Perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds, fixatives and solvents in liquid form, used to give the human body, food, objects and living spaces a pleasant and pleasing scent. The art of perfumery has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It became hugely popular in the seventeenth century when hygienic standards were low and perfume was used to mask unpleasant smells. It also enjoyed popularity during the reigns of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I who both had all public areas fragranced.
Perfumery is often compared to music in terms of its aesthetic connotations and perfumes are sometimes referred to as “liquid poetry.” They can be worn for cosmetic, personal hygiene or spiritual purposes. Depending on the ingredients used and the skin chemistry of the wearer perfumes can evolve throughout the day — changing from top notes, heart notes and base notes. The olfactory senses can be very sensitive and perfume can have a profound effect on one’s mood and emotions.
While fragrance preferences can be very subjective, certain perfumes are known to garner compliments from people of all genders and backgrounds. According to a study, women’s perfume choices have been shown to be influenced by their mood and the context in which they are wearing the scent (e.g. romantic encounters or a job interview). Other factors that influence perfume choice include the brand, the type of fragrance and whether or not it’s an everyday staple or more luxurious, exotic option.
The best perfume for women tend to have a softer and more feminine scent while the best men’s perfume are typically woody, musky or earthy in tone. When choosing a perfume, it’s important to find the right scent for you that makes you feel confident and comfortable. A good rule of thumb is to test out several scents in a store and spray them on your wrist to see how they smell after an hour or so. This will give you a good idea of what the scent will be like when worn and how long it will last.
What We Love:
Developed by the perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this masculine scent is the perfect blend of feminine and masculine. The delicate blend of florals and woods gives this scent a classic elegance. Its composition is complex, with notes of jasmine, iris, and frankincense. The sultry fragrance has a soft, sensual side making it great for the office or a special evening out.