Perfume is a combination of many oils extracted from natural plant and flower materials. These oils are distilled, steamed, expressed, solvent extracted, enfleurage and macerated. A perfume contains at least six essential oils: a top note, which is the fresh, volatile odour perceived immediately; a heart note, or modifier, adding depth and character; and a base note, the main body of the scent. Perfumes are usually classified according to the dominant odours in them. For example, perfumes containing flowers like jasmine, rose and lily of the valley are classified in the floral group; those containing spices are in the spicy family; and those containing woody and earthy aromas are in the woody group.
The odour of a perfume varies over time. It can change when the fragrance mixes with air or other scents, and it may also react with your skin chemistry and cause an allergic reaction. Some perfumes, especially those with heavier (oriental) base notes, last longer than others.
Fragrance companies use a variety of methods to ensure that their products are safe for consumers and comply with government regulations. Some common safety tests include testing for toxicity, odour stability and skin irritation. Other methods of assessing the safety of a perfume include monitoring the presence of allergens and measuring the amount of perfume that evaporates over time.
A study found that a small quantity of a perfume can trigger an adverse reaction in some people. Some of the symptoms of this reaction include a reddening of the skin and itchiness. This reaction is called contact dermatitis and can occur in places not directly exposed to the perfume. The risk of this reaction increases with repeated exposure to the perfume, and it can be prevented by using only a small amount on the body.
Choosing a perfume is a personal choice. Many people feel that perfume boosts their self-esteem and makes them feel desirable, while others find it enhances their mood or helps them remember good times. Some studies have shown that pleasant scents can increase self-esteem and feelings of wellbeing, reduce anxiety and stress, and help to improve concentration.
When applying perfume, it is best to spray it on areas that are warm and exposed to the air. These areas are called pulse points. The most common places are the neck and throat, the wrists, and the inner elbows if you wear a sleeveless blouse. The back of the knees is also an excellent spot to apply perfume if you are wearing skirts or shorts.
Some of the natural ingredients used in perfumes can be quite expensive. This is because they are obtained through expensive extraction processes. In addition, they are often derived from animals. These animal secretions, such as castor oil from beavers; musk from a male deer or a civet cat; and ambergris from the sperm whale, act as a sort of glue that prevents more volatile perfume ingredients from evaporating too quickly. As a result, perfumes that contain these animal substances have a more luxurious and expensive appearance than those that do not.