.  The 5th Avenue Style, a fruity-floral-oriental fragrance, was created by famous perfumery Givaudan’s Yann Vasnier.

Yann Vasnier was quoted as saying

“When creating the 5th Avenue Style, I was inspired to capture a new energy… to entice the wearer with the experience of being on the 5th Avenue today… … This fragrance is for a women … able to capture her own style, shopping for distinct pieces that make her feel special, chic and apart from the crowd.”  (via moodiereport)

Raspberry, marigold and Italian bergamot lie in a top together with sexy, pink pepper. A heart adds petals of peony, plum, peach, New York apple blossom and white chocolate truffle. A base incorporates vanilla, moss and white musk.

Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Style Top Notes

Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Style with Bergamot oil in its top note, will provide the fragrance with a  fruity sweet with mild spicy note.

Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Style Middle Notes

Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Style Base Notes

Oak moss is a commercial name for several kinds of mosses and lichen.  For perfume, the most used is concrete, resin, and resinoid of oak moss, that possesses a heavy earthly odor.  They give a natural tone to a perfume composition.

This new fruity-floral-oriental fragrance for women is a flanker to the original’s Elizabeth Arden 1996 5th Avenue that comes after the 2005’s 5th Avenue After Five Fragrance.  The fragrance bottle is a reinterpretation of the original 5th Avenue bottle, inscribed with bold bronze graphics.  The outer box portray a matching bronze/copper color scheme.

The fragrance that will be available from September 2009 onwards, comes in a 75 and 125 ml Eau de Parfum spray. They are priced domestically at US$46 and US$56 respectively.

Yann Vasnier

Yann Vasnier is a Perfumer with Givaudan who has the following fragrances under his belt,

Apothia (The L Word) L Eau de Parfum (2006)
Avon Floral Prints Magnolia
Baby Phat Fabulosity (2008)
Cerrutti 1881 Collection (2005, with Rodrigo Flores-Roux)
Comme des Garcons series 2, Red: Palisander (2001, with Francoise Caron)
Comme des Garcons series 2, Red: Rose (2001, with Francoise Caron)
Divine L’Ame Soeur
Divine L’Être Aimé (2008)
Divine L’Homme de Coeur
Divine L’Homme Sage
Donna Karan Gold (2006, with Rodrigo Flores-Roux)
Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Style (2009)
Jack Black Signature Black
Kangol Kangol 38-83
Keiko Mecheri Gourmandises
Le Labo Aldehyde 44 (2006)
Marc Jacobs Fig Splash (2008)
Marc Jacobs Lola (2009, with Calice Becker)
Sarah Jessica Parker The Lovely Collection: Endless (2008)

How should I wear Perfume the right way?

This is the question I encountered whenever I deliver a perfume or cologne to a customer of mine.  Looking back into the history of perfume and cologne, there are probably hundred of ways where cologne or perfume can be applied.  I have put together some interesting ways where fragrances can be applied effectively.

The 1-2-3 Method – This method of application requires you apply it three times.  You first apply it at arms length on your left shoulder, then on your right and finally above the head.

The Walk-through Method – The walk-through method is where you spray some cologne or perfume into the air and then walk into it.  Letting the fragrance settle evenly over the top half of your body.

The Spray ‘n Spin Method – Similar to the walk-through method, this method requires you to spray into the air and walk into it and spin around.  The fragrance will be evenly apply to the whole top half of you body and back.

The Naughty Mist Method – This is method is cheeky and good when you are going to get intimate with someone and want to smell fresh down there.  What you need to do is simply to spray the cologne or perfume down your pants into your private areas.

The Gentlemen Method – This method is most commonly practiced by most people.  The perfume or cologne is apply about 1 to 2 inches away from your wrist(s) and neck.  These are considered the pulse points (your neck your wrists, your elbows, behind your knees and in your cleavage).  In these areas, the blood flows closer to the surface of your skin, and this creates heat, which makes the scent of the fragrance more intense.  

Perfume or cologne is best applied before you get dressed, as perfume and cologne can stain your clothes.  If you do unknowingly get any on your clothes, there are a couple of things you can do to clear the stains.  Firstly, soak the stained area with warm water, and wash as soon as possible.  If this doesn’t loosen the stain, try applying some stain remover, but for stubborn stains try using a bit of ammonia to treat them.  If those clothes are due for dry cleaning, be sure to physically point out the stain and let them know that it was caused by perfume.  They can then treat it accordingly.

These are a few ways where perfume and cologne can be worn.  Most of these are tried and true ways, so get out there and try some of these yourself and see which one works best for you.

