Projection vs Sillage: The Two Words That Explain How a Fragrance Wears
Two words you will see everywhere in fragrance reviews — projection and sillage. They mean different things, and understanding the difference helps you pick the right scent.
Projection — How Far It Reaches
Projection is the radius around you where someone can smell the fragrance. High projection: someone in a meeting room across the table notices. Low projection: only you and someone hugging you smell it.
Body mists are intentionally low-to-medium projection — they should refresh, not announce.
Sillage — The Trail You Leave
Sillage (French, pronounced see-yazh) is the scent trail left behind when you walk through a room. It is what people smell after you have passed.
High sillage means people notice you after you leave; low sillage means the fragrance stays close to skin.
Why You Want Different Things at Different Times
Office: low projection, low sillage. You want presence, not announcement.
Date or wedding: medium projection, high sillage. You want to be remembered.
Gym or yoga: skin-close. Out of respect for the people next to you.
How to Adjust
Spray distance affects projection (closer = more concentrated, lower projection; further = lighter, more even). Number of sprays affects sillage. Adjust both based on context.
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Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Wash
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