A comprehensive list of perfumery and cosmetic terms, in one place.

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A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z

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It is important to know these terms to better understand perfume and product descriptions, to navigate online store websites more easily, and to make informed choices. We hope this dictionary is useful to you!

In our explanatory dictionary you will find a list of store terms and their explanations.

A

• accord: a harmonious combination of two or more olfactory notes that creates a new and distinct scent.

• account: a section where customers can create a profile, save addresses, view order and invoice history, etc.

• affiliate: an affiliate for an online store is a person or entity who promotes that store's products or services on various online platforms, such as websites, blogs, social media, or through email marketing. The affiliate's main goal is to generate traffic and sales for the online store, in return for receiving a commission for each sale made through their affiliate links.

• aftershave: a cosmetic product generally used by men immediately after shaving. These are usually aftershave lotions that soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. At the same time, they have a pleasant smell and offer a feeling of freshness.

• AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): exfoliating acids that help remove dead cells and improve skin texture (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid).

• amber: under the name amber hides a large number of fragrant ingredients. Currently, amber is most often referred to as an aromatic mixture of substances that are extracted from one or more types of resins.

• antioxidant: a substance that protects the skin against free radicals (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol).

• aroma: symbolizes the olfactory sensation that a person perceives through the olfactory receptors. This is sensory information about the chemical composition of an aerosol or a gas. The term aroma is generally associated with pleasant smells.

• aromatherapy: is a solution to mental, health and cosmetic problems. In this procedure, special essential oils are used, which have a specific biochemical composition. In their composition we find substances that have a beneficial effect on the human body.

• authorized distributor: a company that has the legal right to distribute certain perfume brands in a specific country.

• authorized importer: a company that has the legal right to import and distribute certain perfume brands in a specific country.

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B

• base (foundation) notes: the base notes of the perfume consist of slow volatile substances, which are the longest lasting. They last for several hours, some perfumes boast a resistance throughout the day. The base is usually made of fine, woody tones, such as musk, vanilla, or incense. The base of the perfume must always match the heart and head.

• BB cream (Beauty Balm): a multifunctional cream with light coverage, hydration, and sun protection.

• best-seller: a very popular product with high sales.

• BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids): an oil-soluble exfoliating acid, effective in cleaning pores (e.g., salicylic acid).

• body cream: a consistent emulsion intended for application on the skin to intensely hydrate, nourish, and protect it. It has a denser and richer texture than a body lotion, which is more fluid. It is ideal for dry or very dry skin.

• body lotion: is a liquid emulsion intended for application to the skin to hydrate, soften, and sometimes perfume it. It is a body care product with a light texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. It can be of several types: moisturizing, for sensitive skin, self-tanning, sun protection, etc.

• body oil: a product for moisturizing and nourishing the body's skin.

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C

• cashback: cashback points are a form of reward offered by online stores to customers who make purchases. For each purchase, the customer receives back a percentage of the amount spent, in the form of points. These points can later be converted into discounts on future orders or can be used as a partial or full payment method, depending on the store's policy.

• CC cream (Color Correcting): a medium-coverage cream that corrects imperfections and evens out skin tone.

• ceramides: lipids that contribute to maintaining the skin's protective barrier.

• checkout: the process of completing delivery, payment, and order confirmation details.

• chemical sunscreens: ingredients that absorb solar rays.

• chypre perfumes: complex perfumes, with citrus notes at the beginning, followed by floral notes and a woody base.

• citrus perfumes: perfumes with fresh citrus notes (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.).

• clone: regarding the notion of "clone," the marketed products and their labeling are only a guide and should not be confused with those they are inspired by. Any reference to brand names is strictly for comparison and guidance purposes. The trademarks, intellectual property, and copyrights belong to their respective manufacturers and/or designers, and 12note.ro has no affiliation with these manufacturers/designers. Clones are products that present similarities in aroma, sometimes also in design, with other products (generally more expensive). They do not try to give the impression of purchasing the same product, but present noticeable visual differences, so that the user is aware that this is a similar and not identical product. These products are presented and claimed by a manufacturer under its own brand and meet the quality standards imposed by law, so they are safe and verified products before being marketed.