When buying fragrances, it will be good if you start with a basic understanding of perfume and cologne. That will definitely help in the buying decision later. There are many top brands in the market where we can choose from, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari, Versace, Hugo Boss, and many others. I always found it confusing over the right brand to buy until I learn from a friend of mine, the tips to buying the perfect perfume. Here are the tips I am going to share with you today.

1. Understanding your own needs – When we are buying perfume or cologne, it is all about buying the right fragrances for the right occasion. In order to select the perfect perfume and cologne, the first thing we must do is to take stock of our activities. Our own needs will assist us in determining the type of fragrances we can chose from.

2. Understanding the difference between Perfume and Cologne – Believe it or not, many people still do not know how to differentiate between perfume and cologne. Some even think that cologne is only for men. When wearing a fragrance, it is easily observed that perfume fragrances last longer than cologne. And of course the most prominent difference between a perfume and cologne is their pricing.

The following are some suggestions for your reference when buying fragrances for your friends, loved ones and family.

Fragrances for  your lovely Wife

When you are getting fragrance  for your lovely wife, you want to feel romantic, sensual and loving.  Find something that is exotic, floral herb fragrances in the form of Eau de Parfum or Perfume that will give you with a ever lasting scent.

Suggestions: Tsi-La Organic mini, Thierry Mugler Angel, Gucci Rush, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue.

Fragrance for your Mother, Grandma or Aunty

When you are looking for fragrance for a family loved one, a classic feminine fragrance will be able to project your feelings of love and respects toward this person.  Fragrances with a floral bouquet such as, rose, jasmine or lily are definitely the choice to go, especially in the form of Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum that are loving yet not intimate.

Suggestions: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Joop Femme Perfume, Lili Bermuda Petals.

Fragrance for your Daughter, Granddaughter, Niece

When looking for a fragrance to give to a younger member of the family or friend, try looking for something that is citrus, floral as it embody youthfulness, freshness and vitality.  Fragrance of choice should be in the form of Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum that has recently been launched and is fashionable.

Suggestions: Britney Spears Curious Perfume, Lacoste Touch of Pink Perfume, Madonna Nudes 1979, Diesel Plus Plus Perfume.

So next time when you are standing at the counter trying to choose a fragrance, take a minute to consider what is driving your decision.

Perfumery, or the art of making perfumes, began in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt and was further refined by the Romans and Persians.  Perfume and cologne as we know it today first became popular in the early 16th Century Paris, when the secrets of its creation was brought to Europe partially due to the spread of Islam.  Even today, France remains the center of the European perfume design and trade.

Most of the perfume and cologne that you see in any shop today will only be comprises of about 4 to 10% of actual scented essential oils / extracts and the rest of the 86 to 90% of the bottle will be just alcohol and water. It is the amount of these scented oil/extracts in a bottle that determines the various types of perfume and cologne we have on the market today.

Types of Perfume and Cologne

Splash and After Shaves – These types of fragrances usually does not last long and contains about 1 – 3% concentration of scented compounds. Take a look at my other post on how to wear a perfume if you want to know ways of applying splash cologne.

Eau de Cologne – The Eau de Cologne does not last long and is typically made up of about 3 to 8% concentration of scented compounds and due to its weak nature, it is no longer commonly found in modern fragrances.

Eau de Toilette – It is a very commonly found concentration in many of the fragrances today. The Eau de Toilette is made up of about 5 to 15% concentration of scented compounds, though not as long lasting as the Eau de Parfum, it is a favorite that people used in the evening where scents is not needed to last.

Eau de Parfum – Eau de Parfum or millésime is typically made up of 15 to 20% concentration of scented compounds. It is the most common type of concentration found in most brands you see today. The scent will usually fade after about four hours, however the base notes are known to last as long as 24 hours. Fragrance with the Eau de Parfum concentration are perfect if you need an all day coverage.

Perfume Extract or Parfum – It has the most concentrated and smoothest formulas among all the five types. Typically made up of 15 to 40% concentration of scented compounds, the Parfum is definitely the most expensive fragrance in the market.

Woman’s products are usually categorized as perfume, eau de parfum, toilette water and cologne, whereas the Man’s products are sold as perfume, cologne, splash and after shave. Fragrances are very complex products that go through many stages of development before it is presented to the customer. There are tens of thousands of different perfumes and colognes available on the market today, each with its own unique scent signature, that are suitable for different individuals during different occasions.

After reading this short introduction to cologne and perfume, you should be able to understand more about the different types of fragrance and their unique selling points. Even though this post may not be an attractive intro for perfuming, however I believe it had provided you with some insight to perfuming and most important of all the difference between perfume and cologne.