Frequently asked questions

ÉCLATAUR is a luxury handcrafted fragrance house based in Sunnyvale, Texas, operating as Eclataur LLC and making perfume since MMXX. We create small batch Eau de Parfum sprays and perfume oil roll-ons. Every bottle is formulated, blended, macerated for 30 days, and hand inspected before release. The name combines the French éclat, meaning brilliance, and aura, meaning invisible presence.

ÉCLATAUR was founded by a lifelong collector of fine scent who spent decades building a personal library of fragrances from around the world. When that collection was lost during a family relocation to Texas, the founder chose not to rebuild it, but to create something better. Every ÉCLATAUR formula is developed, blended, and approved by the same hands that made the very first bottles. The house operates as Eclataur LLC, a family owned business in Sunnyvale, Texas, and its fragrances are distributed by Evenore Solutions LLC.

ÉCLATAUR is a constructed word drawn from two French roots: éclat, meaning brilliance or radiance, and aura, meaning the invisible presence or atmosphere surrounding a person. Together they capture what a truly personal fragrance does. It is not loud and it does not announce itself, but it leaves a trail of brilliance in its wake. The name is written with the acute accent on the E.

ÉCLATAUR is for those who believe fragrance is invisible jewelry, a personal signature more telling than any logo. Our collectors value craftsmanship, longevity, and the quiet authority of a scent that lingers long after you leave the room. Whether worn in boardrooms, candlelit evenings, or solitary walks, ÉCLATAUR is built to be felt, not merely smelled.

All ÉCLATAUR fragrances are handcrafted in our Texas studio. Each batch is blended by hand, macerated a full 30 days in a temperature controlled environment, and quality checked before bottling. We do not outsource production. Every bottle that leaves the studio has been personally inspected and approved.

Every ÉCLATAUR fragrance is built on principles most commercial brands cannot afford to honor. We use 200 proof organic food grade grain alcohol for sprays and organic fractionated coconut oil for roll-ons, never denatured and never the cheaper path. Every formula carries the proprietary VELUM system, a 15 layer performance accord engineered into each batch for 10 plus hours as a spray and 8 hours as a roll-on. Every batch is macerated a full 30 days. No automated line touches our bottles: each one is hand filled, hand capped, and hand inspected. This is not a faster way to make perfume. It is the only way we are willing to make it.

Yes. All ÉCLATAUR formulations are developed in accordance with International Fragrance Association safety guidelines, the global standard for responsible fragrance composition. Every ingredient is documented, traceable, and verified before entering any formula, and every batch is recorded in a formulation ledger for full traceability from raw material to finished bottle. IFRA compliance is not a marketing badge here. It is the starting point.

Yes, by design. ÉCLATAUR operates on a controlled distribution model: small batch production, no mass retail presence, and intentionally limited availability. This is not a constraint, it is the architecture of the house. What you wear is not available on every shelf.

Édition Limitée is the ÉCLATAUR line of limited run fragrances, offered in 100 ml only and presented as singular releases rather than permanent collection members. Each composition explores a creative direction outside the core collection, whether that means rarer materials, more complex accords, or seasonal expression. A release is bottled in the quantity that batch yields, so it sells out and returns when the next batch is benched. The first release is ÉCLAT. You can see the line, and ask to be told when the next batch is benched, on the Édition Limitée page.

All ÉCLATAUR spray perfumes are formulated as Eau de Parfum at 20 to 25 percent fragrance concentration. The roll-on oils are formulated at extrait level concentration, 25 to 30 percent, carried in organic fractionated coconut oil for a skin-close sillage that evolves through the day.

ÉCLATAUR fragrances are engineered for 10 plus hours as a spray and 8 hours as a roll-on, thanks to the proprietary VELUM system, a 15 layer performance accord built into every formula. Longevity depends on skin type, environment, and how you apply it, and the amber and musk forward compositions often run longer still. For best results, apply to moisturized skin at pulse points.

