Fragrance Buying Guide

Multiple fragrance bottles in different shapes and colours.

Fragrance—the essential accessory

Fragrance can provoke the senses and stir powerful reactions in people. It can also change how we feel about ourselves, as well as how we view others. And even though it’s invisible and often takes a backseat to our clothing, hair and beauty routine, fragrance is still an essential part of our personal style and presentation. Wearing the right fragrance can improve your mood, make you feel more confident or attractive—and it can also communicate those very same emotions to those around you. Clearly, this hidden accessory plays a unique role in everyone’s lives, which is why choosing a fragrance is such an intimate process.

For many people, fragrance is a crucial part of their morning routine, and they wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without it. Then there are those who wear fragrance only for holidays or special events. Some people change their fragrances as often as they do their clothes, while others become infatuated with a fragrance and wear it for years, making it their signature scent. Society has a history of labeling softer, more floral fragrances as perfume for women, and more powerful fragrances as cologne for men, yet all fragrances are actually gender-neutral and are meant to be worn and enjoyed by everyone. So, whether you’ve been enchanted by a soft sweet parfum or taken in by the allure of an earthy cologne, you should never let a label stop you from wearing a fragrance that you truly enjoy. When it comes to fragrance, choose what you love and make it your own.

At Costco Canada, we are pleased to offer a large inventory of luxury perfume and cologne from the most popular and sought-after fragrance brands on the market. You’ll find impressive savings on everything from classic scents to the hottest designer fragrances, as well as a few surprises in between. Start shopping today!

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Understanding the 5 Types of Fragrance

There are 5 types of fragrance: Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, and Eau Fraiche. The difference between the five types of fragrances is the concentration, which refers to the percentage of perfume oil that they contain. Fragrances with a higher concentration of perfume oil will have a more intense scent, and last longer on your skin. The most popular fragrance types on the market are Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette. For reference, the concentration level of a fragrance is typically displayed directly under the fragrance name on both the bottle and outer packaging.

Parfum
Perfume oil (approx.): 20-30%
Lasts (approx.): 24 hours

Parfum, sometimes referred to as perfume or pure perfume, contains the highest concentration of perfume oil and the least amount of alcohol, and is considered one of the purest fragrances available. Parfum has a very intense aroma, which can last up to 24 hours. Due to its longevity, parfum is the most expensive type of fragrance.

Eau de Parfum
Perfume oil (approx): 15-20%
Lasts (approx.): 5-8 hours

Eau de Parfum (EDP), also referred to as perfume water, contains the second highest concentration level of perfume oils, which makes it long-lasting and great for everyday wear. Although it is a little more expensive than other fragrances, eau de parfum is the most popular of the fragrance types.

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Eau de Toilette
Perfume oil (approx.): 5-15%
Lasts (approx.): 3 hours

Eau de Toilette (EDT) is delicately scented cologne that contains an average concentration of perfume oils, making it lighter and more affordable than eau de parfum. This popular type of fragrance is light and airy, and easy to wear, which is why many people prefer to use eau de toilette for daywear or during the summer months.

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Eau de Cologne
PerPerfume oil (approx.): 2-4%
Lasts (approx.): 2-3 hours

Eau de Cologne (EDC), often referred to as cologne, is a light fragrance that contains a lower concentration of perfume oils. Because eau de cologne lasts for only a few hours, it will need to be reapplied several times throughout the day, which is why it is often sold in large capacity bottles. Eau de cologne is less expensive than other types of fragrance.

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Eau Fraiche
Perfume oil (approx.): 1-3%
Lasts (approx.): 1-2 hours

Eau Fraiche, also referred to as” fresh water”, is an extremely light and diluted fragrance that contains the lowest concentration of perfume oils and alcohol, which is why it is less expensive than other types of fragrance. Much like eau de cologne, eau fraiche lasts for only a few hours, resulting in the need for multiple applications throughout the day. Due to its diluted nature, eau fraiche is a popular choice for children, teens, and anyone with sensitive skin.

The Significance of Fragrance Notes

The term “Note” simply refers to an individual element within a fragrance. All notes fall into one of 3 classifications: top, middle, or base. It is the combination, or layering, of all 3 notes that creates a fragrance. Perfume and cologne are designed so that you immediately detect the top note, while the middle and base notes slowly develop as you wear the fragrance.