Category Archives: Perfume Brand
Enticing Perfumes for Men
Magnetic Perfumes Inspired From Spring Flowers
People who loves the nature feels most comfortable and relax in Spring season. Yes, I am talking about most beautiful and loving part of the year and that is Spring obviously.
“Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s Party!”
Bright Crystal Women Eau De Toilette Spray By Gianni Versace
In 2007, designer house of Dolce & Gabbana introduced a light summer perfume for men and its name is Light Blue.
This Cologne is available in three different volumes 4.2 OZ, 2.5 OZ and 1.33 OZ with fragrance notes of Rosemary, Rosewood, Sicilian Mandarin and Oak Moss.
In Defense of Choosing Great Perfume
Great Perfume
There are two types of luxuries: everyday luxuries and the luxuries that we save for special occasions. Maybe we want to show someone that we really care about them, but we really don’t want to make a big deal of it. Or maybe we want to turn an event into a true special occasion, even if it only has meaning to the immediate people around us. It just depends on what you’re trying to actually accomplish. You might feel that it’s necessary to give yourself something nice every once in a while — and that’s not a bad thing at all. Some people find that it’s nice to reward themselves for all of the work that they do.
So, what can fit into both categories effortlessly? Perfume, of course! If you really want to make sure that you have the best chances of actually getting something that you’re going to enjoy for a long time, then this guide is exactly what you need to focus on.
If you’re trying to develop a signature scent, then you need to make sure that you’re focusing on something that you really want to smell like. You will most likely wear this scent so much that it’ll be associated with you.
For women, flowery scents are very nice. For men, musk-oriented scents that remind people of the great outdoors can be the best bet. It just depends on what you’re trying to accomplish in the long run. After all, your signature scene it something that you’ll be wearing for a long time.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with thinking about getting the best perfume for your own needs. You might feel like it’s selfish, but there are a lot of things that we do just to make our lives a little brighter. If these are the things that make life feel more livable for you, why not do them?
That’s why we defend perfume so much because it really does make the perfect gift. Even though we refer to both genders through the site, perfume is a term is that is most often used for women’s fragrances. Cologne is the proper term for fragrances designed for men. of course, there are unisex fragrances that are floating out there. Many celebrities like to release these in order to get their name out to a larger audience than what they would have.
You can find good perfume just about anywhere. Boutique stores online will sell the most popular items, while offline stores will let you actually smell the fragrance for yourself. Of course, you could always combine both tactics and smell the scents for yourself and see what you really like!
perfume for women
The Importance of: Perfume
A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.”
– Coco Chanel
I’m currently reading Karen Karabo’s The Gospel According to Coco Chanel so my mind is filled with tons of Chanel quotes. This quote was the headliner of the chapter about femininity and she’s absolutely right. Perfume is very much synonymous with womanhood as are handbags and high heels. But then again, this is coming from the woman who invented Chanel No. 5, a scent that I’m still trying to get used to. Sorry Coco! I don’t know if it’s an evolutionary thing that women do, but we like to smell just about everything. My boyfriend can attest to the fact that I smell everything around me, especially my food, my clean laundry, or my surroundings. Clean laundry smell is my favorite! Needless to say, I love scents, especially good scents like perfume.
Science and Perfume
Picking your scent is as personal as finding the right foundation shade for your skin. It has a science behind it along with a touch of personal preference. Human biology 101: every single one of us produces a body chemical that’s unique and are completely our own. It’s not the kind of chemistry that you’re thinking about that involves the attraction between two potential, compatible mates. In its face value, body temperature affects a fragrance’s notes and each of us has our own specific skin chemistry. This point is very important because it’s the combination between the chemicals that our bodies produce and the perfume that we choose that will ultimately determine if that specific scent suits us. In short, a perfume that may smell great on you will smell horrible on another woman.
Another point to remember is that a perfume has three notes — the top, middle, and base notes. The base note of a perfume is the strongest and the most ever lasting of all three, with the middle note coming next, and the top note being the one that lasts the shortest and evaporates the fastest. The basic idea is to find a perfume that has a base note that smells great on you with a middle and top note that you wouldn’t mind wearing, as its initial scent wears off, because regardless of the perfume brand and type, the first spray always smells very strong. So when picking a perfume scent, make sure to pay close attention to these three effects.
