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Projection

Projection in perfumery designates the radial distance at which a fragrance is perceptible around a stationary wearer, measured on a qualitative scale from intimate (under 15 cm) to strong (several meters); it differs from sillage, which describes the trail left in movement (Société Française des Parfumeurs, accessed 2026-05-27).

Definition

Projection depends on molecular volatility of the dominant notes, alcohol percentage (higher alcohol accelerates initial diffusion), skin temperature, humidity, and body chemistry. Paradoxically, pure parfum concentrations can project less than eau de parfum versions of the same formula, because lower alcohol content reduces the diffusion cloud even as the raw material concentration is higher (Basenotes wiki, accessed 2026-05-27).

Community vocabulary for projection scale: skin scent (perceptible only in direct contact), moderate (arm's length, 30 to 60 cm), strong (1 to 2 meters), and beast mode (3+ meters, room-filling). These terms originate from the Fragrantica and Basenotes communities and have entered standard English niche perfumery discourse (Fragrantica, accessed 2026-05-27).

Examples by projection level

  • High projection (beast mode): Aventus (Creed), Baccarat Rouge 540 (Maison Francis Kurkdjian), Sauvage (Dior).
  • Moderate projection: most Hermessences, Terre d'Hermès (Hermès).
  • Minimal (skin scent): Musc Ravageur (Frédéric Malle, 2000, Maurice Roucel), Another 13 (Le Labo).

Sources

Published 2026-05-27 · Updated 2026-05-27 · Last fact check: 2026-05-27 · Osmetheca