Exhilarate in the Aromatic World of Perfume

Perfume is produced by blending a variety of aromatic ingredients, essential oils, fixatives and solvents for emitting fragrance to the environment and human body. The terminology has evolved from a Latin word and the art of manufacturing perfume dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, Romans and Persians. Indians, too, contributed to perfumery but it was more incense based.

It is believed that the oldest perfume existed even 4000 years ago when herbs, spices and flowers were used to produce scent. The distillation process of extracting oils from flower was introduced by the Persian Muslim doctor called Ibn Sina. Prior to the distillation process liquid perfume consisted of a mixture of oils, crushed herbs and rose petals.

The distillation technology as well as raw ingredients has considerably influenced Western perfumery and its’ scientific development. In Europe, Hungarians produced the first perfume. The art of perfumery prospered in Renaissance Italy and France where the latter became the hub of perfume manufacture. Flower cultivation of different types grew into a major industry in Southern France with Grasse region predominating in aromatic plants cultivation for supplying raw materials to the growing perfume industry.

The various types of perfume reflect the intensity of concentration of aromatic compounds in a solvent. The fragrance emitted is typically ethanol or a mixture of water and ethanol. Perfume oil is diluted with a solvent as undiluted oils result in allergic reaction when applied directly on the skin. It has also been noticed that the scent of pure perfume oil is far too strong hence it is diluted with coconut oil, liquid wax or jojoba oil.

Men’s fragrances are rarely perfume extracts which is true for women’s perfume where the concentration various oils and solvent varies. The precise formula of commercial perfumes are kept secret. However, perfume connoisseurs are extremely skilled in identifying the different components and origin of scents. The practical way of describing a perfume is being aware of the fragrance notes of the scent which create the lingering over all impression of the aroma.

The top notes indicate the basic smell that is perceived immediately on application of perfume. The middle note emerges when the top note dissipates. They constitute the main body of perfume and act as a mask to cover the unpleasant initial impression of base notes which turn more pleasant with passage of time. The scent which is emitted after the departure of the middle note is the base note. They, along with the middle notes, are the primary theme of a perfume.

It is usually perceived after 30 minutes of application the top notes indicate the basic smell that is perceived immediately on application of perfume. The middle note emerges when the top note dissipates. They constitute the main body of perfume and act as a mask to cover the unpleasant initial impression of base notes which turn more pleasant with passage of time. The scent which is emitted after the departure of the middle note is the base note. They, along with the middle notes, are the primary theme of a perfume. It is usually perceived after 30 minutes of application enhancing depth and solidity to a perfume.

With advancement of technology as well as natural development of tastes and styles, modern scents are described as bright floral, green, aquatic, citrus, fruity or gourmand. Some famous perfume companies are Christian Dior, Channel, Yves Saint Laurent, Max Factor, Gucci and Emporio Armani, each reputed for launching classic perfumes with unique brand names.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil.