The nose knows: everything you need to know about perfumes

Fragrances are more than just a pleasant smell. They are an art form, a self-expression, a way to communicate and seduce. But what do you really know about perfumes? Here are some questions and answers to arouse your curiosity and sense of smell.

What is a perfume?

A perfume is an aromatic composition that is sprayed on the skin or clothing to create a distinctive smell. There are different types of perfumes depending on their concentration of fragrant substances:

– Eau de cologne contains about 2-5% odorous substances and lasts about 2 hours.
– Eau de toilette contains about 5-15% odorous substances and lasts about 4 hours.
– The eau de parfum contains approximately 15 to 20% odorous substances and lasts approximately 6 hours.
– The perfume contains about 20-40% odorous substances and lasts about 8 hours.

How is a perfume composed?

A perfume is made up of three parts called notes:

– The top note is the first impression one has of the perfume. It is generally fresh, light and volatile. It can be composed of citrus fruits, fruits, herbs or spices.
– The heart note is the main character of the perfume. It is generally floral, fruity, woody or oriental. It appears after a few minutes and persists for several hours.
– The base note is the signature of the perfume. It is usually warm, sweet, amber or musky. It appears after several hours and can last several days.

How to choose a perfume ?

There is no universal rule for choosing a perfume. Everyone has their own tastes, personality, and body chemistry. Here are some tips to help you find the perfume that suits you:

– Test the perfume on your skin and not on a paper or a fabric. Smell may vary depending on how the fragrance reacts with your pH and temperature.
– Do not test more than three perfumes at a time to avoid olfactory confusion. Wait a few minutes between each test to allow time for the scent to develop.
– Choose a scent based on the occasion, time of day, season and your mood. For example, opt for a fresh and light perfume for the morning or the summer, and for a warm and intense perfume for the evening or the winter.
– Trust your instincts and your pleasure. The best perfume is the one that makes you feel good and reflects your personality.

How to store a perfume?

A perfume can degrade over time if it is not stored correctly. Here are some tips to extend the life of your perfume:

– Avoid exposure to light, heat and humidity. Prefer a cool, dry and dark place like a cupboard or a drawer.
– Avoid oxidation by closing the bottle tightly after each use. Do not leave the cap open or the spray bottle depressed.
– Avoid contact with air by choosing an opaque or dark glass bottle. Do not transfer your perfume to another container.
– Avoid mixing odors by regularly cleaning the neck of the bottle with a soft, dry cloth.

How to wear perfume?

A perfume is not a simple accessory. It’s a way to show off, get noticed and leave a mark. Here are some tips for wearing your perfume well:

– Apply the perfume to the pulse points, that is to say the places where the blood circulation is stronger and the body heat is higher. For example, the neck, wrists, elbows, knees or ankles.
– Do not rub the perfume on your skin, as this can alter its structure and smell. Let it dry naturally.
– Do not spray the perfume directly on your clothes, as this may stain or damage them. Prefer a cloud of perfume around you or on your accessories such as a scarf or scarf.
– Do not overdose the perfume, as it can be inconvenient for you and others. One or two sprays are enough to create a discreet and elegant wake.
– Vary the fragrance according to the seasons, the occasions and your mood. Do not hesitate to have several perfumes in your collection and to associate them with each other to create contrasting or harmonious effects.

What are the benefits of perfume?

Perfume is not only a pleasure for the nose. It also has beneficial effects on the body and mind. Here are some examples :

– Scent can stimulate memory and emotion. Each scent is associated with a memory or feeling, which can bring back happy times or inspire you with new ideas.
– Scent can influence mood and behavior. Each scent has a symbolic or cultural meaning, which can make you feel more confident, more seductive, more relaxed, or more energetic.
– Fragrance can improve health and well-being. Some scents have therapeutic or aromatherapeutic properties, which can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, or headaches.

Fragrances are marvels of nature and science. They are able to make us travel in time and space, to make us discover unknown or familiar universes, to make us feel intense or subtle emotions. Fragrances are life companions that reveal us to ourselves and to others. So, don’t wait any longer and let yourself be enchanted by the fragrances!