Beginners Guide To Fragrance

Welcome to Eclipse Aroma — if you’re new to fragrances (or always wondered why some scents slap harder than others), this quick guide will make you feel like you’ve been collecting for years.

1. Understanding Fragrance Strength

Fragrances come in different concentrations — this affects how long they last and how strong they smell.

• Eau de Cologne (EDC) — Light + fresh. Lasts 1–3 hours.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT) — Everyday strength. Lasts 4–6 hours.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP) — Richer, stronger. Lasts 6–10 hours.
• Extrait / Parfum — The strongest. Long-lasting and intense.

If you’re unsure, go EDP — it’s the sweet spot.

2. Fragrance Families (AKA “What You Actually Like”)

Every scent leans toward a “vibe.” Here are the major families:

Fresh & Clean 🌊

Bright, citrusy, shower-gel energy.

Perfect if you want to smell crisp and safe.

Examples: Dylan Blue, Percival, YSL Y, Prada L’Homme.

Sweet & Gourmand 🍰

Warm, edible, dessert-like.

Great for nights out or if you want “lean in closer” vibes.

Examples: Ultra Male, Layton, Khamrah, Oajan.

Woody / Masculine 🌲

Dry woods, leather, smoke, earthy tones.

If you want strong, confident, mature energy.

Examples: Terre d’Hermès, Oud for Greatness, Tuscan Leather.

Spicy / Oriental 🌶️

Warm, exotic, bold.

Perfect for evening or cooler weather.

Examples: Spicebomb, Sauvage Elixir, Haltane.

Musky / Clean 🫧

Soft, cozy, skin-like.

If you want to smell “naturally attractive” without trying.

Examples: Molecule 01, CK Everyone, Byredo Blanche.

3. Seasons Matter

You don’t wear a winter jacket in summer — same idea with scents.

• Spring/Summer: Fresh, citrus, aquatic, green.
• Fall/Winter: Sweet, spicy, gourmand, woody, resinous.

This isn’t a rule, but it helps you smell right for the vibe.

4. How to Apply Fragrance (Correctly)

This alone separates newbies from pros:

• Spray 2–4 times max.
• Aim for pulse points: neck, chest, back of neck, wrists (optional).
• Don’t rub wrists together. It crushes the top notes.
• Don’t overdo sweet scents indoors. You’ll choke a small room.

If you want expert-level advice:

Spray your shirt once — lasts way longer.

5. How to Test Fragrances the Right Way

Most beginners test wrong. Here’s the right way:

• Paper strips = first impressions only.
• Skin test = the truth.
• Let it dry for 10 minutes.
• Don’t smell your arm immediately — the alcohol lies.

And NEVER judge a fragrance by the first 5 seconds. That’s like judging a movie by the studio logo.

6. What Makes a Fragrance Last Long?

Longevity depends on:

• Concentration (EDP > EDT)
• Notes (woods, spices, amber last longer than citrus)
• Skin type (dry skin = fragrances fade faster)
• Weather (heat boosts projection, cold weakens it)

Want it to last longer?

• Moisturize first.
• Spray on clothes.
• Look for heavier notes (amber, vanilla, oud, woods).

7. How to Build a Starter Collection

Don’t overthink it.

A perfect starter set:

• Daily fresh scent — crowd-pleasing & clean
• Night-out sweet scent — compliments guaranteed
• Special occasion scent — something unique & high quality
• Work-safe clean scent — respectful + refined

After that, go wild.

8. Decants: The Smart Way to Try Scents

Buying full bottles blind is how you end up with regrets.

Decants let you:

• Try expensive scents in an affordable way
• Test multiple vibes
• Learn what actually works on your skin
• Avoid wasting money

That’s literally why Eclipse Aroma exists.

9. The Most Important Rule

Wear what makes you feel good.

Not what’s hyped. Not what others say. Not what’s “alpha.”

Just what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Fragrance is personal — let it be your signature.

If you’re still a little unsure or just looking for some general guidance, why not try out our level collections?

The Levels are small collections of fragrances starting with the basics at level 1 all the way to the most elite and unique at level 5.