Perfume has been used throughout history to enhance personal style and make a lasting impression. These scents are complex blends of a multitude of natural or synthetic ingredients that create unique fragrances with specific mood-enhancing properties. The perfume industry is a multi-billion dollar business with perfumers spending years honing their craft and developing a deep understanding of scent to create unique, captivating fragrances.
The earliest perfumes were made with a wide variety of natural oils including those extracted from flowers, herbs, fruits, spices, wood and resins. These oils were combined with alcohol or essential oils, fixatives and solvents. The earliest perfumes also contained a number of exotic and sometimes bizarre natural ingredients such as musk (from the glands of a male deer), hexigonone, and hyraceum (petrified musk deer feces). These days, the vast majority of fragrances are created in a laboratory using a combination of synthetic compounds and chemicals.
It’s important to note that perfume does not actually have pharmacological effects on the body; it is an emotional and associative response. A particular odor will trigger an immediate neural and behavioral response, often causing the person to feel happier or more confident. This is why perfumes are so popular – they provide an instant, instantaneous boost to the mood and are a great way to add the finishing touch to a special outfit or occasion.
Several studies have shown that certain types of perfumes can help to increase confidence and perceived attractiveness. In addition, the results of one study showed that women often choose perfume that reflects their personality and mood. For example, women who felt romantic or passionate selected a romantic perfume while those who were nervous chose a fresh fragrance.
In a more practical sense, the scent of a perfume can also be used to help with social interaction and is an excellent icebreaker. In fact, most of the fragrances on this list will be useful for this purpose since they have long-lasting, uplifting scents.
Perfume should be sprayed at the shoulders, front of the neck and on the wrist. The amount of perfume needed varies by person and should be adjusted accordingly. Keep in mind that perfume can be flammable so it is important to be careful when applying it around flames or heat sources. It’s also recommended to avoid applying perfume right after exercise or when perspiring since sweat can weaken the fragrance. It’s also a good idea to store perfume in a cool, dark and dry place.