How to Choose your Signature Scent
You know how some people believe in love in first sight? Well in this instance, step #1 is love in first sniff. Your original and instinctual reaction to a scent is crucial in finding the perfect fragrance for you. Step #2 is that aforementioned hullabaloo about body chemistry and fragrance reaction that we have to take into account. Step #3 is the wrists only, no rubbing and no sample paper strips rule. When you’re trying out a fragrance, make sure you spray directly on your wrist and DO NOT rub your wrists together. Doing so crushes the scent. And of course, spraying the perfume on a sample strip will only work for step #1 but completely violates step #2. So after spraying it on your wrist, wait for it to dry before smelling and determining if you like it or not. In addition, do not overlap and mix perfumes and wait for a little while before making a purchase to let the scent settle in for you to determine if it suits you or not.
Pre-plan and Research
I’ve found that Sephora and sephora.com is the best place to test drive and research a new perfume purchase. Unlike the fragrance department of upscale department stores like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus where you feel intimidated to touch anything let alone ask a sales associate for help, Sephora stores have a very hands on, feel free to touch, try, and smell everything feel to it. And because of this, I’ve found it to be the best place to get perfume samples next to those little fragrance strips in glossy magazines. What’s more is that their site has this feature called Fragrance Finder that can help you narrow down perfume options before purchasing. I’ve always like to research items before I go shopping, a habit that can be both good and bad. And since there are so many scents to choose from like floral, fruity, woody, earthy, natural, grassy, etc, this will make decision making much easier.
As for me, I typically go for very clean and light scent for my fragrance preference and I tend to go to the floral scent the most. Go figure right? Florals are my favorite print and scent! I’ve been wearing Dolce & Gabanna’s Light Blue since high school. It has a very lively and colorful smell to it which I love. And during my junior year of college, I fell in love with the strong scent of Juicy Couture’s Viva la Juicy, which has a very floral smell. My recent fragrance purchase is Miss Dior Cherie L’eau. I’m completely in love with this smell. It’s a floral scent that’s very light and playful, which suits my very personality. So if your’e in the mood for a new scent and a new change, I recommend hunting down your next favorite fragrance and keep these tips in mind! Happy smelling!
Floral Fruity Perfumes
A Collection of Favorite Fragrances in the Fruity Category
Floral fruity perfumes have flooded the market since mid 1990es, on the base of significant rejuvenation of perfume user audience, as a result of democratization of the industry. Compositions of this group are refreshing, light, and airy, with a sweet, fruity nuance. The range of floral fruity fragrance is constantly being expanded.
In our base the floral fruity group has 2288 for women, 6 for men and 108 unisex fragrances.
What’s your fave fresh/fruity/floral fragrance? Fruity scents please the nose with the bright and familiar smells of apple, peach, berry, mango and other juicy fruits. They are often blended with florals.
Electron A Dozen Roses for women
Electron is inspired by the Electric Pink Rose and named ELECTRON.
The fragrance is bright, fresh and clean. “A shock to the senses. ELECTRON is a stunning combination of Electric Pink Rose blended with a jolt of green tea, violet leaves and cattalyea orchid then supercharged with neon musk, and A Dozen Roses‘ signature rose absolute.” ADR Press Release.
Fun Sensations Adidas for women
“Spray some fun in your life with Fun Sensations, an addictive fruity floral fragrance that brings you a splash of youthful vibes”—Adidas
Fragrance Adidas Fun Sensations aims at young women searching for fun and the fragrance that supports their optimism and cheerfulness. It is ideal for everyday use and characterized as spontaneous and joyful. Top notes incorporate an explosion of juicy raspberry combined with fresh notes of lemon spiced with pink pepper. Notes of the heart accentuate rose flowers and glamorous violet surrounded with luminous litchi zest. The base encompasses creamy sandalwood and delicate musk.
Fun Sensations arrives in a flacon shaped like previous editions from the Emotions in Motion collection. The bottle is made of glass; it is tall and narrow, perfect for holding in your hand. The name on the bottle is inspired by the bright colors of the body of the bottle, which makes it very prominent. The whole concept is complemented with a coral color which poses a contrast to the various colors of the letters on the outer carton.
