The word “perfume” in fact comes from a Latin phrase that means “through smoke.” The people of Egypt and Mesopotamia often burned incense to mollify the gods. Perfumed oils were a very important part of ancient religious rituals. As the Persians and Romans began to refine their fragrances, perfume gradually became something that was not just reserved for ceremonial practices, but for pleasure as well. Egyptian women began to use fragrance on their face and hair. The Greeks would incorporate aromatic oils into their baths. Of course many cultures used perfumes to bury their dead. It helped to cover the smell of decaying flesh and honored the gods as well.

Some of the critical ingredients that were utilized in making perfumes in ancient times were myrrh, juniper, pistachio, fenugreek seeds, and the resin of the Matsic tree. In today’s market, perfumes are derived from a number of diverse sources, such as roots, seeds, leaves, twigs, resins, bulbs, woods, bark, fruits, honeycomb, musk, seaweed, lichens, flowers and blossoms.

Depending on the additives used and the concentration levels achieved, the specification of a fragrance falls into a distinct type. The most popular classifications are Floral Bouquet, Single Floral, Wood, Amber, Leather, Fougere, Chypre, Aquatic, Bright Floral, Green, Citrus, Gourmand, or Fruity.

Perfumes have various concentration levels. The intensity is measured by the amount of scented compounds to solvent, which is simply just a combination of water and ethanol. Perfume extract has the most potent aroma since the level of fragrant compounds used is anywhere from 16-42%! Eau de Parfum or Parfum de Toilette has fragrant compound rations of 12-22%. Eau de Toilette is the next level down with 6-16% aromatic compounds. Eau de Cologne is 4-9% aromatic ingredient while body splashes and/or aftershave only contain 1-4% of perfume. The smaller the concentration, the softer the fragrance.

The majority of body products contain some sort and level of fragrance, from skin creams to face cleansers. Even with this true, there are still multiple products on the market whose single reason is to deliver a desirable scent. Perfume oil is the most potent and thus gives off a more intense perfume aroma than anything else. A miniature bit goes a long way. On the other hand, body sprays and splashes are on the opposite edge of the spectrum with just a trace of perfume that leaves a light hint scent. The majority of body lotions also include fragrance so that one is able to moisturize and wash in a pleasant aroma at the same time. It is imperative that you apply a perfume that compliments the smell of your body lotion if you choose to wear them both during a similar occasion.

Diverse perfumes react differently to different body chemistries. Just smelling a perfume bottle doesn’t inform you whether it will smell good on you or not. To determine if a specific scent is right for you, apply just a tiny bit on yourself and let it set in. Once the pheromones of your body have blended with the scent of the perfume, you should be able to learn if it’s the best choice for you or not.

It is imperative to also take your persona and likes and dislikes into thought when purchasing the right perfume. Everything about you will play a part in this choice, particularly if you plan to make it your “signature” perfume.

Because so many emotions can be activated by a distinct odor, be careful that the type of scent you choose produces pleasant ones. Long after you leave the room, that telling fragrance will linger reminding everyone that you were amoung them. Select that fragrance wisely.

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