Perfumes are used to give the human body a pleasant and (at times) a lasting smell. The use of perfume dates back to as early as the 14th century (in Europe) - the Renaissance period, where perfumes were used by the royalty and the wealthy people to mask their bodily odors (note that the sanitary practices during that day was different and considered 'less developed' as compared to the present day).

Today, perfumes are applied not only to the human body but also to objects and living spaces, such as the home, bath, in the car, and the office. In general, perfumes are used for the following reasons:

To relax To increase efficiency and alertness To shed weight To project an image and inspire confidence To improve one's mood To charm one's partner To perform a religious duty (as in the Islamic culture)

Perfume composition:

In general, the mixture of the following 'ingredients' make up a perfume:

Fragrance oils or essential oils Aroma compounds Fixatives (combines the different fragrances) Solvents or solvent mix

Perfume types:

Depending on the amount and the type of solvent mix with the fragrance or essential oils, perfumes can be classified into the following:

Perfume extract Eau de parfum Eau de toilette Eau de Cologne

Perfume sources:

Perfumes are obtained from 2 sources:

1. Natural aromatics - derived from the various parts of plants and animals, such as the following:

Plant sources:

Flowers, flower buds, and blossoms Leaves and twigs Roots, rhizomes, and bulbs Seeds Fruits Woods Bark Resins Lichens

Animal sources:

Musk (from the Asian musk deer) Civet or Civet Musk (from the civets, which are animals that are related to the Mongoose) Castoreum (from the North American beaver) Ambergris (from the Sperm whale) Honeycomb (from the honeybees)

2. Synthethic aromatics - obtained from the organic synthesis of various chemical compounds that are not found in nature. Some examples are the following:

Petroleum distillates Calone (gives a 'metallic marine' scent)

Perfume classification

Perfumes can be grouped into the following 7 'olfactive families' (the 7 scent categories):

1. Chypre - (literally means "Cyprus" in French) mossy woods, such as jasmine and oakmoss, apricot, and custard.

2. Citrus - gives perfumes a "fresh" scent.

3. Floral -one or more types of flowers.

4. Fougre - (means fern) sharp, herbaceous, and woody scent that are commonly found in men's perfumes, such as those of lavender and oakmoss.

5. Leather -honey, tobacco, wood, and wood tars.

6. Oriental or ambers -- 'spicy' scents of vanilla and animal scents that are combined with flowers and woods.

7. Woody -camphorous smells and scents of sandalwood and cedar.

Perfume tips:

When shopping for a perfume, consider your skin chemistry - your diet, the medicines the you take, your mood, and other environmental factor. Take note of perfumes that could possibly cause skin (and respiratory) allergic reactions.

Note the proper application of the various types of perfume. Eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne are sprayed or dabbed generously on the skin, while the most concentrated versions are applied at the pulse points, on the wrists, and behind the neck, ears and knees.

Store perfumes in a cool and dark area, away from direct sunlight, and with the cap tightly secured to prevent them from turning rancid and evaporating.

With these guidelines, you will surely be able to choose the right perfume and use it for its maximum benefits. So be your best, and wear a perfume.