Ask anyone who knows me well, and they will tell you that I have sort of an obsession with fragrance, particularly French perfume. I will never forget my very first fragrance when I was seven which was Love's Baby Soft. More than likely it was a first fragrance for a lot of little girls, but what I remember most about it was the pretty powdery smell and how "grown up" I felt, because now I get to wear perfume just like my grandmother. Today's edition will be dedicated to that ever so mysterious elixir known as fragrance, the different types as well as how to wear it. Also I will be sharing my recent trip to a very unique kind of fragrance store located here in the Metro .
So What Is Fragrance?
When I worked as a Fragrance Associate at J.C. Penney a little over eight years ago (before the Sephora takeover), I set out to do extensive research on the subject of fragrance and what makes it so special to many people as an aspect of fashion. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fragrance as the following:
1. a: a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees or perfume.)
b: something (as perfume) compounded to give off a sweet or pleasant odor.
2. The quality or state of having a sweet odor.
Those are pretty straight forward definitions, however extremely lacking to say the very least. When you think about it, fragrance is more than just some sweet-smelling fluid in a bottle we spray on ourselves. It evokes fond memories, alters moods for the better , and possesses the ability to make a woman feel absolutely gorgeous. In essence, fragrance is a myriad of mystic and intrigue that goes far beyond first appearances in those intricately stunning glass bottles in department stores.
1. a: a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees or perfume.)
b: something (as perfume) compounded to give off a sweet or pleasant odor.
2. The quality or state of having a sweet odor.
Those are pretty straight forward definitions, however extremely lacking to say the very least. When you think about it, fragrance is more than just some sweet-smelling fluid in a bottle we spray on ourselves. It evokes fond memories, alters moods for the better , and possesses the ability to make a woman feel absolutely gorgeous. In essence, fragrance is a myriad of mystic and intrigue that goes far beyond first appearances in those intricately stunning glass bottles in department stores.
It's All Relative
Believe it or not, fragrances are separated into what is known as Olfactory (relating to the sense of smell) Families. In 1983, renowned author and fragrance expert Michael Edwards developed what is now known as The Fragrance Wheel which classifies individual fragrances with their olfactory families. This is also the method by which department store fragrance associates are able to sell fragrances to consumers. Over the years The Fragrance Wheel changed slightly as fragrance formulas changed. The most recent wheel, edited in 2010, breaks the categories down exactly like this:
How to Choose It, How to Use It
For me, hearing someone say that perfume and cologne are one in the same is like the sound of nails scratching across a chalkboard. Quite frankly, I'd rather hear the nails. Just as there are differences in fragrance families, there are major differences between perfume, cologne and toilettes. What makes them different is the essential oil to alcohol ratio in each formulation. Simply put, the more essential oils are in a formula, the longer the scent lasts. This definitely comes in handy when choosing a fragrance that is right for you. Some people want scents that lasts for hours while others prefer light and delicate. The most important method of looking for fragrance for the first time is to stick with scents that you feel most comfortable with. I myself adore spicy scents so I would be more apt to try scents within that scent category. Another key method when trying fragrance is to always test on the inside wrists where pulse beats transfers the most blood flow. This helps the fragrance notes expand to full bloom, and will give you a better idea on how your particular body chemistry will handle the fragrance.
Don't be Afraid to Layer Up!!!
Now this is the fun part of fragrance, the scent layering! I simply love to layer my scents, because it is a foolproof way of ensuring the fragrance you use lasts a very long time throughout the day or night. Also, it will make you feel so luxurious too. Scent layering is very simple as it only involves a few key elements which are the bodywash, body lotion, fragrance or dusting powder and the actual fragrance itself.
Fragrance Powder of Dusting Powder - Ok, this may seem a bit old fashioned, but trust me when I say this step is very beneficial. Today, you will only find a corresponding dusting powder with more higher end fragrances, but they are fairly easy to make (coming on a later post). Dusting powder not only absorbs excess moisture, but also makes getting dressed a lot easier.
Lastly all that's left is to apply the fragrance, but there is a proper way of doing so. As mentioned earlier, you want to apply your fragrance to pulse points on the upper body to warm up the scent and bring it to full bloom. These places include inside wrists, throat, sides of the neck (where the jugular vein runs), and inside elbows. Now you are all set and ready for your fragrance experience. Fragrance is the very essence of life found not only in a little spray bottle, but in our everyday items such as laundry detergents, house cleaning items, and even car refresher. No it is not just a liquid in a bottle, but rather a statement of your personality without you having to say a word.
Special Credits
"Flavor and Fragrance - UPI Chem." UPI Chem. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.
"Fragrance Families." The Perfumed Court. The Perfumed Court LLC, 2015. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.
"Acurnica Chemistry." Acurnica Natural Healing. No Name Available, 2016. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.
"Skincare Tips." Cococare. Cococare Products, Inc., 2016. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.
"Fragrance Families." The Perfumed Court. The Perfumed Court LLC, 2015. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.
"Acurnica Chemistry." Acurnica Natural Healing. No Name Available, 2016. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.
"Skincare Tips." Cococare. Cococare Products, Inc., 2016. Web. 03 Mar. 2016.
"Fragrance Family Album" photos by:
Mekaile Renee' Turner
M. Renee's Closet © 2016