• collagen: a protein that gives the skin elasticity and firmness.

• comments: a section where customers can leave comments or questions about a product, services, etc.

• concealer: a product for covering imperfections.

• concentrated perfume extract: an even more concentrated form of perfume extract, with exceptional persistence.

• concentration: the percentage of fragrant oils in a perfume's composition (e.g., perfume/extract, elixir, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, etc.).

• counterfeit/fake/replicas: illegal copies of original perfumes, of inferior quality. Not to be confused with the notion of "clone."

• conditioner: a product for detangling and moisturizing hair.
  
  

• dehydration: is the process of removing water from a substance, object, or space. This is an important part of perfume production.

• delivery: the method of transporting products to the customer (e.g., courier, post).

• deodorant/antiperspirant: a cosmetic product that serves to neutralize the odor resulting from the bacterial decomposition of perspiration. A certain subgroup of deodorants is then symbolized by antiperspirants, which can also prevent the formation of perspiration. The deodorant can be in solid or liquid form and can be applied in various ways.

• dermatologically tested: a product tested by dermatologists to check skin tolerance.

• disclaimer: section in which the store limits its responsibility and clearly states what it does not guarantee or for what it cannot be held liable.

• distillation: a method of extracting essential oils by vaporization and condensation.

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E

• eau de cologne: abbreviated edc (eau de cologne), is a product that has a concentration of 3% - 5% pure perfume essence. It is a light fragrance, ideal for everyday use, it is discreet and is also suitable for extremely hot summer days.

• eau de parfum: abbreviated edp (eau de parfum), is a product that has a concentration of 8% - 15% pure perfume essence. Edp is usually slightly stronger than eau de toilette and is therefore more suitable for evening events or winter seasons. These perfumes are characterized by a more pronounced aroma, which generally also has a longer resistance

• eau de toilette: abbreviated edt (eau de toilette), is a product that has a concentration of 4% - 8% pure perfume essence. Eau de toilette is a middle product between eau de parfum and cologne. It is lighter than edp and is therefore suitable for everyday use.

• eau fraîche/eau fresh: a form of perfume with a concentration of 1-3% fragrant oils, offering a feeling of freshness. It is a light and discreet perfume, ideal for everyday use. It is generally recommended for extremely hot summer days.

• elastin: a protein that gives the skin elasticity and flexibility.

• emollients: substances that soften and smooth the skin.

• enfleurage: a traditional method of extracting perfume from delicate flowers, by absorption in fat.

• Esprit de Parfum (ESdP): a rarer concentration, intermediate between eau de parfum and perfume extract, with a concentration of fragrant oils between 15-30%.

• essential oil: concentrated extract from plants, with therapeutic and aromatic properties. Essential oil combines pure extracts, or essences, obtained from siliceous plants. They can also provide a pleasant smell to the interior of rooms (home, office, car, etc.).

• extraction: the process of obtaining essential oils from natural raw materials.

• eyeliner: a product for contouring the eyes.

• eyeshadow: a product for coloring the eyelids.

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F

• face mask: an intensive treatment for facial skin (complexion)

• facial/body scrub (gomage, exfoliant): a product for removing dead cells from the skin's surface.

• favorite product: product allocated/saved by customers, in a virtual section, dedicated to products they wish to purchase later.

• filtering/sorting: options to filter or sort products by various criteria (e.g., price, brand, olfactory family, concentration).

• floral perfumes: perfumes dominated by floral notes (rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, etc.).

• fougère perfumes: perfumes with notes of lavender, coumarin, and oakmoss, often with green and woody accents.

• fougère perfumes: perfumes with notes of lavender, coumarin, and oakmoss, often with green and woody accents.

• foundation: a product for evening out skin tone.

