Perfume is a complex mix of different chemicals and oils that combine to create the distinctive scent that lingers on your skin. It can enhance a person’s confidence and self-esteem, as well as evoke pleasant memories. Most perfumes are manufactured from natural products, but some have been synthesized to reduce the time needed for production and allow for greater consistency. Some perfumes are made to be used specifically by women, while others may be marketed for men or as unisex products. The process of creating perfume is a delicate balance of art and science.
The word perfume derives from the Latin words per meaning through and fumun or smoke, because natural oils were originally meant to emulate nature’s pleasant aromas. These oils were extracted, pressed and steamed in order to produce the desired scent. Initially, the most popular perfumes were produced by mixing a variety of different herbs and flowers. This led to the creation of fragrances such as rose and lavender. Later, other more exotic ingredients were added to the list of ingredients. These included myrrh, musk and ambergris, which are obtained from animal products.
Once all of the ingredients have been assembled, a substance called a fixative is added to help keep the perfume stable and lasting. This ingredient binds the oil together and helps to slow down the rate of evaporation. This can be made from a wide variety of materials, including mosses, resins and synthetic chemicals such as coal tar. Common animal substances used in fixatives include castor from beavers; musk from male musk deer; and ambergris from sperm whales.
Next, the perfumer adds various essential oils and a small amount of a substance called a base note, which provides a foundation to the entire scent. This base note will last a long time and can be identified by its smooth, creamy, sweet or musky scent. The perfumer will also add a large amount of alcohol, which is used to dilute the strong scents of many natural essential oils.
The perfumer will then blend all of these ingredients into a specific formula, which is determined by the type of fragrance that the client wants to achieve. The perfumer is a master of his craft and his work often takes years to perfect. During the course of his work, the perfumer will try out hundreds of different mixtures.
When he is satisfied with a certain perfume, he will label it as either ‘pour homme’ or ‘pour femme’, which are French terms that indicate whether the scent is intended for men or women. The fragrance is then packaged and bottled for distribution.
As with any product, perfume can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Those who are particularly sensitive should refrain from wearing perfume, or should limit the amount they wear. In addition, perfume should be kept away from flames and other sources of heat, as it is flammable. Perfume should also be stored in a cool place and kept out of direct sunlight.