As any perfume-lover knows, finding the right scent is an art form and a ritual. Scent is a universal language that can communicate so much more than words can-it can evoke memories, emotions and even trigger a specific bodily reaction in the wearer. In fact, the $30 billion fragrance industry is an intricately intertwined web of psychology, chemistry and neuroscience. But, navigating it can be confusing-especially when you aren’t familiar with all the different perfume concentrations.

While we may have grown up with the notion that cologne is for men and perfume is for women, those misunderstandings aren’t completely accurate. Instead, the difference between a perfume and a cologne is based on its concentration, not gender. In this case, the higher the concentration, the more perfume it will be. This means that Eau de Parfum will be stronger than Eau de Toilette or Eau Fraiche.

The concentration of a scent is also impacted by its notes and oils-each perfume house will have their own interpretation of what the percentages mean, but the gist of it is that Eau de Parfum has a greater fragrance concentration than other options like cologne or Eau Fraiche. Eau de Parfum is more layered than other scents, too-it has top notes (like citrus or flowery aromas), heart notes and base notes.

Top notes are the initial, lightest aromas that spritz off of the skin when you apply a perfume. These notes are usually fresh, crisp and invigorating. Heart notes, on the other hand, add a little more depth to a perfume by smoothing out the intensity of the top notes. They are typically lighter than the top notes, but they can still be quite potent.

Finally, base notes are the longest-lasting components of a perfume and create its main signature. These are the deep, rich scents that linger on the skin for hours. They are usually softer than middle notes and often include base ingredients like woods, amber or musk.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference-what smells good on one person will not necessarily smell as good on another, and what works for a special occasion might not be ideal for a day at the office. In order to find the perfect perfume for you, it’s best to test it out and see how it wears throughout the day or night. And remember, it’s never too early to start experimenting!

If you aren’t sure which perfume to choose, ask the sales associates at your favorite store for a tester and try it out on your pulse points. This includes the back of your neck, behind your ears and on the wrists. These areas tend to have the most blood flow and will help your perfume last longer. Just make sure to use a fragrance-free soap or body wash beforehand. Otherwise, your cologne or Eau de Parfum might linger on your skin too long and become overwhelming.

Fragrance is more than just a personal style statement. It can have a calming effect, evoke memories and even change how others perceive you. Whether you’re choosing your daily signature scent, the perfume that makes you feel confident on a date night or the scent that helps you power through your workday, finding the right fragrance is an important part of your self-expression. That’s why it’s important to have a good understanding of the different types of perfume and their strengths so that you can choose the best one for your unique personality.

If you look closely at the little letters on the bottle, you’ll notice that there are three main categories for perfume: Eau de parfum, Eau de toilette and Eau de cologne. Each carries its own distinctive characteristics, from its intensity to how long the scent lasts on your skin. It’s important to understand the differences between each level of concentration so that you can make the most informed decision on which fragrance is perfect for you.

For those unfamiliar with the various perfume strengths, there is a lot of information that might come as a surprise. For example, many people assume that any scent they purchase is a cologne, but according to Wallace and Long, that’s not necessarily the case. Cologne is actually the lowest-concentration type of perfume, typically containing only two to four percent of a fragrance’s oil.

Eau de parfum, on the other hand, is a higher-concentration formula that contains anywhere from 15 to 40 percent of perfume oils, making it two or three times more powerful than cologne or Eau de Toilette. These scents tend to be a bit more expensive, but they offer a longer-lasting experience.

While the sillage (or how strong the fragrance is when you apply it) will vary, it’s generally safe to say that an Eau de Parfum lasts about six to eight hours on the skin and is considered a suitable option for daytime or office wear. It’s also an excellent choice for a night out, especially if you apply the fragrance generously.

As the season changes, so do your fragrance preferences, and it’s a good idea to keep this in mind as you shop for a new scent. You might find that you prefer a lighter floral for spring, a warm pumpkin for fall and a citrusy scent for summer.

No matter what your perfume preference is, remember that less is more when it comes to application. It takes time for the fragrance to mix with your natural oils, so don’t be afraid to start with just two sprays. Then wait a few minutes to see how it wears before adding another. As always, it’s important to test the fragrance on your skin before committing to a full-size bottle. The best place to do this is on the pulse points of your neck, behind the ears or the wrists. This way, you can see if it’s intense enough for your liking.