FAQ – Arctic Scent

Fragrance Basics

What is the difference between EDP, EDT, and Parfum?

These refer to the concentration of fragrance oil in the bottle. Parfum (Extrait) has the highest concentration — typically 20–40% — and lasts the longest, often 8–12 hours. EDP (Eau de Parfum) sits around 15–20% and is the most popular everyday choice. EDT (Eau de Toilette) is lighter at 8–15%, great for warmer weather or daytime wear. The higher the concentration, the stronger and longer-lasting the fragrance — and usually the higher the price per ml.

Why does a fragrance smell different on me than in the bottle or on someone else?

Your skin chemistry, pH level, diet, and even hydration affect how a fragrance develops on you. This is completely normal. A fragrance that smells sweet on one person can smell sharp or flat on another. This is exactly why we offer decant samples — so you can experience how a scent actually performs on your skin before investing in a full bottle.

What are top notes, heart notes, and base notes?

A fragrance unfolds in stages. Top notes are what you smell in the first 5–15 minutes — usually light, fresh, and bright. Heart notes emerge as the top notes fade, forming the core character of the fragrance and lasting 30 minutes to a few hours. Base notes are the final, deepest layer — the ones that linger on your skin for hours and define the lasting impression.

What does "longevity" and "sillage" mean?

Longevity refers to how long a fragrance lasts on your skin. Sillage (pronounced "see-yazh") refers to how far the scent projects — the trail you leave when you walk into a room. A fragrance can have excellent longevity but low sillage (stays close to your skin) or strong sillage that fills a room within minutes.

Does fragrance expire?

Yes, over time. Most fragrances have a shelf life of 3–5 years from opening, and longer if kept unopened. Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight are the biggest enemies of fragrance — they break down the composition. Store your bottles upright, away from windows, in a cool dry place — ideally a drawer or cabinet rather than a bathroom shelf.

How much fragrance should I apply?

Less than you think. For most EDPs, 2–3 sprays on pulse points — wrists, neck, or behind the ears — is enough. Niche and high-concentration fragrances are especially potent; 1–2 sprays is often sufficient. You can always add more, but you can't take it away.

What are pulse points and why do they matter?

Pulse points are areas on your body where blood vessels sit close to the skin — your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and behind the knees. The warmth generated there helps activate and project a fragrance, making it bloom naturally throughout the day.

Samples & Decants

What is a decant?

A decant is a smaller quantity of fragrance transferred from a larger retail bottle into a compact travel vial — typically in sizes like 2ml, 5ml, or 10ml. It lets you try a fragrance at a fraction of the cost of a full bottle.

Why buy a decant instead of a full bottle?

Fragrance is one of the few products you can't truly judge until you wear it. A 5ml decant lets you wear a scent for several days and see how it develops on your skin, in different weather, and at different times of day — before spending $150–$500+ on a full bottle. It's the smartest way to explore niche and luxury fragrances.

Are decants the same fragrance as the full bottle?

Yes. A decant is the same juice from the same retail bottle — just in a smaller vial. You are not getting a diluted or different version of the fragrance.

How many sprays are in a 5ml decant?

Roughly 50–70 sprays depending on the atomizer, which gives you enough to wear it multiple times and get a true sense of the fragrance across different occasions and seasons.

Can I travel with a decant?

Yes — decants in sizes 10ml and under are well within TSA carry-on limits (under 100ml). A small decant vial is far more practical for travel than carrying a full bottle.

Are decants eligible for return?

No. All decant samples are final sale and cannot be returned or refunded once shipped. This is standard practice in the fragrance industry due to hygiene and the nature of the product.

Orders & Shipping

What kind of fragrances do you carry?

We curate luxury, niche, designer, discontinued, and hard-to-find fragrances — including brands like Amouage, Clive Christian, Roja Parfums, Ex Nihilo, Memo Paris, Widian, Montale, Parfums de Marly, and more. We also carry limited Harrods Exclusive releases that are difficult to find at most retailers.

What does "unboxed" mean on a product listing?

"Unboxed" means the fragrance bottle is 100% genuine and unused, but the outer retail box is missing or has cosmetic damage. The perfume itself is completely intact and unsprayed. These are offered at reduced prices to reflect the missing outer packaging.

What is a back-ordered item?

A back-ordered item is temporarily out of stock and not available for immediate shipment. When you order a back-ordered item, your entire order is held until all products are available. Back-ordered items typically restock within 3–14 days, but this can vary. Contact support@arcticscent.com for an estimated timeline.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are processed within 1–5 business days (Sundays and US federal holidays excluded). After dispatch, domestic delivery typically takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive a tracking email once your order ships. Note that tracking updates may take a short time to appear after the label is created.

How will I know my order has shipped?

You'll receive a shipping confirmation email with your tracking number as soon as your order is dispatched. If you don't see it, check your spam or promotions folder. You can also contact us at support@arcticscent.com with your order number.

Can I change my shipping address after placing an order?

Contact us at support@arcticscent.com as soon as possible. If your order hasn't been dispatched yet, we'll do our best to update it. Once a tracking number has been generated, the address can no longer be changed on our end — you'll need to contact the carrier directly.

