What is the Difference Between Perfume and Eau De Toilette?

I was always wondering what the difference between perfume and Eau De Toilette. While searching the internet I found this article on Wisegeek.com:

"There are several categories of fragrances today: perfume is at the top, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne, each containing a lesser degree of aromatic oils, respectively. The lower the concentration of aromatic compounds, the shorter the scent life. Perfume is highly prized precisely because it lasts from morning until night. Additionally, perfume wears well, meaning the scent stays fresh as the day wears on. In fact, good perfume is designed to smell nice throughout its various stages of wear.

Aromatic compounds used in perfumes have complex chemical interactions. While we might imagine a group of corporate executives sniffing bottles of various mixtures to see what smells best, the truth is far more complicated. Fragrant compounds tend to breakdown quickly when exposed to heat, light and air. In order for a scent to last throughout the day, tens or even hundreds of ingredients are used so that the perfume continues to ‘bloom'. Essentially, as one group of compounds is spent, another re-enlivens the scent and adds its own tone. Perfume is said to have three notes that work together to form the lasting fragrance.

The top note is the initial scent when applied. This scent lasts only a few minutes to an hour, and may be somewhat strong. As it diminishes it reveals the middle note of the fragrance, also called the heart or body of the scent. The aromatic compounds that make up the heart last longer, but eventually give way to the base note, or underlying tone of the perfume. The optimal scent of the base note takes time to develop, so initially this tone isn’t as pleasant, but is masked by the top and middle notes. By the time they soften, the base note of the perfume is fully developed, and ideally helps to bolster the other notes. This is the scent left at the end of the day.

Understanding this symphony of interactions makes it easy to see why a perfume might smell nice when first applied, but can take on a stale or heady note by the end of the day. In this case the base note of the fragrance is not to your liking. Conversely, a perfume might smell better as the day wears on if your olfactory senses prefer the base note to the top and middle notes. When you find a perfume that really appeals from morning until night, you’ve discovered a love for all three notes that compose the scent.

With all we associate with perfume, it might seem counter-intuitive that fragrant chemicals are generally caustic irritants in concentrated form. For this reason perfume is made with diluted essential oils and compounds. Generally, the concentration is bout 20-40% for perfume, 10% less for parfum, 20% less for eau de toilette, and cologne only contains between two and five percent aromatic oils.

While flowers make up the largest source for chemical compounds used in perfumes, bark, wood, resins, leaves, tobacco and citrus also contribute to the different categories of scents. Synthetic chemicals have also become popular and are more reliable from an industry standpoint, as they are consistent to work with, unlike natural products. However, the use of synthetic compounds is a new arena with an untested history in terms of health and the environment. Synthetic musk, for example, has been found in the Great Lakes due to nearby chemical processing. It has also been found in human fat cells and breast milk.

If you prefer to buy perfume that is made from natural compounds, look for the words, “all natural ingredients.” It will likely be more expensive and may be harder to find. Ingredients listed as “imitation” or “natural synthetic compounds” refers to synthetic chemicals created to copy real-world chemicals. The synthetic version(s) might have a much stronger odor than their more expensive, natural versions. However, synthetic compounds are made from different elements than naturally occurring compounds, and are not “natural.”

While synthetic chemicals are increasingly used in traditional fragrance categories, they have also given rise to a new category of fragrances, grouped together under the heading of Ozone or Oceanic. This joins the existing categories of Floral, Fruit, Green, Wood, Amber and Leather, and Oriental. "



Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-perfume-and-eau-de-toilette.htm

How To Make Gel Candles

Are you interested in making gel candles, but were afraid to try? Then take a look at this instructional video. Hope it is helpful. I had viewed another video where the presenter used a crayon to color the gel wax. I thought it was kind of strange. Anyway if anyone has created a candle by this method, please let us know what the best method to color the gel wax is. Thanks.

Football Inspired Air Freshners

The 2011 Superbowl will be at the Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, TX on February 6th. If you are having a Superbowl party, why not create these unique air freshner to give out as party favors. This Football Inspired Air Freshner idea was inspired by Alison Kontur of Bath Body Supply shared this idea on her blog Design It Yourself Skincare.

Even if your favorite team has not made it to the big game, then you can create these when the new season starts. What a great idea to celebrate your favorite team and give them as gifts for the ultimate football fan.

Scrap Ribbon Sachet

Love sachets? Here is a really cute idea for your scrap ribbons from Cathie Fillian - Scrap Ribbon Sachets projects. It involves a simple sewing technique turns ribbons into sweet smelling lavender sachets perfect for drawers and linen closets.

The supplies you will need for this project are: 12” of 2 ½ ” wide ribbon, 12” of 2 ” wide ribbon, Lavender or potpourri of choice of Matching thread, Sewing machine, Hand sewing needle and Small artificial flowers (optional).

Check out Cathie's directions on how to make these adorable sachets. Then insert your favorite potpourri and give them out as gifts. These would make perfect favors for bridal and baby showers, a tea party or any other "girly" gathering.

Happy New Year!

Well, it is hard to believe that is 2011. This year I will be celebrating my celebrating my 30 year high school graduation! My niece will be graduating from middle school this year and going off to high school. Geez, I am getting old.

Not sure what the new year will bring, but I am sure that I will be taking more classes at The Nova Studio and my continue quest for my ideal job. But right now, I am going to take it one day at time and see what happens.

I hope for good wishes for everyone in this new year!