Twitch Jasmin Rosa for women
A fragrance for audacious young women. The composition is fruity-floral complemented by fresh and musky accords.
Twitch Jasmin Rosa for her who exudes confidence and sensual sophistication. This dazzling attention grabbing scent, blend of sensual peony, jasmine and cassia are melded with notes of sweet litchi, Tobacco and effervescent pineapple, and smoothed with soothing musk, white tea, sandal and warm woods.
rose
Reveal The Passion Halle Berry for women
Halle Berry is launching a new fragrance named Reveal The Passion. Its floral-fruity composition announces new, seductive nuances waiting to be revealed. Touched with a veil of mystery, self-confident and elegant, created as the ultimate image of a strong image. The fragrance arrives on the wider market mid July 2011.
The fragrance is announced as a passionate concept composed of fruit and flowers. Created in cooperation with perfumer of the house of Givaudan – Olivier Gillotin, it offers sweet and passionate contrasts that make every woman more seductive and exciting.
Top notes incorporate Italian bergamot, freesia and apple, a heart adds a union of white champak and mangostine, while a base introduces okume wood, patchouli and musk.
Reveal The Passion is available in a pale violet flacon shaped in art deco style, just like fragrance Reveal, presented last year. Flacon hide fragrant liquid in the amount of 15 and 30 ml, accompanied by perfumed deodorant 75 ml.
Advertising campaign features Halle Berry in an elegant pink silk dress. A ring on her hand is shaped just like stopper of the flacon and colored in fuchsia color. Photos taken by Cliff Watts.
Boss Orange Celebration of Happiness Hugo Boss for women
After last year’s orange edition Boss Orange with Sienna Miller as cover face, Boss is announcing a fragrance which celebrates feeling of happiness this spring. Boss Orange Le Parfum du Bonheur (Celebration of Happiness) arrives on the market in spring 2010, which will thrill all collectors of fragrance with a new flacon decorated with romantic white flowers.
The new limited edition Boss Orange Celebration of Happiness introduces a composition which includes accords of sweet apple, peach, white flowers, orange blossom, plum, cinnamon, sandalwood, vanilla and olive wood. The flacon has the same shape as the previous edition; it is coloured in orange, with white floral pattern and available as 30 and 50 ml EDT. Its outer carton is white and also decorated with white flowers. Face of the new advertising campaign remains Sienna Miller. Launch date – April 5th 2010.
vanilla
fruity
Aura for Women Jacomo for women
It was launched in 2001, as a pair with Aura for Men, preserving the same form, but in yellow color of brightness and optimism. The nose behind it is Edouard Flechier. Top notes are sweet and fresh, containing the accords of bergamot, mandarin, freesia, grapefruit, tuberose and litchi. The middle notes are floral with mimosa, peony, jasmine, honeysuckle and lily-of-the-valley. The base consists of heliotrope, warm and milky sandalwood, powdery vanilla and sensuous musk. This is a modern fragrance for a modern woman.
Amore Mio Forever Jeanne Arthes for women
Amore Mio Forever is presented 2011.
Top notes: lemon, bergamot, rose and black currant. Heart: jasmine, peach, exotic fruits and cinnamon. Base: apple, musk and amber.
Cherish Lola for women
The Lola Cherish woman has been dazzling, always seductive. This ‘playful’ aspect inspired us immensely.
Vibrant and sensual, Cherish is fresh, floral and woody, like nectar of voluptuous flowers, trailing delicately but still present a very powerful feminine touch, the sparkle of Neroli with a touch of raspberry reveals the first breath.
Lola Cherish has Feminine, intensely rich, mysteriously seductive, but with a more luminous, fresher signature.
Chance Eau Tendre Chanel for women
Chanel is presenting a new flanker of their popular fragrance Chance which arrives on the market on April 2nd 2010. The romantic and pink new version, Chance Eau Tendre, is announced as a floral-fruity interpretation of Chance EDP.
Face of advertising campaign is Sigrid Agren, and photographer is Jean-Paul Goude. The flacon is the same as its antecedent, but it is characterized by pink fluid this time. The fragrance will be available as 50 and 100ml. The nose behind this fragrance is Jacques Polge.