My order is a gift — do you include a price invoice in the package?

No. We do not include any printed invoices with pricing inside the package. If you'd like a gift note included, mention it in your order notes at checkout and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Do you ship internationally?

Please check at checkout or email support@arcticscent.com for international availability. Shipping rates and options are calculated at checkout based on your destination. Customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the recipient and are not covered by Arctic Scent.

What happens if nobody is home for a signature delivery?

The carrier will typically leave a notice and attempt redelivery, or hold the package at a local facility for pickup. Check your tracking link for the carrier's instructions. If the package is returned to us after failed delivery attempts, we'll contact you to arrange reshipment — a reshipment fee may apply.

Do orders over a certain value require a signature?

Yes. Orders over $250 require an adult signature upon delivery for your security. If you choose to waive the signature requirement by contacting the carrier directly, you accept full responsibility for the package once it is marked as Delivered. Arctic Scent is not liable for loss or theft after confirmed delivery when a signature has been waived.

What if my package is lost or stolen after delivery?

Once a carrier marks your shipment as "Delivered," responsibility transfers to the recipient. Arctic Scent is not liable for packages lost, stolen, or missing after confirmed delivery. We recommend adding optional shipping insurance at checkout for added peace of mind.

Returns & Refunds

What is your return policy?

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery on full bottles that are completely unused, unsprayed, and in their original sealed condition. If the item arrived with cellophane wrap, it must be fully intact. If it had no cellophane, the box must be unopened and the bottle unsprayed..

I opened the fragrance and I don't like the scent — can I return it?

Unfortunately no. We're not able to accept returns on opened or used fragrances due to hygiene and product integrity. This is standard across the fragrance industry. Fragrance preference is deeply personal, which is exactly why we offer decant samples. Trying before buying is always the best approach for an expensive purchase.

How do I start a return?

Email support@arcticscent.com with your order number and reason for return before sending anything back.. Once approved, ship your item back within 14 days of receiving the return label.

Who pays for return shipping?

Return shipping is the customer's responsibility unless Arctic Scent made an error (wrong item sent, or item arrived damaged/defective). If we issue a prepaid return label, its cost will be deducted from your refund. Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable.

When will I receive my refund?

Refunds are processed after we receive and inspect the returned item. If approved, your refund is issued to your original payment method within 7 business days. Allow additional time for your bank or card provider to post the credit — this is outside our control.

What items cannot be returned?

The following are final sale and not eligible for return or refund: decant samples (all sizes), testers, candles, and any item marked Final Sale. International orders are also non-returnable due to shipping and customs restrictions on fragrance products.

What if my return is rejected?

If a returned item does not meet our eligibility conditions — opened, sprayed, seal broken, or signs of use or tampering — the return will be rejected and the item will be shipped back to you at your expense.

The fragrance I received looks different from the product photos — is there a problem?

Packaging variations can occur between production batches, especially with niche and luxury houses — box fonts, cap colors, and bottle shapes occasionally change without notice from the brand. If something looks genuinely inconsistent, contact us at support@arcticscent.com with photos and your order number and we'll investigate immediately.

Can I exchange a fragrance for a different one?

We don't process direct exchanges. If your item meets our return eligibility criteria, you can return it and place a new order separately.

Can I cancel or modify my order after placing it?

Yes — but only before a tracking number is generated. Contact us at support@arcticscent.com as soon as possible. Once a tracking number exists, the order is already in dispatch and cannot be changed or cancelled. Any requests at that point will be handled as a standard return.

Payments & Security

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover — as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, and PayPal where available. All options are displayed at checkout.

Will I be charged sales tax?

Sales tax is calculated at checkout based on your delivery address and applicable state tax laws.

Why was my payment declined?

Payment declines are usually handled by your card issuer, not by us. Common reasons include an incorrect billing address, card limits, or fraud prevention flags on your bank's side. Try a different card or payment method, or contact your bank directly. You can also reach us at support@arcticscent.com if you continue having trouble.

Is it safe to enter my payment details on your site?

Yes. All transactions on arcticscent.com are processed through Shopify's PCI-compliant, SSL-encrypted payment system. We never store your full card details.

General

How do I find a fragrance I smelled on someone but don't know the name of?

Describe what you remember — the mood, the notes, whether it was sweet, woody, fresh, or smoky — and email us at support@arcticscent.com. We love helping with fragrance discovery and will suggest options from our collection that might match.

Do you offer gift cards?

Check our website for current gift card availability. A gift card is also the perfect option when buying for someone whose taste you're unsure of — it lets them choose exactly what they want.

Do you have a newsletter or any promotions?

Yes — sign up for our newsletter on the homepage to receive early access to new arrivals, exclusive discounts, and fragrance tips. We don't spam; we only send things worth reading.

My tracking shows delivered but I haven't received anything — what now?

First, check with household members, neighbors, your building management, or any secure drop locations. Then contact the carrier directly to file a missing package report. If you purchased shipping insurance at checkout, contact us at support@arcticscent.com and we'll assist with the insurance claim process.

How do I contact Arctic Scent?

Email: support@arcticscent.com Address: 1039 N Interstate 35E, Carrollton, TX 75006 We respond within 24 hours, Monday–Saturday.

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