A General Overview Of Women's Fragrances
The word "perfume" in fact comes from a Latin phrase that means "through smoke." The people of Egypt and Mesopotamia often burned incense to mollify the gods. Perfumed oils were a very important part of ancient religious rituals. As the Persians and Romans began to refine their fragrances, perfume gradually became something that was not just reserved for ceremonial practices, but for pleasure as well. Egyptian women began to use fragrance on their face and hair. The Greeks would incorporate aromatic oils into their baths. Of course many cultures used perfumes to bury their dead. It helped to cover the smell of decaying flesh and honored the gods as well.
Some of the major ingredients that were used in producting perfumes in early times were myrrh, juniper, pistachio, fenugreek seeds, and the resin of the Matsic tree. Today fragrances are derived from a quantity of diverse sources–roots, seeds, leaves, twigs, resins, bulbs, woods, bark, fruits, honeycomb, musk, seaweed, lichens, flowers and blossoms.
Depending on the additives used and the concentration levels achieved, the specification of a fragrance falls into a distinct type. The most popular classifications are Floral Bouquet, Single Floral, Wood, Amber, Leather, Fougere, Chypre, Aquatic, Bright Floral, Green, Citrus, Gourmand, or Fruity.
Fragracnes have specified concentration metrics. A perfume's concentration level is determined by its ratio of aromatic compounds to solvent (water and ethanol). Perfume extract delivers the strongest scent due to the concentration of aromatic ingredients ranging between 14-38%! Eau de Parfum or Parfum de Toilette is comprised of 8-18% of the aromatic compounds. Eau de Toilette falls one classification down with 4-14% scented compounds. Eau de Cologne stands at only 2-7% of aromatic compounds with body splashes and/or aftershave prodcuts containing just 1-2% of fragrance. The lesser the concentration, the less potent the perfume.
Almost any body product can include some fragrance, from shampoo to deodorant. However, there are many products whose main function is only to provide a pleasureable odor. Perfume oil is the most intense and thus produces a more perfume scent than anything else. A single dab goes a long way. Body sprays and splashes are at the opposite end of the spectrum with very little fragrance and a very light aroma. Many body lotions also contain fragrance so that you can moisturize and bathe yourself in pleasant aroma at the same time. Make sure that you wear a perfume that compliments the fragrance of your lotion if you plan to wear them both at the same time.
Diverse perfumes react differently to different body chemistries. Just smelling a perfume bottle doesn't inform you whether it will smell good on you or not. To determine if a specific scent is right for you, apply just a tiny bit on yourself and let it set in. Once the pheromones of your body have blended with the scent of the perfume, you should be able to learn if it's the best choice for you or not.
It is also important to consider your mental makeup and likes and dislikes when selecting a specific beauty fragrance. Everything about yourself will go into this selection process, particularly if you plan to use it as your special "signature" perfume.
Since so many emotions can be triggered by any one scent, make sure that the odor you pick creates pleasing ones. Long after you depart any social area, that sweet smell will remain reminding everyone present that you were there. Choose that fragrance wisely.