Delicious – Breath of God
You are standing in a field. You kneel and take a handful of earth. Outside is cloudy and humid, about to rain but not yet. The earth is moist and you feel it on your fingers as you play with it. I say earth but what i mean is soil, the real stuff, meaty, dirty yet fertile. Things are growing here.
You bring it close to your nose, attracted by its texture and the ancient connection with this loam, the estranged and always present pull of the earth. You take a deep breath, You don’t feel a rotten smell, it’s there of course, but there are flowers too, like roses and ylang ylang and maybe a hint of some sort of citrus, is it an orange? What flowers and fruits came to die here, leaving their flavour and nutrients as testament of their existence and seeds of rebirth?
You realize that behind all this there is wood. A bit rooty. You have a vision.
A greek God took this dirt and rubbed it on sandalwood for centuries. When it was done, it breathed life on it. His breath of incense permeated it all. When it was done, the mold appeared where you are. It’s been there forever, forever changing. Every season and every crop and every serendipitous flower and fruit that happened to touch it, every wind and rain, changed something.
You can take it as it is, just some normal earth on a field and leave it at that, most will.. But when you love it, you might get a sense that there’s more to it. Something magic, complex, hard to understand. Something bigger than now and yesterday or tomorrow.
The breath of God.
25 inspirational flyer designs of perfume advertisement
Perfume brochure or flyers design:
The world of perfume is quite big, there are lots of well known and respected brands on the market. But do they really care about their brand on their advertisement design? It’s not a secret that successful business nowadays is connected not only with the Internet also print media. How should perfume brochure or leaflets be designed to be successful and competitive?
Previously posted article 30 Inspiring Examples of Perfume Websites now we presenting 25 inspirational brochure designs 2013 of perfume advertisement.
There is no doubt that print media design should reflect the brand or product features, becaus mainly flyers pasted on the showcase of the shop or mall. Also it should pay attention to the customer first who visit shop or mall.
Perfume flyer or advertisment
In this showcase you will see 25 examples of perfume flyers, how they stand out from the crowd and what techniques they use. I hope you’ll find some inspiring examples and these will help you with your future print media advertising projects.
Romantic Gift Ideas for Women – Sensual Perfume
Find a scent for a girlfriend or wife with these popular perfumes in designer brands. The best perfume scents may be a classic fragrance or modern.
Most women love fragrances as they can have a positive impact on mood and confidence. Giving a sensual perfume by a designer or celebrity will remind a partner of you whenever it is worn. Knowing the popular perfumes can help to find a scent that is perfect for a significant other.
Popular Sensual Perfume Scents for Women
Aromatherapy suggests certain essential oils and scents have aphrodisiac qualities; jasmine, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, tuberose and ylang ylang may have a sensual effect. Here are some popular designer perfumes that would make a very romantic gift:
- Chanel No. 5 – A timeless classic and number one seller more than eighty years after its launch in 1921. The scent was created by Earnest Beaux and the first release from Chanel. It was also the first perfume made using Aldehydes. The sensual accords include rose, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood and vanilla
- Princess by Vera Wang – A popular perfume for teenagers and women in their early twenties. The oriental floral fragrance comes in a stunning heart-shaped bottle showing off the lilac perfume. The scent contains water lily, apple, mandarin, guava, Tiare flower, tuberose, chocolate, vanilla, amber and wood.
- Flower by Kenzo – This perfume won the 2002 “Women’s Fragrance of the Year – Popular Appeal” category in the FiFi awards. The scent contains parma violet, wild hawthorne, cassis, rose, vanilla, white musk and opoponax.
- Lola Conquest by House of Fragrance – Strength. Femininity. Sensuality. A deep heart of Molten Woods, Pine and Patchouli, surrounded by rich Florals including Spiced Lily, Exotic Rose and other night-blooming florals. the scent contains:STRENGTH: Exotic Rose, a symbol of passion is prized for its seductive beauty and exquisite scent. Blended with the subtle sweetness of Rose Essence, Strength of Jasmine Queen of the Night lends its velvety petals and woodsy aroma to the opening notes. A rush of Black Pepper brings a spicy vibrancy to this tempting bouquet.
FEMININITY: An enticing heart centered around a core of Melted Woods Nature Print, yields a sleek, feminine woody signature that is unmistakably unique. Luscious and captivating Pine Accord enhances the enticing presence and smooth sensation. Patchouli Prisma is richly faceted, yet earthy and elusive. Perhaps the most sensual of flowers, the Spiced Lily offers its nectar to butterflies and bees, and envelops the heart in a hypnotic midnight garden effect very feminine.
