A Luxurious Cloud – Understanding Perfumes and Fragrances
Understanding the world of perfumes can be intimidating. Discerning the different variations of perfume mixtures, comprehending fragrance schematics and navigating complicated industry jargon shouldn't encumber the enjoyment of such an opulent product. Ultimately, perfume is the perfect accessory that completes an impeccably polished look, surrounding the wearer in a cloud of luxury.
The words ‘perfume' and ‘fragrance' have similar meanings and are often interchangeable depending on region and context. While ‘perfume', ‘aroma' and ‘fragrance' all imply pleasing scents, ‘perfume' generally suggests a rich and robust odor while ‘fragrance' suggests a scent that is more delicate in nature. However, when dealing with the actual cosmetic structure of perfume, the different names are used to distinguish between the different forms. Fragrances are generally comprised of natural and man-made essential oils, alcohol and water. It is the concentration of oils that govern what the end product is called.
Night and Day - The Different Forms of Perfume
The lightest scented form of perfume is known as Eau de Cologne. It contains no more than 3 per cent concentrated perfume oil and is great for consistent daytime wear. It is a light level of fragrance that doesn't linger for the whole day and can be re-applied or changed as the day unfolds.
Eau de Toilette has a slightly stronger concentration of oils, ranging anywhere from 4 to 18 per cent. It provides a long lasting scent and is more cost effective than the concentrated fragrance forms of Perfume or Extrait. As Eau de Toilette is more durable and pronounced than the Eau de Cologne selections, it is much more favourable as an evening fragrance.
The strongest of the mixtures is Perfume, with an oil concentration that can span from 12 to 30 per cent. It is also known as ‘parfum' or ‘extrait'. The most extravagant varieties contain no water and are therefore not diluted. They consist simply of perfume oil and the purest of alcohols. These decadent extraits offer the longest lasting scent and are perfect for special occasions, when making an impact and leaving a lasting impression is the desired result.
Opulently Tailored – Selecting a Flattering Fragrance
Like wardrobes, fragrances become personal when adorned. Sometimes an article of clothing can look dubious on the rack; however once tried on and fitted, is actually a perfect piece of clothing that flatters and compliments the body. Perfumes work in a similar fashion.
Each person has unique body chemistry, with no two people in the world smelling alike. When perfumes come into contact with skin they react to the skin's natural oils, creating a one-of-a-kind scent specific to the individual. Smelling the perfume directly out of the bottle, on the inside of the cap or on a test strip will never be a true indication of how the fragrance will complement the wearer. The key to finding the best scent is experimentation; taking advantage of samples and ‘trying on' perfumes will pave the way to selecting a flattering fragrance.