PERFUME FAQ · QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Perfume is a composition of aromatic materials, usually dissolved in alcohol. A fragrance can contain both natural and synthetic ingredients and develops over time after it is applied to the skin.

Perfumes are often described in terms of top, heart and base notes. The top notes shape the first impression, while the heart and base become more noticeable as the fragrance develops.

The terms mainly refer to the concentration of the fragrance composition. There is no single internationally binding set of percentage limits, but Eau de Toilette is generally lighter, Eau de Parfum more concentrated, and Parfum or Extrait more concentrated again.

The label alone does not determine quality or longevity. The materials used and the overall formula also shape a fragrance's intensity, development and character.

Fragrance concentration describes, in simple terms, the proportion of the fragrance composition in the finished product.

It can influence fullness and presence. The quality, character and longevity of a perfume, however, depend on the composition as a whole, the materials used and the way they work together – not on a percentage alone.

No. A higher concentration is not, by itself, a measure of quality.

A transparent, airy fragrance may intentionally be lighter in concentration, while another composition is designed to be denser and more intense. What matters is whether the concentration suits the fragrance itself.

There is no reliable number of hours that applies to every person and every fragrance. Perfume develops differently on dry, oily, warm or cool skin. Temperature, humidity, clothing and the fragrance materials themselves also play a role.

The same Eau de Parfum can therefore last and project differently from one person to another.

Perfume is often applied to warmer areas of the skin such as the neck, nape or wrists. Once sprayed, there is no need to rub the fragrance vigorously into the skin.

Fabric can also retain scent for a long time. With delicate or light-coloured textiles, test first on an inconspicuous area.

Perfume is best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Strong heat and frequent temperature changes are unfavourable.

A bathroom, with its frequent changes in temperature and humidity, is therefore not the ideal place to store a fragrance.

A unisex perfume is not positioned exclusively as a women's or men's fragrance. Notes such as citrus, woods, herbs, musk, amber and spices do not inherently belong to one gender.

What matters is how a fragrance develops on your skin and whether you enjoy wearing it. GREEN STAG and GREYFLAME were both created as unisex Eau de Parfums.

A useful starting point is not gender or age, but the question: how should the fragrance feel?

Do you want something fresh, light and uplifting? Warm and sensual? Woody, spicy, green or opulent? From there, you can narrow down fragrance families and notes. Whenever possible, test the perfume on your own skin, because it may develop differently there than on a paper blotter.

These words describe the overall impression of a fragrance. “Fresh” may suggest citrus, aromatic herbs or airy accords. “Green” often evokes leaves, herbs, forests or plant life. “Warm” is frequently associated with woods, amber, vanilla, musk or certain spices.

They are not rigid technical categories; they are useful ways of describing the character and mood of a perfume.

An opulent fragrance generally feels fuller, denser and more expressive than a very light perfume. Warm woods, amber, musk, spices or vanilla can all contribute to this impression.

At CWC, GREYFLAME represents this warmer, more sensual side, while GREEN STAG is distinctly fresher and greener.

Perfume layering means wearing two or more fragrances together. The result can create a new scent impression that carries elements of each composition.

For example, a fresh perfume can add lift to a warmer fragrance, while a deeper scent can give a light fragrance more depth. Start with a small amount and adjust the balance to your own taste.

You can experiment with many combinations, but not every pairing will feel equally harmonious.

Complementary characters can be particularly interesting – for example fresh with warm, or citrus with woods. CWC GREEN STAG and GREYFLAME can be worn individually or combined.

A travel size is a compact fragrance format that is easier to carry than a full-size bottle. It works well for travel, a handbag or the office, and for getting to know a fragrance over time.

Both CWC fragrances are available in 20 ml. To discover them side by side, choose the CWC Fragrance Set 2 × 20 ml.

“Niche perfume” is not a legally defined product category. In everyday use, the term usually describes fragrance brands that place the fragrance concept, composition, identity and individuality ahead of broad mass-market appeal.

A niche perfume is not automatically stronger, more expensive or more unusual. What matters is the intention to create a distinctive character.

The boundaries are fluid. Large fashion and luxury houses can create highly original perfumes, just as independent perfume brands can.

With niche houses, perfume is often the central focus of the brand rather than an extension of fashion, accessories or cosmetics. Independent brands can also follow a distinctive origin, design language or fragrance concept with particular consistency.

Yes. Alongside the major international perfume centres, Austria also has independent fragrance brands and perfume projects.

CWC is an Austrian perfume brand from Gmunden in the Salzkammergut. GREEN STAG and GREYFLAME are made in Austria.

For CWC, it means that the Eau de Parfums are made and bottled in Austria. The brand itself comes from Gmunden in the Salzkammergut.

CWC therefore brings fragrance, Austrian origin and design together in one concept.

A perfume does not have to reproduce a place literally. At CWC, Austria – and the Salzkammergut in particular – is a source of inspiration for different expressions in scent.

