Perfume is the most elusive of beauty resources, yet it is
one of the most impressive because one is aware of a woman’s perfume before one
sees her, before one knows her, and it can uncannily provide an aura, create an
image and a mood – and stir up emotions to a remarkable degree. You can argue
that perfume is not necessary, that it is expensive, that it is frivolous, and
that it no longer plays an important role in a modern woman’s attitude towards
looks. In addition, you would be wrong on all counts, except the expense. The
old thinking was to consider perfume as a means of sexual attraction, a tool of
seduction and so on. You can still use it for that, of course, but all depends
on the type of perfume. The heavy floral, the spicy, the sweet and the oriental
aromatics should be left for the couch, or perhaps sprayed on it.
Modern perfumes provide just the opposite effect; they are
fresh and lively, giving off an air of dash and efficiency, of joyful activity
and a youthful image.
Now this all may sound like rather flowery language but such
is the vernacular of perfume even when one is approaching it from a sensible
and liberated point of view.
Perfume choice
Perfumes can be grouped into categories according to content
and impression. You usually find you prefer one type to another. The floral
are by far the biggest group and can either by sharp single aromas (such as
rose, Lily of the valley, jasmine) or
harmonious blends that would include such aromatics as gardenia, jonquil,
narcissus, honeysuckle, lilac, carnation, orange blossom, violet, geranium.
They can be fresh or sweet, but after your thirties, it is best to stick to the
fresh notes, as the sweet ones can often give the aura of lavender and old
lace. The greens are fresh and woodsy, crisp and clean - perfect for the
country and outdoor woman. The modern blends are bright, sharp, and are usually favored by career and stylish women because they are pleasant and effective
without being overpowering, without making a too obvious statement of femininity.
The citrus scents are blends of lemon, orange and bergamot essences. They are
particularly sharp and fresh, perfect for warm climates as they are cooling and
refreshing. (But a word of warning, be careful
not to wear a bergamot blend when sunbathing, as this can often cause an
allergic reaction; in fact it’s wise never to wear perfume on the beach) The oriental
scents are sweet, heavy, and quite exotic. They can imply glamor and
sophistication, but they can also be rather overpowering, and are apt to
underline any sultry image.
Perfume Strength
The lasting power and reception of perfume depends on its
strength. For an effect, it is not necessary to use concentrated perfume, which
is more expensive. When a perfume is diluted with alcohol (spirit), its
impression can be equally satisfactory. Extract of perfume contains between 15
and 20 per cent perfume combined with 80 to 85 per cent alcohol; this is the
truest expression of a scent and can last from two to six hours depending on
your body chemistry. Perfume de toilette
contains 12 to 15 per cent perfume, the balance is a combination of alcohol
with some water; it lasts from two to five hours. Eau de toilette has 5 to 12
per cent perfume, the rest a mixture of alcohol and water, but more of the
latter; it lasts two to four hours. Then finally, there is eau de Cologne,
which has 2 to 6 per cent perfume, a little alcohol and the balance is water;
lasting power is one to two hours. When selecting, think of strength in terms
of cost and use - at most times you probably do not want a strong, long lasting
impression. In this way, you can balance your budget and your image.
Make Your Own Perfume!