ÉCLATAUR offers men's, women's, and unisex collections as a guide, a starting point for anyone who prefers a familiar frame when exploring scent. In practice every ÉCLATAUR fragrance can be worn by anyone drawn to it. A woody oriental from the men's collection may wear beautifully on a woman; a white floral from the women's collection may find its perfect home on a man. The collections exist to help you discover. Your skin decides the rest, and the only question that matters in perfumery is whether the scent is yours.

Fragrance is a conversation between the formula and the skin. Body chemistry, skin pH, hydration, body temperature, and even diet all influence how a perfume develops once applied. What smells warm and ambery on one person may lean sharper or softer on another. This is exactly why we recommend testing a fragrance on your own skin before committing to a full bottle, and it is why our testers exist.

Macerating perfume is the aging process where blended fragrance ingredients rest undisturbed so the molecules slowly integrate, soften, and deepen into a unified accord. It is the perfumer's equivalent of letting wine breathe. Every ÉCLATAUR batch goes through it because it produces a depth and smoothness that freshly blended perfume simply cannot achieve.

It means the fragrance has been given time to fully develop before it reaches you. During maceration, sharp edges settle, the heart of the composition emerges, and the base notes anchor themselves into the accord. The result is a smoother opening, richer depth, and more cohesive performance on skin. It is the single most important step separating rushed production from genuine craft.

How long to macerate perfume depends on the complexity of the composition, but industry best practice calls for a minimum of 21 days. ÉCLATAUR macerates every batch a full 30 days, with no exceptions, sealed and aged in a dark temperature controlled environment. Days 1 to 3 allow initial bonding, day 4 is the sediment inspection, and days 5 to 30 are uninterrupted dark aging. No batch is released early.

Both formats carry the same core fragrance character but perform differently on skin. The Eau de Parfum spray, on a 200 proof organic grain alcohol base, projects with wider sillage and suits presence and social wear. The roll-on, on an organic fractionated coconut oil base, delivers skin-close warmth and an intimate trail, which suits travel, touch-ups, and layering. Many collectors use both together: roll-on first for depth, spray over it for projection.

Sillage, pronounced see-yazh, is the French perfumery term for the scented trail a fragrance leaves behind as the wearer moves through a room. It is distinct from projection, which describes how far the fragrance radiates from the skin at any given moment. ÉCLATAUR fragrances are engineered through the VELUM system to project confidently, typically within an arm's length for the first several hours, while leaving a refined sillage that follows you without announcing itself. Strong enough to be noticed, restrained enough to stay personal.

VELUM is the proprietary ÉCLATAUR 15 layer performance accord, engineered into every formula. It is a separate base system manufactured before any individual fragrance is blended, and it provides the structural foundation for 10 plus hours as a spray and 8 hours as a roll-on, with confident projection independent of the fragrance concentration. It is the invisible architecture behind every bottle.

Yes, for every fragrance in the collection, through The Prelude. Your first commitment should be to the scent itself, not the bottle size, and a tester is the most honest way to learn whether a fragrance is truly yours. The testers are free. One flat $10 shipping covers a tray of up to five, or collect free at the Sunnyvale atelier, and a shipped tester order earns a $10 credit toward any full-size spray, 50 ml or 100 ml.

Each product page carries a detailed three act scent journey through the top, heart, and base notes, along with occasion guidance, seasonal recommendations, and layering partners. If you are unsure, start with a tester: wear it for a full day and let the dry-down reveal the true character of the fragrance on your skin.

Yes. The Fragrance Discovery Set is $79.99 and you choose the scents yourself: five 10 ml bottles from across the collection, presented in a matte black bookcase that arrives gift ready inside a protective outer carton. Each bottle is a complete ÉCLATAUR perfume, macerated 30 days and engineered for 10 plus hours of wear. If you would rather test before you choose, start with The Prelude and build the set once you know which five are yours.

ÉCLATAUR accepts all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, along with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Payments are processed by Stripe or PayPal over an encrypted connection. We never store card details on our servers.