• fragrance finder/perfume finder: an online tool that helps customers find the right perfume based on their preferences.

• fragrance/olfactory notes: the scents perceived in a perfume (e.g., top notes, middle/heart notes, base/foundation notes).

• free delivery: the offer of free transport of products, usually upon reaching a certain amount, using a coupon or through other specific offers and methods.

• free sample with order: the possibility to select a free sample when completing an order.

• free samples: a small quantity of product offered free for testing.

• frequently asked questions (FAQ): a section with answers to frequently asked questions from customers.

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G

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H

• hair mask: an intensive treatment for hair, with various benefits (hydration, repair, volume).

• hair oil: a product for nourishing and protecting the hair.

• hair type: hair categories (e.g., normal, dry, oily, dyed, curly).

• hairspray/hair fixative: a product for fixing hairstyles.

• humectants: substances that attract water from the air, into the skin.

• hyaluronic acid: a powerful moisturizing ingredient that attracts and retains water in the skin

• hypoallergenic: a product formulated to minimize the risk of allergies.

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I

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J

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K

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L

• limited edition product: product available in a limited quantity.

• limited edition: a product available in a limited quantity.

• lip balm: a product for moisturizing and protecting the lips.

• lipstick: a product for coloring the lips.

• login/registration: the process of logging into an existing account or creating a new account.

• longevity/persistence/lasting power: the length of time a perfume lasts on the skin.

• loyalty/fidelity points: are a form of reward offered by online stores to customers who make purchases. For each purchase, the customer receives back a percentage of the amount spent, in the form of points. These points can later be converted into discounts on future orders or can be used as a partial or full payment method, depending on the store's policy.
• loyalty/fidelity program: a program that rewards loyal customers with benefits.

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M

• maceration: a method of extraction by infusing the raw material in a solvent.

• makeup base (primer): a product applied before makeup to prepare the complexion and prolong makeup wear.

• makeup remover: a product for removing makeup.

• mascara: a product for lengthening and defining eyelashes.

• micellar water: a facial cleansing solution that removes makeup and impurities without rinsing.

• middle (heart) notes: the evaporation of the top notes gives way to the middle notes, which appear and are usually felt after a few minutes. It is usually more pronounced and supported by aromatic essences, which appear later in the base of the perfume.

• mineral (physical) sunscreens: Ingredients that reflect solar rays (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide).

• moisturizing cream: a product for moisturizing the skin.

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N

• natural notes: ingredients obtained directly from natural sources (flowers, plants, spices, etc.).

• new product/new launch: product recently introduced to the market.

• niche perfume: perfume created generally in limited quantities, with rare ingredients and an artistic approach.

• niche: perfumes or other products marked as niche differ from ordinary ones especially through the quality of the ingredients used and their originality. They usually do not contain chemicals, are not mass-produced, but only in small quantities. The emphasis is on quality and precise processing.

• non-comedogenic: a product that does not clog pores.

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O

• occlusives: substances that form a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing water loss.

• olfactory category/family: the term is generally used in the context of perfumes and aromas, referring to the classification of scents into distinct groups based on their common characteristics. An olfactory category is a group of scents that share similar notes and characteristics. These categories help describe and classify perfumes, facilitating their understanding and selection (e.g., floral, oriental, woody, citrus, aromatic, fruity, etc.).

• olfactory description: a detailed description of a perfume's scent, which attempts to convey the olfactory experience through words.

• olfactory pyramid: The graphic representation of the evolution of the olfactory notes of a perfume (top, middle, base).

• order tracking: the possibility to check the status of an order's delivery.

• oriental/ambery perfume: warm, sweet, spicy perfume, with notes of vanilla, amber, musk, exotic spices.

• original/authentic perfume: a perfume produced by the respective perfume house, not a copy or a fake.

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Q

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R

• recyclable: packaging that can be recycled.

• retinol: a form of vitamin A, with anti-aging effect and stimulation of collagen production.

• return: the process of returning a product to the store.

