All of our perfumes are at an extrait de parfum (high) concentrate.

The oil perfumes are in a base of coconut (MCT) oil.

• Top notes escape when it is first applied. This creates a vibrant opening that will quickly begin to mellow and transform on the skin.
• Medium sillage and longevity.
• Applying the fixative base under the oil will naturally extend the scent.

The wax perfumes are in a base of coconut (MCT) oil, shea butter, and beeswax.

• Top notes are muted since they are trapped in a heavier base, which releases the scent more slowly.
• Lowest sillage, highest longevity.
• Works well in warm weather and on warm skin, as heat is needed to release the scent from the wax.
• Scent is easier to accurately smell straight from the container.


Spirit (alcohol) perfumes are in a base of organic sugarcane alcohol.

• Easier to apply to clothing, hair, and lightly covers more surface area.
• Highest sillage, shortest longevity.
• Top notes escape when it is first applied. This creates a vibrant opening that will quickly begin to mellow and transform on the skin.

• The perfumes are shelf-stable indefinitely (5+ years) if properly stored.

• Store products in a cool or room temperature place. Heat can cause the more delicate essences to "burn up" and fade, changing the scent. Keep away from open air and sunlight, as oxygen and UV rays can also damage the scent.

• The most delicate top notes may begin to fade after the first year and the earthier base notes will become stronger and smoother after several years. Although the scent may alter over time, it is still wearable.

• The Lip Embellishments are best if used within 2 years, but they are still safe to use after this.

• The Rosehip Elixir Oil must be stored carefully (away from heat, sunlight, and oxygen exposure) and is best if used within 8 months. The formula is fragile and oxidation will occur naturally because we do not use harsh preservatives. (The scent will change significantly when the oils oxidize, so this is the best way to determine expiration.) Shelf life can be extended if stored in the refrigerator.

All FSW perfume is hand-made in small batches as well as bottled, labeled, and packaged in our studio. We handle everything from customer service and order fulfillment to our website and marketing in-house. Our aesthetic is a collaboration of a three-woman crew. Select candles, incense, and other items are curated from other makers that we love.

YES.

All products are vegan with the exception of the use of beeswax in our wax perfumes and lip balms.
None of our suppliers test on animals and we certainly don't either (unless you include ourselves).
We source organic, unsprayed, and sustainably wild-harvested ingredients whenever possible.
We research our sources to ensure ethical harvests and business practices.
We source ingredients that are GS-MS tested and certified for purity.
All perfumes, lip balms, and elixirs are 100% natural.

This means NO Parabens, PFAS, phthalates, formaldehydes, BHA, BHT, PEGs, etc.

"Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade" is not an actual certification but a misleading trademarked phrase created by an MLM company. There is no such thing as this in the aromatherapy and perfume industries.

"Nontoxic" is also a misleading term since it is dependent on usage and dosage. Even water can be toxic in high doses. Please use products only as intended to avoid toxicity.

Most things are "sustainable" in small batches but mass-production often creates issues. Something sustainably-sourced can quickly become unsustainable through production increases or even natural disasters when dealing with plant materials. Since we are a small producer that is conscientious, does not let anything go to waste, and does not source anything that is over-harvested, we consider ourselves sustainable. We fear that future climate conditions will most likely create sustainability issues for us, sadly.

• We offer two options for international shipping. Orders placed through forstrangewomen.com will not include VAT, excise duties, or customs fees. Your local department will contact you and require any of these duties to be paid before delivery. If you prefer the VAT to be collected at checkout please order from our Etsy shop. This may allow a faster delivery.

• Tracking through USPS usually ends in Chicago, where it leaves the US. To continue tracking, search the same tracking number on the postal service website associated with your country or call your local office.

• Most international orders arrive about 2 weeks after shipment, but mail has been slower in recent years and may take much longer.

• Since 2020 USPS has experienced significant delays. This is out of our control, please be patient.

• Priority mail packages are insured up to $50 automatically. UPS packages are insured for up to $100 automatically. USPS First class and Parcel Post are not insured.

• If you are concerned about the delivery of your order, please check the tracking information that is emailed to you and confirm that the address submitted is correct. If you cannot find your tracking email please check your spam folder.

• If your order has not arrived within 7 days of shipment (US) or 30 days (international), you can submit a missing mail search request here.

• If your tracking says "delivered" but you can't find your package, wait an extra day in case the delivery was mis-scanned. If it still does not arrive it was either misdelivered, picked up by accident by a building/roommate, or stolen. Mail theft is out of our control but please do report to us if this happens.

• You can also check here to find service disruption alerts for your region.

• If for any reason a package is returned to us, we will email you and arrange to reship.

• International orders are shipped DDU. Your customs dept or local postal service will contact you about taxes and duties that need to be paid for receipt.

Full-size unused products may be returned. Samples, Limited Edition, Custom and used items are not returnable.
Returns must be postmarked within 10 days of delivery and arrive back to us in their original condition.

Please email us with your order number and item info to return. We will email you a USPS shipping label to print and place on your return package. The postage fee + restocking fee of up to 15% will be deducted from your order refund. 

Return address:
For Strange Women
Attn: Tara (Return)
115 West 18th Street
Suite 107
Kansas City, MO 64108
USA

In the FSW FB Community Group you can buy, sell and trade FSW products with other members of the community.

*We are not responsible for or directly involved in these transactions. We recommend using payment methods that protect your transactions with other members.

• Store products in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and use only for their intended purpose.

• Avoid eye area and do not consume internally.

• Scents with citrus oils may cause photo-sensitization. Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure to areas a fruity scent is applied to.