GREEN STAG represents the fresh, green and light side. GREYFLAME stands for warmth, elegance and a more opulent character.

Perfume can be a very personal gift, which is why it helps to have some idea of the recipient's taste.

If you are unsure, a smaller size or a set can offer more flexibility. A fragrance can become particularly meaningful as a gift when its design, origin and presentation tell a story as well as the scent itself.

Many people look for an Austrian gift that goes beyond a conventional souvenir. Products with a genuine connection to Austrian design, craftsmanship or production can offer a more individual alternative.

CWC combines Eau de Parfum made in Austria with Gmunden and, in the 75 ml editions, with GMUNDNER Keramik.

CWC brings several Austrian elements together: the brand comes from the Salzkammergut, the fragrances are made in Austria, and the 75 ml editions feature handcrafted ceramic sleeves by GMUNDNER Keramik.

The result is a gift that combines fragrance with a clear story of origin and design.

The 75 ml editions pair Austrian perfumery with ceramic sleeves handcrafted and hand-painted by GMUNDNER Keramik in Gmunden.

The handwork gives each ceramic sleeve its own individual character.

GMUNDNER Keramik is a traditional ceramic manufacturer from Gmunden in Upper Austria. The ceramic sleeves for CWC's 75 ml editions are made there by hand.

For GREEN STAG, the hand-painted stag motif requires time, precision and craftsmanship. GREYFLAME is decorated by hand using the traditional Gmundner flamed technique; since 2021, this technique has been included in Austria's Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

No. The ceramic sleeve is an integral part of the 75 ml editions, not simply packaging.

After the fragrance is finished, the ceramic remains a design object in its own right. For current separation guidance, see our BEYOND THE FRAGRANCE page.

CWC is an Austrian niche perfume brand founded in 2021 in Gmunden, in the Salzkammergut region.

GREEN STAG and GREYFLAME are the two unisex Eau de Parfums in the current collection. Discover the CWC brand.

CWC stands for Claudia and Christoph Wagner. The CWC signet began with a pair of cufflinks designed for their wedding; the motif later became part of the brand’s visual identity.

“SO DUFTET ÖSTERREICH” literally means “This is how Austria smells”. It is the idea behind CWC and is expressed in English as “THE FRAGRANCE OF AUSTRIA”. It is not about reducing Austria to a single smell; different moods and facets are translated into distinct fragrances.

GREEN STAG represents freshness, greenery and lightness. GREYFLAME represents warmth, depth and sensuality.

The two fragrances are deliberately different.

GREEN STAG is fresh, green and citrus-led. Grapefruit, lemon leaf and orange meet pine, sage, rosemary and light woods.

GREYFLAME is warm, opulent and sensual. Black pepper, heliotrope, amber and dark woods meet sandalwood, vanilla, musk and subtle oud nuances.

GREEN STAG combines a fresh citrus opening with aromatic green elements. Grapefruit, lemon leaf and orange meet pine, sage and rosemary. Cedarwood, sandalwood and white musk give structure to the base.

The overall impression is fresh, green and invigorating. Discover GREEN STAG

GREYFLAME is warmer and fuller in character. Black pepper opens the composition, followed by heliotrope, amber and dark woods. Sandalwood, vanilla, musk and subtle oud nuances form the base.

The overall impression is warm, opulent and sensual. Discover GREYFLAME

Both are unisex Eau de Parfums. CWC does not define them exclusively as fragrances for women or men. What matters is which fragrance feels right on the person wearing it.

GREEN STAG and GREYFLAME are each available as a 20 ml Travel Size and as a 75 ml edition.

The 20 ml Travel Size offers the same fragrance and the same quality as the corresponding 75 ml edition. The 75 ml edition also features a handcrafted, hand-painted ceramic sleeve by GMUNDNER Keramik.

If you want to find out which of the two fragrance characters suits you, the 20 ml versions are a practical starting point.

The CWC Fragrance Set contains GREEN STAG and GREYFLAME in 20 ml each, making it easy to compare the two directly.

2 = 3. GREEN STAG and GREYFLAME are two distinctive fragrances in their own right. Together, they create a third expression.

You decide the balance.

Perfume counts as a liquid for air travel. CWC's 20 ml and 75 ml bottles are both below the 100 ml per-container limit used for liquids at many airports.

Security rules can vary by airport and destination, so always check the current requirements for your specific journey before travelling.

Its compact size makes the 20 ml version particularly convenient for travel, a handbag or the office.

The 75 ml edition suits those who want a larger bottle and appreciate the distinctive GMUNDNER Keramik sleeve.

Like other perfumes, GREEN STAG and GREYFLAME should be stored in a cool, dark place. Direct sunlight and strong heat should be avoided.

GREEN STAG, GREYFLAME and the CWC Fragrance Set are available directly from the CWC online shop.

CWC is also available from selected retail partners. View the CWC collection · Find CWC stockists & partners