Seven heady questions
1. Why is the extract different on each skin?
It is the magic and richness of the concentrate that works. As the hours pass, the base note literally blends with the personal scent of each skin. Perfumers say that extracts, which are generally denser in living natural raw materials, are orchestrated differently from an eau de toilette or an eau de parfum.
Richer in noble natural ingredients, more concentrated, they are different and have a real added value! They are worked in this spirit. At Guerlain, this is a tradition. The perfume is first thought of as an extract (often), and then the eau de toilette and the eau de parfum are developed.
If the perfume is not sublime, if it is cacophonous, or if it disappears too quickly, it is not the right one! Try another one until you get compliments from people who pass by.
2. What is the right thing to do: in a vapo or in a bottle?
It is true that the feminine gesture of the crystal cabochon on the neck remains the image of perfume. But you should know that this habit, or the one that consists in applying the perfume with the finger or directly with the neck of the bottle, are not the best. The contact of the nectar with the skin denatures (in the long run) the fragrance; it is even said that the skin gives the perfume its own smell.
3. What is the price of a dream?
The extract remains the most expensive product. Its concentrate, as we have seen, is denser, its solution purer and its bottle always more beautiful. Each company has its own prices. It is therefore difficult to make an average, but let's take an example: an 8ml extract costs about 95€, while its 30ml eau de parfum costs 52€. Knowing that the average duration of use of both is two months (and that you use much less extract), do your calculations! And if possible, choose the second size of extract, which is always cheaper.
4. How to choose an extract?
Buying an extract requires a method. The best way is to ask for a spray which, by shortening the duration of the top notes, immediately puts the emphasis on the heart notes. To discover the background, you will have to wait. A word of advice: take your time to think about it, even if it means coming back to your perfumery the next day. Another formula if you want to discover several fragrances: ask for them to be sprayed on small pieces of flannel, which is the best medium for smelling a fragrance. Never try more than two fragrances at the same time, and if you do, start with the lighter of the two. Avoid being perfumed to go to a tasting and prefer the morning to the evening, your sense of smell is fresher. The worst time: after lunch!
5. Which parts of the body should be perfumed?
A touch at the hairline, at the nape of the neck, at the wrists, elbows, breasts, and navel: these are the classic strategic points. Don't forget the hair, which is an excellent support, and why not the inside of the knees. Like sounds, the scents are rising!
6. Should you perfume the clothes?
Possible, if you have a light hand. Ideal is to spray the bottom hem of your clothes. Beware, however, of stains! Never apply perfume directly to fabrics, prefer eau de toilette or eau de parfum sprayed on noble materials (cashmere, wool, cotton, silk) of medium or dark colour. Above all, do not spray on pearls, fur or jewellery in general. You can also spray the eau de toilette in front of you and then enter the cloud.
7. What time of day should I use the extract?
The perfume is recommended everywhere for the evening. But why not enjoy it in the morning? You should know that a touch of extract is more present and discreet than a large spray of eau de toilette or eau de parfum. Extract is not "strong", in fact the opposite is true. It is the most noble and intimate product.
Sylvaine Delacourte perfumes
Discover Sylvaine Delacourte's brand with her Orange Blossom, Musk and Vanilla Collections. You can try them thanks to the Discovery Boxes (5 Eaux de Parfum x 2 ml) and rediscover these raw materials as you have never smelled them before.