Yes. Checkout runs entirely over TLS encryption and payment processing is handled by Stripe and PayPal, both PCI DSS Level 1 certified providers. Your card details are sent directly to the payment processor and never touch our servers, which means there is no card data for us to store or lose.

We begin processing orders quickly to keep fulfillment times short. If you need to change or cancel, contact us within 2 hours of placing the order and we will do our best to accommodate it. Once an order has entered the packing stage, changes cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. A confirmation email is sent as soon as the order is placed, carrying your order number, a summary of what you bought, and the estimated shipping timeline. A second email follows with tracking once the order is dispatched. If the confirmation has not arrived within a few minutes, check your spam or promotions folder.

ÉCLATAUR ships to all fifty United States and Washington, DC. Alaska and Hawaii are served by surface transport, land and sea, and typically take 2 to 4 weeks. We cannot serve US territories or APO/FPO addresses, because perfume is a flammable liquid that may only travel by surface and military mail moves by air. International shipping to Canada, the United Kingdom, and select markets is part of our roadmap. The house newsletter carries the announcement when it opens.

Orders are processed and dispatched within 2 to 4 business days, and ground transit within the contiguous US typically adds another 3 to 7 business days; Alaska and Hawaii travel by land and sea and typically take 2 to 4 weeks. Ground is the only method available for perfume, so there is no expedited tier at checkout. Shipping is a flat $15 and free on orders of $79 and up.

Alcohol based perfume sprays are classified as Class 3 flammable liquids under federal transportation regulations. They cannot travel by air domestically and must ship by ground carrier, which for us means USPS Ground Advantage. ÉCLATAUR complies fully with these rules, which is why no overnight or air option appears at checkout regardless of what you are willing to pay for speed.

Oil based roll-ons are generally not classified as hazardous materials for domestic ground shipping. Carrier rules are still verified per shipment, and we ship all formats by ground with packaging appropriate to each, so a mixed order travels as one parcel rather than being split.

A tracking number is emailed to you once the order has been dispatched, and you can follow the shipment on the carrier's site. Tracking can take up to 24 hours to begin reporting movement after dispatch, which is normal and not a sign of a problem.

Every full-size spray ships with a complimentary 2 ml tester of the same fragrance, in separate packaging. Try the tester first. If the scent is not yours, return the full bottle unopened, with its seal and cellophane intact, within 30 days of delivery, and the tester is yours to keep either way. Opened or used bottles cannot be accepted for hygiene reasons. If you would rather test before you buy at all, The Prelude offers free testers for a flat $10 shipping fee.

Contact us within 7 days of delivery with your order number and a description of the discrepancy, and we will arrange a resolution promptly at no cost to you.

Once a refund is approved it is processed within 5 to 7 business days. Depending on your bank or card issuer, the funds may take a further 3 to 5 business days to appear on your statement.

Store the bottle somewhere cool, dark, and dry, away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid bathrooms, where humidity and temperature swing constantly. Keep bottles upright with caps secure so nothing evaporates. A bedroom drawer, a wardrobe shelf, or a dedicated fragrance cabinet is ideal, and properly stored ÉCLATAUR fragrances hold peak character for 3 to 5 years.

Apply to pulse points: inner wrists, neck, behind the ears, inner elbows. Spray from 10 to 15 cm away, and do not rub your wrists together, which breaks down the accord. Moisturized or slightly damp skin holds fragrance far better than dry skin. Layer the matching roll-on underneath for extended sillage, and allow 30 to 60 minutes for the full dry-down to bring the heart and base forward.

Apply directly to pulse points at the wrist, neck, and behind the knee, using 2 to 4 gentle passes without over applying. Give it 60 to 90 seconds to absorb before dressing. For the fullest expression, apply the roll-on first and spray the matching Eau de Parfum over it, which gives you both depth and projection.

Layering is combining fragrance formats to create a signature accord uniquely your own. Start with the roll-on at the base for skin-close warmth, then apply the matching Eau de Parfum over it. The combination creates depth, extends longevity, and gives the fragrance a more complex, personal character that keeps evolving through the day.

