Sillage
The scent trail perceived in the air as someone wearing a fragrance moves through a space. It is related to projection, but describes the trail rather than simply the scent’s reach around the wearer.
Sillage describes a fragrance’s trail in the air. It is the impression you might notice as a wearer passes or after they move away. The term is useful when you want to describe that experience separately from smelling the perfume close to skin.
In their presentation on sillage, IFF’s perfumery and research specialists discuss composition, movement of the wearer and differences in perception. A trail is part of how a finished fragrance behaves in its surroundings, rather than something you can predict from a single note on its label.
When comparing perfumes, consider whether you enjoy a noticeable trail or prefer a quieter presence. Ask someone you trust what they notice during normal wear, using a modest application in the setting where you plan to use the fragrance.
The word is French for the wake a boat leaves in the water, which is a fair picture of a perfume trail.
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