SENSUALITY: Wrapping your senses in luxurious sensuality, precious Benzoin and creamy Vanilla add texture and warmth. A drizzle of rich Honey and glowing Amber reveal a luminous opulence that lingers throughout this dark and sensuality blend.
- Joy by Jean Patou – This floral is made from no less than ten thousand jasmine flowers from Grasse and 28 dozens of aroma roses (as well as tuberose, ylang ylang and synthetic musk) to create 30 ml of perfume. Joy became the second bestseller perfume in the world after Chanel No 5 and is said to have been worn by Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy-Onassis.
- Stella Rose Absolute by Stella McCartney – A lovely rose fragrance, with citrus, peony and amber. This version is like an intensified version of the original. The scent has be reported to be worn by Alicia Keys and Isla Fisher.
- Lola Cherish by House of Fragrance – has Feminine, intensely rich, mysteriously seductive, but with a more luminous, fresher signature.
The scent contiansFEMININE: Vibrant and sensual, Cherish is fresh, floral and woody, like nectar of voluptuous flowers, trailing delicately but still present a very powerful feminine touch, the sparkle of Neroli with a touch of raspberry reveals the first breath.SEDUCTIVE: But then the lethal weapon of heady absolute orange blossom slips out of its sheath. Its narcotic sweetness bewitches its sheath and grabs all attention powerfully very seductive. Then, joining with absolute Arabian jasmine underlined by gardenia, the blend soars into something more carnal, yet ever subtle.
MYSTERIOUS: Now the obsessive pulsing of patchouli enters the fray, pacifying the honey with an addictive and terribly tempting sweetness. Mystifying blend Raspberry spreads to become all enveloping, floating around the beauty, following each movement.
Classic Perfumes Make Romantic Gifts
Some women prefer to smell unique and classic perfumes may be a better choice. Here are five suggestions that will make any woman feel loved:
- Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle – The perfume contains tuberose, bergamot, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, jasmine, orange blossom absolute, coconut and musk. The muse for this perfume was Candice Bergen (Malle’s aunt) who acted in the movie Carnal Knowledge. This is a good gift for women who like something special as it is exclusively available from Les Senteurs.
- Diorissimo by Christian Dior – a classic fifties French perfume inspired by the lily of the valley Christian Dior believed that lily-of-the valley is the symbol of hope, happiness and joy. Creator Edmond Roudnitska, wanted to make a perfume that break the popularity of sweet perfumes in the market. Dior described Diorissimo as “the scented expression of his soul.”
- Lola Cherish by House of Fragrance – This oriental scent comes in a bottle that will make any dressing table look glamorous. The smell features many ingredients including raspberry, neroli, lemon, jasmine, orange flower, gardenia, patchouli and white honey.
- Safari for Women by Ralph Lauren – A nineties fragrance that symbolizes the spirit of freedom and adventure. Safari is a green floral with galbanum, mandarin and hyacinth; heart notes of rose, lily of the valley, narcissus and iris; and base notes vetiver, moss, Tonka bean and styrax.
- Shalimar by Jacques Guerlain – Made in 1925 as a tribute to the love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz. Shalimar contains lemon, bergamot, jasmine, may rose, opoponax, Tonka bean, vanilla, iris and gray amber.
- Twitch Jasmin Rosa by House of Fragrance – This floral fruity scent comes in unique fashionable stylish twisted bottle that will definitely make any dressing table look more seductive and glamourous. The features of smell many ingredients including e.g. peony, pineapple, cassia, jasmine, litchi, musk, white tea, tobacco, teak wood, tonka bean and sandalwood.
Use the above romantic gift ideas to find the best perfume for your partner. Many popular perfumes used for gifts come from designer brands though older classics are special due to their exclusivity.
Sources:
LuxeMag.org Joy Perfume by Jean Patou as a Symbol of Hope (Accessed December 10, 2010).
TheIndependent.co.uk The 50 Best Fragrances (Accessed December 10, 2010).
