Perfume can be both mystical and deeply personal, an experience that touches our emotions, memories, and senses. At Ascention, our founder Greta Fitz has spent over 25 years crafting fragrances that elevate, empower, and inspire. From her time working with some of the beauty industry’s biggest names at L’Oréal, Coty, Shiseido, and Clarins—Greta has brought a unique, mindful approach to fragrance with Ascention, her own line of crystal-powered, vegan perfumes.

To help you explore the beauty of fragrance, Greta has answered some of the most common—and some less common—questions about perfume, from lasting power and application to debunking common myths.

1. Most Common Perfume Questions 

Q1: How should I apply perfume?

Greta’s Answer: “There’s an art to applying perfume so it lasts and blooms beautifully. Apply it to your pulse points, like your wrists, behind your ears, and at the base of your throat. These areas emit heat, helping the fragrance evolve and last longer. For a subtle sillage (the scent trail you leave), I like to add a light spritz to the back of my neck, too as well as behind the knee and in between the thighs."

Q2: What’s the difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette?

Greta’s Answer: “Eau de Parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance oils typically 15% or higher, which gives it depth and longevity. Eau de Toilette is lighter, typically with a 10-14% oil concentration, and it tends to fade faster. Eau de Toilette is perfect for when you want a subtle, refreshing scent or for warmer days.”

Q3: How can I make my perfume last all day?

Greta’s Answer: “Layering is key! Start by applying a fragrance-free lotion to moisturize your skin, then spritz your perfume on top. Perfume clings better to hydrated skin, so keeping your skin moisturized is crucial. You can also use an unscented lip balm on your pulse points and apply your fragrance."

Q4: How do I find my ‘signature scent’?

Greta’s Answer: “It’s all about resonance. A signature scent should feel like an extension of you—something you can wear and feel completely yourself in. Start by exploring scents that connect to experiences or feelings you enjoy. Do you love the freshness of citrus? The warmth of vanilla? Or are you feeling feminine and want to envelop in florals? When you find the right notes, you’ll know because your reaction will be viceral."

Q5: Why does perfume smell different on me than on someone else?

Greta’s Answer: “Your skin’s natural chemistry, diet, and even lifestyle affect how a perfume develops on you. The way your unique body oils mix with the fragrance notes means that every perfume can smell slightly different from person to person.”

2. Not-So-Common Questions

Q6: Why does perfume change scent over time on my skin?

Greta’s Answer: “Perfumes have a journey that unfolds in three stages: top, heart, and base notes. Top notes are lighter and fleeting, followed by the heart notes, which give the fragrance its character. Finally, the deep, lasting base notes reveal themselves. This journey creates a unique experience over time.”

Q7: Can perfume expire?

Greta’s Answer: “Yes, perfumes can expire, typically within 3-5 years if stored properly. If you notice a change in color or if the fragrance smells off, it’s likely expired. Storing perfumes in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, can help prolong their life.”

Q8: Why do I go ‘nose blind’ to my own perfume?

Greta’s Answer: “Your brain gets used to familiar scents as a natural way of managing sensory information—this is called olfactory fatigue. It’s similar to how you can eventually stop noticing background noise. Even if you don’t smell your perfume after a while, trust that others can still enjoy it.”

3. The Curious & Unusual Questions

Q9: Are synthetic ingredients bad in perfumes?

Greta’s Answer: “Absolutely not. In fact, synthetic ingredients play an important role, especially for vegan brands like Ascention. Certain luxury ingredients, like ambergris and musk, are animal-derived, so we use synthetic alternatives to keep our formulas vegan and cruelty-free. These safe synthetics are created to mimic natural ingredients without depleting nature’s resources or impacting wildlife. Plus, they’re often more sustainable, helping us protect our planet’s ecosystems. With Ascention, we only use safe, eco-conscious synthetics—there’s no compromise on quality or ethical values.”

Q10: Why is there so much fear-mongering around fragrance and carcinogens?

Greta’s Answer: “A lot of fear around fragrance comes from misinformation and sometimes marketing tactics. Yes, we should always be mindful of what we put on our bodies, but at the end of the day, it’s about balance. Take chlorine, for example: too much is harmful, yet it’s used safely in swimming pools. Brands like Ascention are committed to safety, following strict guidelines from the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), Credo Clean, and other standards to ensure safety. We don’t use dyes, phthalates, or harmful chemicals. At Ascention, we take it a step further to bring clean, safe fragrance that empowers rather than causes worry.”

Q11: Why do certain perfumes make me sneeze?

Greta’s Answer: “Just like with seasonal allergies, perfumes can cause sneezing due to your body’s natural sensitivity—especially in areas like your sinuses. Everyone’s allergy tolerance varies, whether it’s a natural or synthetic ingredient. This doesn’t mean the ingredients are ‘bad,’ just that everyone’s body has different reactions to airborne particles. If you’re prone to sneezing, look for hypoallergenic options or try applying perfume away from the face.”

Q12: Why doesn’t my skin hold fragrance well?

Greta’s Answer: “This could be due to hydration or diet. If your skin is dry, it won’t hold scent as well. Drinking alcohol or caffeine can dehydrate your skin, making it harder for perfume to cling. Make sure to moisturize and stay hydrated for the best scent experience.”

4. Fun Facts & Surprising Truths

Q13: Why do some perfumes smell metallic or soapy?

Greta’s Answer: “That soapy or metallic scent can come from certain ingredients like aldehydes or specific musks. These notes create a fresh, almost clean-smelling effect. Some people love this vibe, while others don’t. At Ascention, we focus on balanced, harmonious compositions to enhance fragrance in a way that’s enjoyable and easy to wear.”

Q14: How can perfume impact my mood?

Greta’s Answer: “Our sense of smell is connected to the brain’s limbic system, which manages emotions. So, scent can really influence how we feel. Bright, citrus notes are energizing, while floral notes are calming, and warm woods are grounding. Ascention takes this further, pairing scents with affirmations to create a sensory experience that’s about well-being as much as it is about smelling amazing.”

Q15: Why are niche perfumes often more expensive?

Greta’s Answer: “Niche perfumes are often crafted in small batches with high-quality or rare ingredients, and they’re made by world class perfumers, essentially artisans, who treat fragrance like art. At Ascention, we've partnered with world class perfumers who helped us create the most luxurious compositions under aromatherapy principles that are known to elevate your mood and evoke emotions. We are dedicated to using sustainable, luxury ingredients and unique crystal infusions to amplify positive energy, giving you something truly special.”

5. Debunking Fragrance Myths & Elevating
Scent as a Ritual

Fragrance isn’t just something you spritz and forget; it’s a powerful ritual that can elevate your mood, bring calm, or help you feel empowered. With Ascention, Greta has created a collection of fragrances that invite you to manifest the life you desire, through the intentional pairing of scent and affirmations. We believe in transparency, quality, and using fragrance as a tool for self-expression and emotional empowerment.

 With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to clean, vegan, and cruelty-free luxury, Ascention offers perfumes that are good for you and kind to the planet. And each bottle is more than a fragrance—it’s a moment of magic you can carry with you.

Ready to find your Ascention? Explore our collection and follow us on TikTok for more insights, fragrance facts, and exclusive tips from Greta’s journey in the world of scent.