Even if you consider yourself a fragrance expert, you may very well get confused by the different types of products available at the perfume counter. Even if you know the scent you want, you're going to be asked whether you want a perfume or cologne or some other different things.

The scent is the same. But you'll notice as the sales person shows you these different products that the prices are quite different. Here's a rundown of what's what and why some cost more than others.

Perfume (sometimes called "perfume extract" or "parfum") is the most potent form of fragrance available. Although there aren't any specific standards, perfume is about 20% to 40% pure fragrance, stabilized in an oil-based solution. It's the most expensive form of any fragrance because there is more fragrance per drop (and fragrance is what you're really paying for--the other stuff is just solvent and fixative).

While perfume is the most expensive way to go, you don't need to wear very much perfume. One or two drops can last all day. So even though perfume seems pricy, you may actually get more "wear" from a tiny bottle of perfume than a big bottle of the spray-on stuff.

By the way, pure fragrance is never worn because it's considered too harsh. It may be too strong to be pleasant and it can irritate the skin. Perfume is the closest thing to pure scent on the market.

The next most-powerful product is called "eau de parfum" and the French term is always what is used. It's 10% to 30% scent. While perfume is almost always dabbed on, eau de parfum may be available in a spray.

Next in line comes "eau de toilette" which sounds better than "toilette water," which is the actual English translation. (In this case, toilette refers to a woman's morning dressing ritual.) Eau de toilette is 5% to 20% scent, so it's still fairly potent, but it is typically sprayed on. It is lighter and used more generously.

The least-potent form of fragrance is cologne, which may have just 2% to 3% scent. It's very light stuff, often sprayed, and used very liberally.

Although it's the weakest stuff on the list, many people actually prefer cologne (sometimes called "eau de cologne") simply because it's light. Cologne can seem cheap but remember that it's used in larger quantities. In fact, sometimes, colognes recommend that they be "splashed on."

Perfume is the most potent and luxurious form of fragrance, but not every woman likes it. On the other hand, there are perfume lovers who do not care for anything else but perfume.

If you know your mother's choice, that's great. If not, consider these rough guidelines:

Perfume works best:

• For women who have a strong sense of fashion
• For women who have experience using other perfumes
• For women who are very specific about their favorite fragrances
• For women who like only one or two fragrances
• For women who spend more than $200 on their everyday shoes
• For women who wear big jewelry, consider sunglasses part of their wardrobe, and don't mind wearing red
• For women in creative fields or who consider themselves artistic
• For women who shop at the finest department stores and boutiques

Cologne works best:

• For younger women
• For women who like to experiment with fragrance and have many different "favorite" scents
• For women with eclectic tastes and changing moods
• For women who follow fashion trends (in the sense of wearing the "in" things)
• For women who are athletic or very active
• For women who work out in the middle of the week
• For women who work, participate actively in community events, and enjoy being around lots of people
• For women who enjoy shopping at Target

A middle of the road item (eau de parfum, eau de toilette) works best:

• For women who really know about fragrances
• For women who follow fashion (in the sense of reading about it, knowing designers by name)
• For women who like different fragrances but end up favoring one or two main "signature" scents
• For women who shop at trendy, out-of-the-way little places most people have never heard of
• For women who like very unusual things, go to unusual places for vacation, eat in unusual restaurants
• For women who spend more time at art events than at the grocery store

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