Powerful Perfumes

Our Fragrance Evaluation

Yakobi answers the hard questions faced by consumers when considering the purchase of a new fragrance.

Yakobi’s Fragrance Assessment

When reviewing a fragrance, we consider the following criteria:

Characteristics of the Scent 

This is the most important criterion, but it is also the most subjective. Essentially, the key questions to ask are: 

- Do you like it? 

- How does it make you feel? 

Remember, fragrance quality is subjective!

Performance

In online fragrance discussions, "performance" refers to how long a scent lasts and its ability to diffuse into the air. High-quality perfumes aren’t always superior in performance; it varies.

Power and Radiance:

The strength of a fragrance is crucial. It serves little purpose if no one can perceive it, including the wearer.

Sillage is the trail a perfume leaves, while projection is how far it radiates. Both diminish over time and depend on longevity.

Fragrances can be classified into two strength types:

Sharp: Citrus notes, which are easy to perceive and determine strength.

Enveloping: Vanilla, which is strong yet warm and lacks a sharp edge.

Furthermore, some people may be scent-blind to certain ingredients, like musk, making them perceive fragrances as weak. Additionally, individual sensitivity to scents affects how perfumes are experienced, regardless of their quality.

Longevity / Dry down

This is the easy assessment criteria: how long does the perfume last on your skin?

One part has to do with the fragrance concentration. Here we list the pure perfume oil concentration in the most common types of fine fragrances:

  • 'Splash', 'Body Mist' and 'After Shave': 1–3% of pure perfume oil
  • 'Eau de Cologne' (EdC): around 2–6%
  • 'Eau de Toilette' (EdT): 5–15% (typically~10%)
  • 'Eau de Parfum' (EdP): 10–20% (typical ~15%)
  • 'Perfume Extract' (Extrait) or 'Parfum': 15–40% (typical ~20%)
  • Yakobi Extrait de Parfum 45% (Unless restricted by IFRA recommendation)

Higher fragrance oil concentration leads to longer-lasting scent. Offering higher strength Extrait de Parfum in response to industry demand.

Olfactory Fatigue:

Fragrance may seem to disappear quickly due to 'nose blindness' where familiar scents are filtered out. Others can still smell your perfume even if you can't. Be prepared for compliments on your scent!

Versatility:

Finding a fragrance to match all occasions is nearly impossible. Just like clothing, no single item in your wardrobe suits every situation.

Factors that may affect our decisions are:

Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter

Morning or Evening, Male, Female or Unisex, Everyday v Special Occasions, Young v Mature, Polarising v Non-Polarising Fragrance.

Price

There is a common belief that pricier fragrances are usually of higher quality, but there are exceptions. Some affordable ingredients, such as citrus, can smell wonderful while providing a sense of freshness and liveliness.

In the end, a fragrance's value is subjective. If a note is unappealing, it may seem costly. Yet, if we adore the scent, the price becomes insignificant, and we view it as a reasonable value.

Yakobi offers great fragrances inspired by designer and niche perfume houses at a fraction of the price.

Compliments

Fragrance is worn for self and others' enjoyment, akin to clothing choice. Lack of compliments may disappoint, but praise for smelling great is valued. Understand that compliments may vary day-to-day, yet satisfaction with your scent is key.

Conclusion

Fragrance is an emotional purchase. It can be difficult to justify the selection of a fragrance accurately. We have outlined criteria on this page to help you evaluate a fragrance.

Remember these guidelines are not rigid rules; instead, they act as useful pointers. If you genuinely adore a scent, embrace it and disregard our suggestions with assurance. You have our approval!

Remember, perfume is all about pure enjoyment.