Frequently Asked Questions
In order to perhaps save some folks the trouble of asking, I have compiled this list of commonly asked questions. If you don’t feel like scrolling, please just click on the question relevant to you. I will update this list from time to time, and at some point in the future (hopefully soon!) I’ll be including a much needed section on the history of the Corday house.
Why would anyone collect perfume?
What are your qualifications for writing this blog?
What’s the best/sexiest/favorite fragrance for men/women?
What are your favorite perfumes?
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
What does it mean when I see “eau de toilette” or “eau de parfum” on a bottle?
How come I keep seeing these listings for “testers” on some discount shopping sites?
What are some reliable shopping sites?
What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow ?
Where can I get supplies to decant fragrances?
I’m interested in advertising on your site – are you open to selling ad space?
Answers as follows:
Why would anyone collect perfume?
Why would anyone collect CDs, movies, or those suspiciously “adorable” Hummel figurines? We all have different interests, and what catches the fancy of one person may not appeal to someone else.
What are your qualifications for writing this blog?
None whatsoever. I like perfume and I like to practice writing. Blogging is fun for me. So when reading these reviews, please understand that there is an unspoken “in my opinion…” preceding every statement I make.
What’s the best/sexiest/favorite fragrance for men/women?
No one who asks variations on the question seems to like hearing this, but the answer is “I don’t know.” I have my own favorites, and if you keep sniffing around, you will find yours, too. If you’re simply looking for a place to start, I’d suggest reading the reviews at this and other perfume blogs and sample those scents that pique your interest the most. One thing to look for are common notes in those fragrances you already like, and seek out others that share those notes.
What are your favorite perfumes? Unsurprisingly, I am awfully fickle. However, here are some of my current faves and some that always make my informal list of favorites, in no particular order at all.
- Givenchy - Organza Indecence
- Lancome - Magie Noire
- Givenchy - Xeryus Rouge
- Givenchy - Pi
- Weil - Secret of Venus (huile de bain only)
- Agent Provacateur
- Lulu Beauty - Gigi
- Jean Desprez - Bal a Versailles
- S-Perfume - Alberto Abosolu
- Compagnia Delle Indie - Donna
- Thierry Mugler – Angel
- Czech & Speake – No. 88
- Czech & Speake - Frankincense & Myrrh
- Galimard – Si Tu Savais… (I believe it to be a dupe of D&G Light Blue. However, I find Si Tu Savais to be better balanced on me and easier to wear)
- Pre de Provence’s Linden soap. It’s not a perfume, but it’s my favorite soap ever to use
- J&E Atkinsons - Cananga di Java (from their I Colonialia line)
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
Put ‘im the brig until he’s sober, put ‘im in the brig until he’s sober, put ‘im the brig until he’s sober, err-lie in the mornin’
What does it mean when I see “eau de toilette” or “eau de parfum” on a bottle?
These delineations refer to the ratio of perfume oil to the amount of alcohol (or other dillution liquid) contained within the bottle. From weakest to strongest: eau de cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, soie de parfum, parfum/extrait, parfum oil. Occasionally you will see the term “parfum de toilette,” which is a slightly indistinct term that can have a concentration akin to an edt, an edp, or something inbetween the two. Occasionally, parfum de toilette can also refer to a specially formulated version of a fragrance that differs slightly compositionally from other strengths sold of the same fragrance. If you’d like to know the specific breakdowns, I’d suggest reading the nicely written FAQ at Now Smell This, which covers a number of “technical” questions for the perfume consumer.
How come I keep seeing these listings for “testers” on some discount shopping sites?
Testers are those bottles you see hanging out on the fragrance counters in shops and stores. Those sold by the discount sites are leftover unused bottles. They have the same quality and fragrance as the regular bottles, however they usually come without a cap or box. If you don’t care about those things they are a great way to save money on scents you like.
What are some reliable shopping sites?
GAK! So many. Two of my favorite discount sites are
Good places to seek out unusual and niche scents include:
- Aedes de Venustas
- Beauty Cafe
- Beautyhabit
- B-Glowing
- First-in-Fragrance
- Fragrances & More
- La Crème Beauty
- LuckyScent
- Makeup Heaven
You dissed one of my favorite perfumes! Should I write you an angry, rambling letter using indifferent spelling and a whimisical approach to punctuation and syntax?
No. But if you feel you must, please write out two copies on your nicest stationery, fold them into separate envelopes, and send one to a mental health professional and the other to a basic language instructor, both of whom will be better able to address your needs than I. However, sincere and civil disagreements are always welcome, and please feel free to speak your mind and leave a comment.
What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow ?
If you’re talking about a European swallow and not an African swallow, then you’re looking at 24 miles an hour.
Where can I get supplies to decant fragrances?
My favorite suppliers for sample vials, roll-on bottles, and containers are E.D. Luce and Lotioncrafter.
I’m interested in advertising on your site – are you open to selling ad space?
Please go ahead and email me with a proposal for your ad and pricing, and I’m sure we can work something out. One caveat, however, which I must mention since has come up often enough to warrent a FAQ: I am not open to adding modules from price comparison sites. Nor ads for link farms. It’s nothing personal, but I do not feel comfortable with directing people to random shopping sites that I don’t personally know to be reliable. I am happy to host ads from specific sites, retailers, and etailers.
