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Posts Tagged ‘fragrance notes’

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The Art Of Wearing Fragrance-Part 2. Understanding The Evolution Process Of Scent Through Fragrance Notes

In fragrance on November 13, 2023 at 12:00 pm

Understanding the process of how fragrance notes develop and evolve can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a new scent.

English: A fragrance pyramid

When shopping for a new fragrance, chances are you have heard references made to a fragrance in terms of notes.  Just as a musical note is assigned to the composition of sounds in the music we hear, fragrance notes compose the scent you smell.  These notes, whether in music or fragrance, evoke memories and moods that can usually be recalled in an instant.  These categories of scents are expertly crafted with the knowledge of how they interact with each other and how they evolve over a period of time.  Actually, this process can be thought of as an exact science.

Perfumers often refer to the fragrance pyramid when creating fragrances.  The fragrance pyramid is composed of the three notes (categories) that make up a fragrance and are referred to as the top (head), middle (heart) and base (bottom) notes. This is what makes the character or personality of the fragrance.

The top note is the initial scent that you smell. It is your first impression of a fragrance, usually lasting anywhere from 5-15 minutes. As the most volatile, the top note is made of lighter ingredients, including alcohol, and will evaporate very quickly. From the top note you can get a slight idea about the fragrance and if you are somewhat intrigued but not really sure, allow the fragrance to continue to develop. Common top notes include bergamot, lemon and grapefruit.

The middle note, often referred to as the heart note, develops 10-30 minutes after the initial top note has dried down. Here is where you get to know the fragrance. It is usually composed of more oils since it will need to last on the skin as opposed to the alcohol in the top note. It is the body or foundation of the fragrance and is usually warmer. It can also act as a buffer between the bottom note which may or may not smell pleasant on its own. Common middle notes include lavender, cardamom, and black pepper.

The bottom, or base, note gives the fragrance its weight and slows down the evaporation of the fragrance that has developed after a few hours. This is where the true scent of the fragrance lies once the top and heart notes have evaporated and can last anywhere between 4 to 6 hours, sometimes longer. Common bottom notes include vanilla, jasmine and sandalwood.

In addition to the traditional pyramid fragrances, there are some fragrances which are referred to as linear.  With a linear fragrance which doesn’t “develop”, one will usually experience a singular note or a group of similar notes at the same time.  “Juliette Has A Gun – Not A Perfume” is a fragrance in the linear category.  Made of a single element called Ambroxan, it is used in perfumery as a back note.

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8 Fragrances That Are Perfect For This Winter Season

In fragrance on January 12, 2022 at 12:00 pm

What do you think of when it comes to fragrance? Is it something that you wear only for special occasions or on a daily basis? Is it something that you hurriedly spray on when you are running out of the door? Do you shy away from fragrance altogether because it brings back unpleasant memories or because you haven’t found a scent that excites you? Whatever the case, fragrance is deeply personal and means different things to different people. And if you think of it as merely a scent instead of an experience to be had, you can miss out on the the significance and the power of what wearing a fragrance can do for you. Think of it as an invisible accessory. A mood.

Wearing fragrance is just as important as getting dressed. And, as we have approached this time of the year, many people not only make changes to their wardrobe but also to their fragrances to accommodate the on the the cooler temperatures. Winter is one of the best times of the year for getting warm and cozy with your favorite blanket or person and the perfect fragrance can lend itself to wonderful memories. Fragrances worn during the cooler months are usually more rich, full bodied, warm and sensual. They should feel like a hug and linger – on a scarf, a sweater, or someone’s mind. Winter fragrances should also be timeless enough to wear year after year as well as carry you through the colder month up until the emergence of spring. Below are 8 fragrances to consider adding to your winter fragrance collection.

YSL Libre Eau de Parfum. The bottle is so beautiful, you might find yourself purchasing this fragrance just for that reason alone. Like a mini sculpture, the bottle is just as beautiful as the warm floral fragrance it contains.

Key Notes: Lavender Essence, Orange Blossom, Musk Accord

Valentino Uomo Born In Roma. Edgy, sexy and unapologetic, one spritz of this fragrance will make you feel like a Boss. The beautiful bottle is adorned with the iconic Valentino stud and contains what some may consider to be a more masculine fragrance but can be worn by anyone who wants to feel powerful and in control.

Key Notes: Violet, Vetiver, Ginger

Nest New York Midnight Fleur Eau de Parfum. A late evening stroll on a clear, crisp winter night hand in hand with your crush is the image this fragrance evokes. This scent, which is enchanting and whimsical yet sophisticated, makes you want to cozy up to your lover while watching the stars.

Key Notes: Exotic Woods, Patchouli, Amber

Chanel COCO Noir. Sensuality and allure in a fragrance could invite the best kind of trouble. Not for the faint at heart, COCO Noir is deep and moody without being overbearing. It is as sophisticated as the woman who wears it.

Key Notes: Jasmine Absolute, Bourbon Vanilla Rose Absolute

Atelier Cologne Paris Vanille Incensee. Unlike many vanilla based fragrances that have a more adolescent sweetness, Vanille Incensee tempers and contrasts the vanilla with notes of woody moss for a more grown up interpretation. This fragrance is also a great layering fragrance, bringing qualities of softness and warmth to any fragrance you layer this with.

Key Notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Lime Woody Moss

Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum. Bottled up glamour with sensual, mysterious dark accords, Black Orchid is as sophisticated as the bottle it comes in. Strategically applied to all pulse points, this fragrance blooms slowly and beautifully and lasts for hours.

Key Notes: Black Truffle, Black Orchid, Plum

YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum. This is not your mother’s fragrance. The modern day twist on a classic fragrance is full bodied yet luminous and soft with a hint of sweetness.

Key Notes: Black Coffee, White Flowers, Vanilla

Jo Malone Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense. The eye catching shiny red bottle looks like delicious candy in a beautiful jar. Or beautiful, meticulously painted red nails. Scarlet Poppy is warm and sweet in a very sophisticated and enticing way.

Key Notes: Scarlet Poppy, Ambrette, Tonka Bean

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