Main Ingredients in Perfume
Natural essential oils and aroma compounds extracted from plants form the base of most fragrances. Some of the commonly used ingredients include floral essences like rose, jasmine and ylang ylang. Citrus oils from fruits like lemon, orange and bergamot are favorites due to their bright aroma. Spicy notes derived from spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg add warmth. Woody scents like sandalwood, cedar, patchouli and vetiver lend an earthy base. Musky or animalic accords replicate mammalian scents and add depth. Synthetic aroma chemicals have increasingly become popular since the 19th century for consistency and year-round availability of certain scents. They help prolong the fragrance and fix top notes.
Varieties of Fragrances
Fragrances are broadly classified based on concentration of aroma compounds, duration of scent and usage. Eau de Perfume has a higher concentration than Eau de Toilette but weaker than Parfum. Eau de Toilette is lighter and fresher. Pure Parfum or Extrait has the highest concentration and lasts longest on the skin. Other varieties include colognes for men which are lighter, Eau de Colognes which are very mild and Eau Fraiche for a quick refreshing spritz. Unisex, niche or indie fragrances explore unique scent combinations. Natural fragrances use only essential oils.
Techniques of Fragrance Making
Traditional fragrance making involves precise blending of aroma compounds through a process called olfaction. The fragrancer carefully mixes top, middle and base notes in alcohol or glycerin to achieve the right fragrance pyramid or bouquet.Top notes evaporate quickly to give initial impact. Middle notes linger longer while base notes stabilize and prolong the scent. Modern fragrancery relies on chemistry to analyze scent compounds and recreate natural essences. Extraction methods help obtain aroma chemicals from plants. Computers assist in testing millions of formulations. Once blended, fragrances undergo further testing and adjustments before bottling. Bottle design, labeling and marketing complete the product.
Psychological Effects of Fragrances
Scents have a significant impact on human emotions and behavior. Pleasant aromas have been shown to reduce stress and induce relaxation. Floral scents increase alertness while citrus awakens the senses. Fragrance advertisements often associate certain scents with confidence, romance or social status. Lab tests reveal that fragrances do influence perceptions - studies show people find an outfit or person wearing a fragrance more appealing than without it. Wearing same fragrance as a lover improves recognition of their face. Seasonal scents like lavender trigger nostalgia. Essentially, fragrances have psychological effects by connecting to memories, moods and first impressions.
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