How to choose a perfume or aftershave
Discover the perfect fragrance gifts for him and for her.
What is the difference between perfume and parfum?
The truth is there is no difference. They are one and the same. Parfum is simply the French word for perfume, so they are used interchangeably. However, there are several types of perfume, and that tends to be where the confusion starts. If you want to know what the difference is between perfume and eau de parfum, or between eau de parfum and eau de toilette, take a look at the explanations below.
What is Parfum?
Perfume, parfum or pure perfume is the highest quality fragrance with between 20-40 percent fragrance concentration. In simple terms, the higher the concentration of fragrance, the longer you will be able to smell it on your skin. Pure perfume has such a high concentration of fragrance oils that you don't need to apply a lot, with the scent lasting around 6-8 hours. However, this quality and longevity also means they are the most costly when it comes to price.
What is Eau de Parfum?
Eau de parfum is the next step down in the fragrance category, and tends to have between 10-20 percent fragrance concentration. Most typically these sit around the 15 percent mark. These can still 'pack a punch' in the fragrance department and the scent will usually last around 4-5 hours, this in turn making them generally a cheaper option than pure perfume.
What is Eau de Toilette?
Eau de toilette sits below eau de parfum in the scent strength scale with between 5-15 percent fragrance concentration, meaning it tends to last around 2-3 hours. They are a common daily wear perfume and tend to be more affordable for this reason, making them the bestselling perfume type in the UK.
What is Eau de Cologne?
Eau de colognes are typically used to freshen up. With a gentle fragrance concentration of between 2-5 percent, they tend to last around 2 hours.
What is Eau Fraiche?
Eau fraiche perfumes are very delicate in their composition and have the lowest fragrance concentration; normally between 1-3 percent. Like eau de colognes, they only last for up to 2 hours.
What are the different notes in perfume?
Simply put, the notes in perfumes are the way we describe the different scents that a perfume has. There are 3 classes, top notes, heart notes and base notes.
Top notes
Top notes are what you smell first on your skin once you have applied a fragrance. They don't last for long and will typically fade once dry.
Heart notes
You will notice heart notes once the initial spray has evaporated. They combine with the base notes to form the full scent of the fragrance.
Base notes
Base notes provide the long-lasting scent once the initial spray has worn off and tend to be the most memorable scents of a specific fragrance.
Fragrance families
Fragrance families are how we group various perfumes and aftershaves into categories that contain distinctive characteristics. Some fragrances will fit into one particular category, whilst most will draw on elements from 2 or even 3 of them.
Floral
The most popular and most feminine of the fragrance families. Perfumes of this family will tend to give off a scent of freshly cut flowers and have a powdery note to them.
Common floral notes:
- Rose
- Lily
- Jasmine
Fruity
Typically combined with floral, fresh or woody fragrance families, fragrances in the fruity family have an uplifting and zesty aroma about them.
Common fruity notes:
- Grapefruit
- Peach
- Apple
Oriental
Fragrances in the oriental family tend to have a rich and seductive aura. Their spicy and musky scents make them an ideal eveningwear essential.
Common oriental notes:
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Clove
Woody
The woody family is generally the most masculine of all the families. Fragrances in this group tend to have an aromatic warmth, combined with a deeper earthy scent.
Common woody notes:
- Sandalwood
- Patchouli
- Cedar
Fresh
The fresh fragrance family produces the most refreshing scents. Crisp and cool, they draw on herbal, citrussy notes, to create a soft summery splash.
Common fresh notes:
- Lemon
- Bergamot
- Rosemary
Still unsure?
If you're still looking for that perfect scent, or are looking to try something new, our smaller sized perfumes are a great way to discover new fragrances.
If you've already found your signature scent, our larger sized bottles are an ideal way to make sure you never run out!
Top perfume for women
Paco Rabanne Lady Million Empire Eau de Parfum - 30ml
Fragrance family: Fruity/Floral
Who's it for? Leading ladies
This addictive feminine fragrance radiates power and success with its fruity floral aroma.
Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum - 30ml
Fragrance family: Floral/Woody
Who's it for? Magic seekers
A symbol of feminine energy, Alien's sensual floral and warm woody notes are a reminder that nothing is impossible.
Ariana Grande Thank U, Next Eau de Parfum - 50ml
Fragrance family: Floral
Who's it for? Trendsetters
Playful and sassy, this delicate, juicy fragrance is bursting with sweet florals and a touch of attitude.
Ted Baker Sweet Treats Polly Eau de Toilette - 100ml
Fragrance family: Fruity/Floral
Who's it for? Hopeless romantics
Floral, fruity and flirtatious, this eau de toilette emits an aura of glamour and sophistication.
Dior J'adore Eau de Parfum - 30ml
Fragrance family: Floral
Who's it for? Luxurious ladies
Supremely seductive and divinely delicate, this floral fragrance embodies the confidence of the women that wear it.
Jimmy Choo Illicit Eau de Parfum - 40ml
Fragrance family: Floral/Oriental
Who's it for? Bold cosmopolitans
Effeminate and hypnotic, this fragrance arouses the senses with its spirited oriental and elegant floral notes.
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Eau de Parfum - 100ml
Fragrance family: Florals
Who's it for? Timeless divas
Effeminate and hypnotic, this classic fragrance arouses the senses with its elegant floral notes.
Calvin Klein Eternity for Women Eau de Parfum - 30ml
Fragrance family: Fresh/Floral
Who's it for? Iconic indulgers
Timeless elegance radiates from this luxurious and memorable fragrance, that embodies eternal love.