• reviews/reviews: customer opinions about a used product.

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S

• sample: a sample (of perfume or other products, generally liquids), usually has a volume of a few milliliters. It is designed so that the customer can test the product and decide if it will really suit them.

• sample free: represents a small quantity of a product, offered free of charge or at a reduced price, in order to allow potential customers to test it, evaluate it and familiarize themselves with it before making a purchase decision.

• self-tanner: a cosmetic product that gives the skin a tanned appearance without sun exposure.

• serum: a concentrate of active ingredients with a light texture.

• shampoo: a hair care product, formulated to cleanse the scalp and hair of impurities, sebum (natural oils produced by the scalp), perspiration, dust, and other residues. It is an essential product for hair and scalp hygiene. Choosing a suitable shampoo depends on the hair type, any scalp problems, and personal preferences regarding ingredients and desired benefits.

• shopping cart: the virtual place where selected products are added for purchase.

• shower gel: is a body cleansing product, in the form of a viscous or liquid gel, intended for use in the shower or bath. It is formulated to remove impurities, perspiration, and excess sebum from the skin, leaving it clean and often perfumed. In conclusion, shower gel is a popular and effective personal hygiene product, offering gentle cleansing and a feeling of freshness. Choosing a suitable shower gel depends on the skin type and personal preferences regarding fragrance and desired benefits.

• silicones: synthetic ingredients that give a silky texture to products and can offer hair protection.

• sillage/trail: the scent left by a perfume after the wearer and/or the distance at which a perfume is felt from the wearer. A perfume with a strong sillage is perceived by those around, while a perfume with an intimate sillage is felt only up close.

• similar to: as it is difficult to explain the smell of a perfume from a distance, this term is used to try to direct consumers in a direction as close as possible to the aroma offered by the respective perfume model. The information about similarities does not represent a guarantee that the perfume smells the same as the one specified as similar. The similarities are indicative and are offered based on several criteria, such as: customer opinions and information, information from the manufacturer, testing of the 12note perfumery staff, etc. It should be mentioned that, if possible, it is best for a product to be personally tested before purchase, in a specialized store.

• skin problems: skin conditions (e.g., acne, rosacea, eczema, wrinkles, pigment spots).

• skin type: skin categories (e.g., normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive).

• solid perfume: a perfume in solid form, usually based on wax or vegetable oils.

• SPF (sun protection factor): indicates the level of protection against UVB radiation.

• spray: in the cosmetics and personal care industry, the spray represents a cosmetic or personal hygiene product (perfume, hairspray, deodorant, etc.), contained in a pressurized container (with a pumping mechanism) and sprayed in the form of particles (fine mist, aerosols). It is recommended to carefully read the instructions for use and storage on the packaging of these types of products.

• sulfates: surfactants that cleanse the skin and hair (can be irritating for sensitive skin).

• sustainable: a product that respects the environment and natural resources.

• synthetic/artificial notes: molecules created in the laboratory to imitate natural scents or to create new scents.

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T

• terms and conditions: the (physical or virtual) document that establishes the rules and conditions for using the online store and purchasing products. It should be mentioned that the terms and conditions present differences and specific conditions for each store/merchant.

• tester: a larger sample of a perfume, used in stores for testing. Testers can be of the same shape, quantity, and size as the product (available for purchase) or can be of a different shape, quantity, and size (vial type, sample). The term can designate a bottle of perfume intended for testing, often without a cap, but with identical content to the commercial product.

• toner: a product for balancing the skin's pH after cleansing.

• top notes: the top notes of the perfume are perceived immediately after application, and this first impression usually decides whether we like the perfume or not. Intense ingredients are usually found in the top notes, but they last very little. Citrus components are most often represented here.

• types of aromas: aromas are divided primarily into those for women and those for men. A further division can then be made based on the ingredients that are present, namely flowers, fruits, sweet, spicy .... up to oriental.

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U

• unisex perfume: a perfume designed to be worn by both women and men.