INTRODUCTION
The word 'perfume' derives from the Latin words per and fumus - meaning 'through smoke', which refers to man's early ritual of releasing pleasing or masking odours into the air by burning or heating fragrant materials. Throughout the years we have evolved from releasing the fragrances into the air, to wearing them on our person in various forms.

SCENTS
Fragrances are classified according to the concentration of scent within the fragrance. Those fragrances with a higher concentration of scent (essential oils) have a higher intensity/longevity, which explains the dramatic differences in price between an eau de cologne and Perfume extract.

Perfume extract: 20-40% essential oils.
Eau de parfum (EDP): 10-30% essential oils.
Eau de toilette (EDT): 5-20% essential oils.
Eau de cologne (EDC): 2-5% essential oils.

Fragrances are often classified as belong to a particular 'family'. The following is a breakdown of traditional perfume family classifications, followed by some newer ones which have emerged in more recent years:

Along with the above scents, each perfume also contains three individual notes, which are detailed in the order in which they are appreciated:

CONCLUSION
When buying a perfume, it is important to consider what occasion it is to be worn for, and choose from an appropriate 'family'. Some of the lighter citrus or oceanic scents are perfect for summer days, whilst a heavier floral bouquet is more fitting for a winter's evening. Most importantly, when testing a new fragrance prior to purchase you must take into consideration the three notes outlined above before placing your order with .