How to Choose Perfume: Smoky Scents and Woodsy Fragrances
Perfumes with tobacco notes and woodsy fragrances appeal to certain types of consumers; linking personality traits with perfume choice saves time and money
Smoky and woodsy fragrances have powerful effects on both the sense of smell and the subconscious mind. Perhaps more than any other aromas, they can summon the wearer back to a long lost time and place, bringing scent-images to mind with stunning clarity: a cozy evening around a crackling fireplace, a carefree childhood walk in the woods, the tender burnt-vanilla of a beloved grandfather’s pipe.
The word “perfume” means “through smoke;” choosing woodsy or smoky scents could mean passing through a hazy barrier into a world where chemistry melts into alchemy and molecules meld with magic.
Personality and Perfume: Smoky Scents
These fragrances may have notes of tobacco and incense blended with woods such as cypress or cedar. Vetiver often appears in such fragrances, lending an enduring and earthy savor to the overall composition. Women who are attracted to smoky scents will thus often enjoy woodsy ones as well (the heavier musks and vanilla may also be great favorites).
Such people have a tendency not to follow the latest fashion; but rather to pick a style of dress and makeup they think suits them and then stick with it for years. They probably prefer simpler, somewhat androgynous clothing and may even choose garments that are “anti-Western-fashion,” such as peasant shirts or intricate Native American patterns. The androgynous note is definitely reflected in smoky fragrance preferences, as many of these perfumes are supposed to be for men.
Since smoking in public is now considered practically a criminal offense in many countries, those who still respond positively to the smell of tobacco may possess at least a streak of rebelliousness; and their after-work fashion choices may well be influenced by this usually obscured wild side. While not necessarily smokers themselves, they would certainly find a trip to a tobacco shop both soothing and pleasant.
Perfumes that Smell of Smoke or Tobacco
- La Via del Profumo Tabac: Nice, non-cloying tobacco aroma designed for men.
- Sonoma Scent Studios Artisan Perfumes Tabac Aura: Tobacco shop delightfully blended with warm, wonderful cedar.
- B Never to Busy to Be Beautiful Breath of God: Weird and wonderful with tobacco and vetiver notes; an affordable “profound invention,” according to Perfumes: the A-Z Guide.
- House of Fragrance Jasmin Rosa: This dazzling attention grabbing scent, blend of sensual peony, jasmine and cassia are melded with notes of sweet litchi, Tobacco and effervescent pineapple, and smoothed with soothing musk, white tea, sandal and warm woods.
- Etat Libre d’Orange Jasmine et Cigarette: Strange flowery pipe tobacco aroma; amusingly labeled a “floral ashtray” by the aforementioned reference guide.
- Profumo di Firenze Tabacco: Vivid pipe tobacco fragrance.
- L’Artisan Parfumeur Timbuktu: This is a great crossover masculine for women to try; intoxicating and confident.
- L’Artisan Parfumeur Tea for Two: Smells like spicy chai with a whiff of smoke. Perfumes: the A-Z Guide recommends this as a home fragrance rather than a wearable one, but nonconformists might like it quite a bit.
Personality and Perfume: Woodsy Fragrances
Women who like to hunt, fish, camp, or spend hours at the beach usually revel in woodsy odors. Straightforward and unpretentious, they’ll choose a nature walk over a trip to the mall every time. They are said to crave intense experiences; and often exude a subdued charisma, commanding attention from others even when they don’t have much to say. More efficient than creative, such types generally appreciate more muted wardrobe colors and skip full-face makeup in favor of a few well-chosen “natural-look” products.
If a consumer is strongly drawn to woodsy perfumes, she will probably also be partial to musk, vetiver, vanilla, and richly smoky ones as well. Spicy and Oriental perfumes could also provide her with an elegant and sophisticated change of pace.
Great Perfumes that Smell of Wood
Note that most wood fragrances now use synthetic scents to replace natural wood sources, many of which are now too endangered and expensive to continue to exploit (some companies continue to use a cheap variety of Australian sandalwood, however).
- Donna Karan Chaos: The original was heavier and woodier than the reissue, but the new one still smells pretty good once the odd soda-pop-sweet top note fades.
- Sonoma Scent Studios Artisan Perfumes Winter Woods: Smoky, woodsy, beautiful, and crisp; the rare scent that is actually well-matched to its name.
