Perfume 101

Eau de Colonge (EDC)
A solution of 3%-5% perfume oil in a mixture of alcohol and water. EDC mainly intended to be refreshing and consists of maily citrus oils.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)
A solution of between 4%-8% perfume oil in alcohol.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)
A solution of between 15%-18% perfume oil in alcohol. It's more expensive compared to EDC or EDT because of it contains more perfume oil.

Top Note
Is the first olfactory impression one gains of a compose fragrance. It must arouse our interest as it is the first thing we perceive when testing. It consists principally of light, volatile aromas, but often contains hints of the middle note and the basic note as well.

Middle Note
Or also known as "bouquet" is the smell between top and basic notes.

Basic Note
Also known as "fond" is the third odiferous element the we perceive in a composed fragrance. After the top note faded away, we smell the middle note which then merges into the basic note.

Absolutes
Pure, natural oils and extracts of flowers as well as other vegatable materials.

Accord
A mixture of various aromass which produce a harmonious effect. An accord may consists of anything between 2 and a 100 aromas.

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Perfume is not just to hide body odor, it's a tool for those who're sensitive enough to sense a glimpse of one's personality by just smelling his fragrance of choice.

Anyway, to enhance your knowledge and interest on perfume, I would like to suggest those interested to read this book, "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" by Patrick Süskind. And the movie adaptation by the same name.

Any would do because I watched the movie first before reading. Doing vice versa would not be a mistake as both, the book and the movie are a great piece of art.