Fragrance does not expire in the traditional sense, but it can degrade when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen over time. Properly stored, ÉCLATAUR fragrances hold their intended character for years. If a fragrance changes noticeably in color, scent, or clarity, that is a sign of degradation rather than a fault in the batch.

ÉCLATAUR fragrances are formulated in accordance with IFRA safety guidelines and every ingredient is documented and traceable, but sensitivity to fragrance varies from person to person. If you have known sensitivities or skin conditions, start with a tester and patch test: apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or forearm, wait 24 hours, and check for a reaction before applying more widely. Discontinue use if you feel any discomfort, and consult a dermatologist for specific medical concerns.

Fragrance is one of the most intimate and lasting gifts a person can receive, and ÉCLATAUR packaging, matte black with gold accents, arrives ready to present without additional wrapping. Testers suit someone still exploring scent, a full-size bottle suits someone whose taste you already know, and the Discovery Set lets the recipient keep five scents together in one gift ready bookcase.

Yes. Tick "This order is a gift" at checkout and write your message there. Your message goes on a card, the order travels in the ÉCLATAUR gift bag, and nothing in the parcel shows a price.

No. A gift card cannot be cancelled or refunded once it has been issued, and an order containing one cannot be cancelled. A card becomes spendable money the moment it is delivered, it can be spent by whoever received it rather than by you, and it can be spent within minutes, so there is frequently nothing left to take back. If you have ordered one by mistake, write to us before it has been delivered and we will help where we can. On an order that also contains bottles, those bottles follow the usual returns policy; the card does not.

By email, to the address you give at checkout, on the date you choose. It is sent once the order has been paid for, so an order paid at collection sends the card when payment is taken. There is nothing to ship and nothing to collect, so a gift card on its own is never charged shipping and never asks for a delivery address.

Yes. Enter the recipient's name and address as the shipping address at checkout, tick "This order is a gift" and add your message. We dispatch directly to them in the gift bag with your message on a card, and the packing slip carries no pricing.

The debate is real. Some perfumers argue maceration is unnecessary and that a freshly blended fragrance is ready to wear immediately; others insist on weeks or months. We have tested both extensively. Freshly blended batches consistently open sharper and less cohesive than the same formula after 30 days of rest, because maceration allows molecular bonds to form between the fragrance oil and the carrier base. We do not claim it is required for all perfumery, but for the depth and cohesion ÉCLATAUR delivers it is non-negotiable.

The freezer method, typically 3 to 7 days in a freezer followed by a return to room temperature, is a popular shortcut in the DIY perfume community, on the theory that cold accelerates molecular bonding. ÉCLATAUR does not use it. Our testing found that freezing can cause certain fragrance compounds to crystallize or separate temporarily, and the resulting accord lacks the seamless integration that slow room temperature aging produces. We macerate at cool room temperature for 30 days because patience consistently outperforms shortcuts in our quality control evaluations.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. Maceration is specifically the initial resting period after blending, when raw ingredients integrate for the first time. Aging refers to longer term storage once maceration is complete. The ÉCLATAUR 30 day process is true maceration: days 1 to 3 for bonding, day 4 for sediment inspection, and days 5 to 30 for uninterrupted dark aging. The result is a fragrance that has fully matured before it ever reaches your skin.

In our experience, yes. Macerated fragrances consistently outperform freshly blended ones in our longevity and projection tests. During maceration the fragrance oil bonds more completely with the carrier base, which improves how the scent anchors to skin and how evenly it diffuses over time. Combined with the 15 layer VELUM performance system, the 30 day maceration is a key reason our fragrances deliver 10 plus hours as a spray and 8 hours as a roll-on.

A well macerated fragrance reveals itself in the opening. If the first spray feels harsh, alcohol forward, or one dimensional, the blend may not have rested long enough. A properly macerated perfume opens smoothly: the top notes arrive without sharpness, the heart emerges within minutes rather than hours, and the composition feels cohesive from the first moment. Every ÉCLATAUR batch is evaluated on skin after the full 30 day window before it is approved for release.