Lancome Idole Eau de Parfum - 25ml
Fragrance family: Fruity/Floral
Who's it for? Defiant dreamers
Sleek and simple in design, powerful yet sensual fruity and floral notes intertwine to harness the essence of the wearer.
Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30ml
Fragrance family: Fresh/ Fruity
Who's it for? Delightful divas
Fruity top notes of apple, mandarin and apricot, this scent has a delightful dash of waterlily. Ideal essence for your modern-day fairy tale.
Rihanna Reb'l Fleur Love Always Eau de Parfum - 30ml
Fragrance family: Floral/ Oriental
Who's it for? Radiant rock stars
Unique, daring, empowering. Exude confidence as you captivate those around you. Luscious oriental notes are combined with seductive florals in this intense scent.
DKNY Women Original Eau de Toilette Spray - 100ml
Fragrance family: Floral
Who's it for? Charming chicas
Bringing the essence of New York City, this urban fragrance with fresh floral notes is an absolute everyday essential.
Scent-sational reviews
Top perfume for men
Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette - 50ml
Fragrance family: Woody
Who's it for? Luxury lovers
This invigorating and luxurious fragrance combines both sweet and punchy woody notes.
Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette - 50ml
Fragrance family: Fresh
Who's it for? Seductively chivalrous
Classic and contemporary in design, this fresh fragrance exudes confidence and virility while being subtle and sensitive.
Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Eau de Toilette - 100ml
Fragrance family: Oriental/Woody
Who's it for? The man of today
Vibrant and sophisticated, this eau de toilette exudes style with its rich and versatile scent.
Police Eau de Toilette - 100ml
Fragrance family: Oriental
Who's it for? Go-getters
Designed for those who dare to dream, this powerful yet sensual fragrance is all about bringing out the best in you.
Hugo Boss Bottled Night Eau de Toilette - 50ml
Fragrance family: Woody
Who's it for? Classy charmers
Opulent and seductive, this eau de toilette exudes edgy masculinity with its intense and aromatic scent.
Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Eau de Toilette - 50ml
Fragrance family: Oriental/Woody
Who's it for? Mystery lovers
The perfect blend of bold and sensitive, this exciting fragrance celebrates the quality of duality.
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau de Toilette - 50ml
Fragrance family: Oriental/ Woody
Who's it for? Captivating characters
An explosion of warm spices and vibrant citruses create this alluring and addictive scent.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette - 125ml
Who's it for? Fans of a classic
This warm masculine fragrance stands out from the crowd with its world famous unique scent.
David Beckham Intimate Eau de Toilette - 75ml
Fragrance family: Woody
Who's it for? Jet-setters
With deep and invigorating fragrances, this fragrance is designed for men of the world.
Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet Man Eau de Toilette - 50ml
Fragrance family: Oriental
Who's it for? Stand-out spirits
Exuding confidence and masculinity, this smooth oriental fragrance is bound to draw attention.
Azzaro Chrome Eau de Toilette - 100ml
Fragrance family: Fresh
Who's it for? Chilled chaps
A fresh, vibrant fragrance, with a masculine signature and a range of refreshing scents.
Joop! Jump Eau de Toilette - 100ml
Fragrance family: Fresh/ Oriental
Who's it for? The modern gent
This invigorating, masculine fragrance is both assertive and fresh, providing a sophisticated and sensual aura.
Scent-sational reviews
Unisex perfumes
Unisex fragrances are designed with both men and women in mind, so they smell great on everyone. Here are some of our fave gender-neutral fragrances.
Joop Homme Deoderant Spray - 75ml
Fragrance family: Oriental
Who's it for? Lovers of a classic
All spice and nice. This fragrance complements your masculinity with its warm and timeless oriental notes.
Tom Ford Fabulous - 50ml
Fragrance family: Woody
Who's it for? Luxury lovers
Explicit, exclusive and fabulous - this is a decadent leather fragrance with a deep intoxicating grip.
Calvin Klein CK Be Eau De Toilette - 100ml
Fragrance family: Fresh/Woody/Oriental
Who's it for? Stylish minimalists
This minimal and modern eau de toilette combines fresh, spicy scents in a classic, timeless way.
All about aftershave
What is aftershave?
Aftershave is simply the product you apply after you have shaved. When you shave, it can also remove pieces of the top layer of the skin, leaving it damaged. Applying aftershave helps your skin to recover afterwards.
What does aftershave do?
There are two main purposes that aftershave has. Firstly, it heals your face post-shave. It contains an astringent which helps to reduce your chances of developing a bacterial infection from any cuts you may get whilst shaving. Secondly, it has hydrating properties that prevent your skin from drying out. The nice fragrances they also have are just the bonus!
Our favourite aftershaves
Davidoff Cool Water for Men Aftershave - 75ml
Fragrance family: Fresh
Who's it for? Casual wearers
A fresh, vitalizing aftershave lotion designed to soothe and calm your skin and leave you smelling great.
Joop! Homme Aftershave - 75ml
Fragrance family: Floral/Woody
Who's it for? Stand-out individuals
Deep and sensual, this aftershave splash relaxes and relieves post-shave skin so you are evening ready.
Guess 1981 for Men Eau de Toilette - 100ml
Fragrance family: Fresh/woody
Who's it for? Bohemian adventurers
A dose of nostalgia. Created for the free-spirited, it has rich heart notes of cedar and amber.
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