The most useful perfume terms describe smell, format and performance. A note describes a scent impression, an accord is a blend that creates an impression, projection is its reach around you, and sillage is the trail it leaves as you move.
Learn the terms that change a purchase
A drydown is the later smell after the opening settles. An atomizer is the spray mechanism. A flanker is another release in an existing fragrance line; it may differ substantially from the original. A tester is a retail demonstration format, not automatically a different perfume formula. Check the seller’s exact condition and packaging description.
Read concentration labels carefully
EDT, EDP and extrait are labels used for different fragrance concentrations or interpretations. Do not convert the label into an exact oil percentage unless the manufacturer publishes it. An extrait may also have a different formula, so it is not simply the same scent turned up. EDP does not guarantee longer wear than every EDT.
Turn vocabulary into a useful comparison
Write the complete name and version of each bottle before comparing reviews. Salvo and Salvo Elixir are separate listings, not interchangeable names. For value, divide the actual purchase price by the listed millilitres. For example, a hypothetical $24 bottle containing 80 ml costs $0.30 per ml; that calculation says nothing about scent quality.
Concentration terms
Eau de toilette, eau de parfum and parfum describe typical concentration bands, with parfum generally the most concentrated. Concentration is one factor in how a scent feels, not a guarantee of strength or duration.
More terms worth knowing
Top, heart and base notes describe stages of a scent. A flanker is a variation of an existing fragrance. A decant is a smaller portion taken from a larger bottle, and a blotter is a paper strip used to smell a fragrance. Olfactory fatigue is when your nose adapts to a scent so you notice it less.
Using the glossary
When you meet an unfamiliar word on a product page, look it up before you buy. For more on notes, see fragrance notes explained.
Comparison at a glance
| Term | Meaning | Do not confuse it with |
|---|---|---|
| Projection | Reach around the wearer | Total wear time |
| Sillage | Scent trail during movement | A fixed distance |
| Longevity | How long a scent remains detectable | How loud it remains |
| Accord | A blended scent impression | Proof of one natural ingredient |
| Drydown | Later-stage smell | An expiry date |
Maison Alhambra products to compare
These editorial suggestions use the scent directions in our catalog. Choose a sample where available and compare the finished perfumes yourself; no measured wear-time ranking is implied.
| Product | Catalog bottle size | Why compare it |
|---|---|---|
| Salvo | 100 ml | Use the exact Salvo name when reading a review. |
| Salvo Elixir | 60 ml | Compare this separately from Salvo; the catalog lists 60 ml versus 100 ml. |
Questions readers ask
Does unisex mean a lighter perfume?
No. It describes marketing or intended audience, not strength.
Does an oud note prove natural oud oil is present?
No. A note can describe an accord. Ask for a product-specific ingredient statement if this matters to you.
Read next: What are Fragrance Notes? Top, Heart + Base Notes Explained · Sillage and Longevity · Perfume Ingredients: Oils, Absolutes & Synthetics
Catalog details checked 11 October 2026. Prices, packaging and availability can change. Some product links lead to Amazon; purchases may earn us a commission. Affiliate disclosure.
