10 perfume myths busted

We hear a lot of fake news here at The Perfume Shop, especially about how perfume should be worn or chosen. So, how do you separate fact from fiction? Well, you don’t need to because we’ve rounded up the most common fragrance tales and determined whether they’re true or not!

Myth #1: The stronger the fragrance the better

Verdict: Fiction

We love a long-lasting scent just as much as the next perfume lover, but ‘strong’ or ‘intense’ may not always mean ‘better’ or that they’ll last as long. Remember, everyone has a different interpretation of what a ‘strong’ scent means; one person’s overpowering oud is another person’s refreshing daytime go-to.  You should start your search by looking at the fragrance concentration of a perfume. Why? Because fragrance concentration usually refers to the percentage of concentrated oils, the higher the percentage, the lower the alcohol content, and the longer the scent will be.

Myth #2: EDTS, EDPs and Parfum are all the same

Verdict: Fiction

OK, so technically if you take your favourite scent and have a whiff of the EDT, EDP and parfum variations of it, you might think they’re the same. They often share the exact same notes.

But the difference is the level of concentrated oils in each. Parfum has the highest concentration with most containing 20-40% and will last around up to 8 hours on your skin.  Eau de Parfum has the next highest concentration at 7-14% and can last up to 6 hours. Lighter formulations like Eau de Toilette usually lasts for around 4 hours, with a concentration at 3-8%, while Eau de Cologne is at the lowest end of the spectrum at 2-4%. Check out our expert guide for an in-depth breakdown of their differences.

Myth #3: Scent should be the very last thing you put on

Verdict: Fiction

Fragrance is often described as the finishing touch of a beauty routine, but that doesn’t mean you have to necessarily spray it on your skin the second before you walk out of the door. In fact, if you spritz straight after you shower or moisturise, your freshly hydrated skin and body heat can help the notes linger for longer.

All the experts know the benefits of layering your scent over the matching scented moisturiser to maximise the longevity of your fragrance. And if this is the first you’ve heard of layering, you will want to read our guide. 

Myth #4: Fragrances can smell different on different people

Verdict: Fact

Ever borrowed your BFFs go-to scent and thought, huh – that’s strange, it doesn’t smell like them at all? Well, our skin’s unique, with differing quantities of oil, which can change the way a fragrance behaves when it lands on us. The moral of the story is, always patch-test on your skin for the actual scent.

Myth #5: Always spray your perfume on your wrists

Verdict: Fact

Phew! That routine you’ve done since you picked up your first bottle of scent still holds up. The wrists are the scent hot spots, allowing it to fully develop throughout the day. Along with other pulse points on your body such as behind your knees and on your elbows! Want to know more about how to get the most out of your perfume? Check out our blog: How to properly wear and store perfumes.

Myth #6: Rubbing your fragrance into your skin makes it last longer

Verdict: Fiction

Please stop doing this! We know it’s hard to resist a little tap here and there, but rubbing your scent is ruining it. Not only are you bruising the notes and dulling them down, but you’re also simultaneously breaking up the molecules which causes the scent to fade faster. All you need to do, is spritz and let the scent air-dry. No interference necessary.

Top tip: If you want your fragrance to last a long time, opt for a parfum. There’s a common misconception that because it is the most concentrated formula that it will be the strongest and most potent, but this isn’t the case. Due to the low level of volatile ingredients in the luxury formula, it is in fact the softest of all strengths – resulting in the refined aroma to linger on the skin for a long time.

Myth #7: Perfume has an expiry date

Verdict: Fact

While you’ll find no ‘best before’ label on your box, every scent can expire and turn, ahem, foul. Most perfumes can survive for around 3-5 years, if they’re given a little love (e.g., stored away from direct sunlight/heat/moisture). Unfortunately, there’s no standardised expiry date, unlike on your favourite food and beauty products, but if you notice a change in the liquid shade or notes are smelling a little sour, then it might be time to part with your beloved.

Myth #8: Perfume is for women, cologne is for men

Verdict: Fiction

If you spoke to us a decade ago, we might have felt compelled to agree with this statement. That’s because brands did not market Eau de Parfum formulations for men, instead men were offered aftershave lotions, cologne and Eau de Toilettes. Nowadays, perfumes are becoming more widely available in every type of scent – masculine or feminine – which means the myth is *poof* busted. 

Myth #9: Spraying perfume in the air and walking through it makes it last longer

Verdict: Fiction

It might feel empowering and look kind of cute, but the bottom line is spritzing a cloud of scent and walking into it has very little payoff. Your scent works best when sprayed directly onto your skin as it reacts well with body heat – check out our post on the best pulse points to apply perfume to make the most of your scent!

Myth #10 You can wear perfume all day, everyday

Verdict: Fact

Of course, here at The Perfume Shop, we love a daily spritz of our favourite scent. Fragrance has so many benefits; aside from leaving you smelling amazing, it can enhance your confidence, help you make a positive lasting impression on someone, and lift your mood and those around you! The only thing to remember is you may want to tailor your scent of choice that day to suit the occasion; for example, a light Eau de Toilette works well for a day in the office, while something classic or warm and radiant would be a top pick for date night.