Introduction
When it come to our sense of smell, I think it is human's most critical tool for survival. It can alert us to danger such as gas leaks, fires or dead things. Smell is also, closely linked to parts of the brain that processes our emotions, memories, and autonomic triggers: like when we get hungry. Adversely, unpleasant and bad smells, can actually send pain signals to the brain; warning us of possible dangers. While sweet, soft, and warm smells transport us to places, where we feel safe, loved, and energized.
History of Fragrance
Fragrances, such as perfumes, have existed in recorded history for over 4,000 years. Perfume came from the Latin word “per fumum,” which means “through smoke.” The Egyptians were the first to incorporate fragrances in their culture, influencing the Greek; followed by Asian, Greek, Israelite, Hindi, Arab, and Roman cultures. The Egyptians were also invented glass perfume bottles, dating around 1,000 BC.
The Late 19th Century, was the first real era of fragrances as we know it, when new scents were created, thanks to advances in organic chemistry. Synthetic fragrance products were used in place of certain hard to find, or expensive ingredients. By the early 1500s, Grasse and Provence, France, became the centers of flower and herb growing for the perfume industry. The men who worked in that area, used perfume to mask the horrible smell of processed leather. The men would also spray the leathers directly. They were knowledgable about how to use the botanical oil essences, and were the early pioneers to discern new scent profiles.
Main Notes
Every fragrance oil is said to be composed of three main notes: top, middle, and base notes. These notes are what create the the full bodied aromas, in our fragrances. The top notes are the first notes you smell out of the bottle, and are also called head notes. These notes are made of molecules that evaporate quickest. The middle notes create the unique characteristic aroma of the fragrance, and last longer on the skin. Lastly, base notes also known as hard notes, emerge 30 minutes after application. These notes add depth to the aroma, and solidify the main body of the fragrance.
The Fragrance Wheel
(The Fragrance Wheel, ver. 1983 - image source: wikiwand)
The fragrance wheel, identifies four standard families of notes; mainly Floral, Oriental, Woody, and Fresh. These families are then divided into three subgroups, and arranged in a circle. The exception to this rule, is the Aromatic Fougere family; which stands in the center of the fragrance wheel. It is the universal fragrance family, containing elements from many of the other families.
Perfumers use scent families to create anywhere of ten to a hundred ingredients, to accomplish a defined fragrance profile, for an intended target market. Founder of PerfumersWorld, Stephen V. Dowthwaite, suggests, "Our choices in perfumes are influenced by the image we want to portray."
According to Dowthwaite, very feminine personalities gravitate toward Florals while very masculine personalities prefer the Woody family. Young people tend to favor fruity, creamy, and vanilla scents; young adults prefer citrus and metallic scents; and mature adults enjoy heavy white flowers and Chypres. Elegant, sophisticated personalities enjoy aldehydes, powdery notes and leathers; while earthy, practical personalities prefer tobacco, spice and green notes.
Know the Classics
(a collage of various popular colognes for men, from top left to bottom right; Bleu de Chanel, Ralph Lauren Polo Green, Yves Saint Laurent Eau de Toilette, Jean Paul Gaultier "Le Male", Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme)
Any of these Colognes are perfect to start learning what a fragrance should smell like. After you've gotten a taste of fine quality, then I suggest venturing into the more unique, and characteristic fragrances. You can use the fragrance wheel to help you find different notes.
Try Before You Buy
Visiting department stores in person, is great way to try on classic and unique fragrances, offered in the market. Department stores such as Sephora, Macy's, and Nordstrom; all offer completely free samples, and have the added benefit of knowledgable staff, who can help guide you to the best fragrance for you. You can also reach out to companies themselves, and request a sample set of their latest fragrances. Some companies may require a small fee for shipping.
Hidden Benefits
- Enhances Mood
- Acts as an Aphrodisiac
- Calming Properties
- Extension of Your Personality
- Boosts Confidence
- Reduces Stress
- Improves Concentration
Habibi Discover Set
(Discovery Set vials, image: Vanache)
Recently, Habibi NY sent me a Discovery Fragrance Set, to experience and give my take on. In this set, you'll discover 6 vials filled with exclusive, premium, and long- lasting fragrances, each with their own unique character. Habibi fragrances are 100% vegan and free of color dyes. My favorite fragrances out of the set are the Spiced Bergamot, White Moroccan Leather, and surprisingly the Sahara Rose. Each of these fragrances have floral top notes, and a mixture of spicy and sweet mid notes. What honestly makes them a winner, are the solid warm base notes, ruminating a rich leathery vanilla aroma.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you were able to find this guide useful in your search for your ideal scent. The sense of smell is considered a right brain activity, which rules our emotions, memory, and creativity. Studies in aromatherapy are discovering, smelling oils and fragrances, can be used to cure physical and emotional traumas. The theory behind aromatherapy states that using essential oils, can help bolster the immune system when inhaled or applied topically. Below are some hidden benefits of utilizing fragrances:
all images: illustrated by Vanache
1 comment
This has really given me a great impact and a good guild line on making a good fragrance wheel choice and knowing the hidden benefits