Fragrance Education for Hot Summer'25 : The Art and Science of Perfume with RIH & SOL
As temperatures rise, understanding how fragrance behaves in heat is essential not only for choosing the right scent but also for wearing it properly. At RIH & SOL Fragrances, we believe that perfume is more than just a pleasant aroma; it’s an evolving story told in carefully crafted notes. Let’s delve into how fragrance works in hot weather, the anatomy of a perfume, and why you should treat your scents with the care they deserve.
Fragrance in Hot Weather: What Changes?
Hot weather intensifies the way perfume projects. Heat causes fragrance molecules to evaporate faster, which can make top notes feel stronger initially but also cause them to dissipate more quickly. This means your scent may evolve faster and wear off sooner in summer than in cooler seasons.
For high temperatures, consider lighter compositions like Eau de Parfum (EDP) or even perfume extracts with higher oil concentrations. Contrary to popular belief, perfume extracts (or extrait de parfum) don't necessarily project more—they’re more concentrated and often sit closer to the skin, making them ideal for warmer climates where overpowering scents can be overwhelming.
Understanding the Structure of a Fragrance: Top, Heart, and Base
At RIH & SOL, every fragrance is a journey. It starts with the top notes—your first impression. These usually contain lighter, more volatile ingredients like citrus or herbs. In the heat, these notes are fleeting, lasting only a few minutes.
Next come the heart notes, the soul of the fragrance. This is where the character of the scent truly emerges. The ideal development of heart notes begins precisely as the top notes fade. These middle notes linger longer and often include florals, spices, or aromatic compounds.
Finally, the base notes form the lasting impression. As the heart notes dissipate, the base unfolds seamlessly, anchoring the fragrance with woods, resins, musks, and ambers that can last for hours.
Why You Should Never Rub Perfume
We've all seen it—people spraying perfume and rubbing their wrists together. But this common habit actually harms the integrity of the scent. Friction generates heat, which can distort the molecular structure of the fragrance and alter how it develops. Always dab or spray and let it air dry to allow each layer of the fragrance to reveal itself naturally.
Why the First Minute Doesn’t Reflect the Real Scent
The first impression of a fragrance is just the tip of the iceberg. In the first minute, you're mainly experiencing the volatile top notes, which quickly evaporate. These fleeting molecules are designed to grab attention, but they don’t represent the full personality of the scent.
Give your fragrance 15 to 30 minutes to settle before judging its true character. That's when the heart and base notes—the real stars of the composition—start to shine.
Give Your Juice a Rest: The Magic of Maceration
At RIH & SOL Fragrances, we craft our scents with time, patience, and precision. We believe in the power of maceration—the art of letting a perfume rest and mature after blending. This process allows the raw materials to harmonize and the full olfactory potential to develop.
We practice a meticulous 24 weeks of maceration before bottling our fragrances. This ensures deeper complexity, better longevity, and smoother transitions between notes. It’s part of our promise to deliver only the most refined and enduring scents.
Discover the Art of Scent with RIH & SOL Fragrances
RIH & SOL isn’t just a fragrance house—it’s a philosophy. We believe in fragrance education, conscious craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Whether you’re new to perfume or a seasoned collector, understanding your scent’s journey can enhance the way you wear it—and the way it wears on you.
Explore our collection and experience the difference that maceration, mastery, and meticulousness can make.
RIH & SOL - Your Scented Story