When you're searching for that perfect designer perfume, you have many choices. In addition to selecting from floral, fruity, woody, green or oriental tones, should you buy a cologne or a perfume? What is does 'Eau de toilette' mean anyway?

People have made a effort to smell good for thousands of years, both on their bodies or in their homes and churches. The frankincense and myrrh referred to in Christmas songs and stories are in fact perfumed extracts from trees. Herbs and flowers were used to scent and flavor oils to be rubbed on the body. Sachets of fragrant flower petals were tucked into bodices.

In the late 1800s, the modern perfume industry began to take shape. Advances in chemistry and the resulting synthetic compounds provided new options for creating safe and comfortable fragrances.

Today, designer fragrances are classified into several categories:

* Parfum or perfume
* Parfum, also called eau de perfume and parfum de toilette
* Toilette
* Cologne
* Eau fraiche

The class depends on how much of the fragrance mixture is actually comprised of pure scent concentrates, usually extracts or oils, and how much is 'filler', typically alcohol.

Designer fragrances in the perfume group can contain from 22% up to 40% scent concentrates; an eau de perfume will have scent ingredients account for 12% to 18% of the mixture. Eau de toilette designer fragrances are made with from 8% to 12% scent concentrate solutions. Eau de colognes are 4% scent concentrates, and eau fraiche has just a hint of scent at 1% concentrate.

Perfumes have a stronger scent and last longer, since they contain a higher percentage of scent concentrates. They will as a rule be more expensive, since they contain more of the pricey scent extracts and oils. But keep in mind that you will probably use less of the fragrance just because it is stronger. Perfumes will usually be packaged in very small containers, an ounce or less. If you opt for a perfume, apply it sparingly so you don't overpower others with your scent.

Designer fragrances available as a perfume include Agent Provacateur Maitresse.

Eau de perfumes are a bit lighter than perfumes and also a little less expensive as well. They are the most popular option for applying scent today.

Owing to the popularity of the form, most designer fragrances available in eau de parfum (EDP) include:

* Absolutely Irresistable, by Givenchy.
* Beyond Paradise by Estee Lauder
* CHC by Caroline Herrara
* Notorious by Ralph Lauren.

Eau de toilette, cologne and fraiche options are progressively lighter and less expensive. The lower the percentage of scented concentrate, the quicker the scent will wear off. Historically, eau de toilette was intended as a refreshing body wash.

Many designer fragrances are available in one or all of the classes of perfume, and you can also purchase body lotions, powders, shampoos and soaps incorporating your favorite scent.

Are you looking for the best prices on Designer Fragrance? Visit www.designerfragranceandcologne.com today for more information!