- Elternhaus Mos!BuddJewChristHinDao: Expensive but a great splurge, tempers the strength of wood with the controlled flexibility of a carefully arranged bouquet.
- House of Fragrance Lola Conquest: Strength, femininity and sensuality, Lola Conquest are a combination of oriental wood and spicy aromatic blend which embodies the warm, fluid sensuality of the woman who wears it.
- Annick Goutal Songes: Heavy on jasmine, so quite a bit more feminine than most of its genre.
- Parfums MDCI Invasion Barbare: Great wood-and-spice masculine aroma that lasts for ages; its high price is justified by its complexity and peculiar charm.
- Jil Sander Scent 79 Man: Wood-and-cigarette-tobacco; would make a super gift for a guy who’s heartily sick of the same old herb-and-chypre aftershave tedium.
- Diptyque Tam Dao: Smells like cedar; Perfumes: the A-Z Guide recommends this as a home fragrance rather than a wearable one; might be oddly interesting layered under another, more conventional scent, though.
Sources
- Erickson, Laurie, Excerpts of Perfume Reviews, Sonoma Scent Studio.
- Fischer-Mirkin, Toby, Dress Code: Understanding the Hidden Meanings of Women’s Clothes, Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 1995.
- “ How to Understand Perfume Personalities,” beauty-and-the-bath.com.
- Principal, Victoria, The Beauty Principal, New York: Simon & Schuster, 1984.
- Turin, Luca and Sanchez, Tania, Perfumes: the A-Z Guide, New York: Penguin Books, 2008, 2009.
Descriptive quotes from Turin and Sanchez, pp. 159, 329.
How to Pick a Perfume: Spicy Fragrances and Musky Scents
Perfumes and personalities should match rather than clash; introverts like spicy perfumes, while animalic or musky fragrances appeal to a wide variety.
There’s a good deal of overlap between animalic scents (musk, civet, etc.), spicy fragrances, and amber-based Oriental perfumes. The personality types drawn to each may share many of the same characteristics; yet there are definite differences between those who choose to wear musk oil-based fragrances and those who prefer cinnamon, saffron, or clove scents.
Although the following article provides general rules to help pick out perfume as a gift or for yourself, it is important to remember that no perfume and personality guidelines are set in stone. There will always be talkative extroverts who love spicy fragrances, and tomboyish outdoors types who adore classically feminine florals.
Personality and Perfume: Spicy Scents
Most would probably guess that people who choose spicy perfumes have “spicy personalities,” but fragrances based on exotic spices often have a stronger appeal to quiet, introverted, intellectual types. They may prefer ultra-tailored suits and dark colors to brightly colored fashions; and their makeup tends to be subdued and carefully applied rather than flamboyant. Spicy scent lovers may occasionally exhibit a barely-suppressed streak of the exotic, though; and will then use a single piece of extravagant jewelry or a jewel-toned scarf to provide a glamorous touch and alleviate an overly severe outfit.
Women who enjoy cooking with spices, making potpourri from spices, or consuming heavily seasoned cuisine may be drawn to spicy fragrances as well. Some spice-lovers who have skin allergies and cannot wear perfumes like to carry around small envelopes filled with a blend of spices. In other words, if a person adores these types of scents, she will have great difficulty going without them for long.
Excellent Perfumes Based on Spices
- Estée Lauder Cinnabar: Released in 1977 to compete with Opium, this classic deserves to be rediscovered.
- Chanel Coco: Multifaceted and subtly spicy; though some reviewers find it “terribly dated,” women who wear Coco remain loyal to it for decades.
- Amouage Jubilation XXV: Marketed for men, but anyone who likes incense and spices will enjoy it; expensive, but worth seeking out.
- L’Artisan Parfumeur Safran Troublant: Unique and fascinating scent that combines vanilla and saffron. Called “high art at heart” in Perfumes: the A-Z Guide.
- House of Fragrance Daman Unforgiven: Released in 2010, a confident man with a free spirit, seductive with the promise of hidden sensuality.
Personality and Perfume: Animalic or Musky Fragrances
An animalic perfume is one based on notes that resemble bodily odors. Such aromas include musk, civet, and castoreum; although they used to be extracted from animals such as the Himalayan musk deer, they are now primarily synthetically derived. Consumers particularly concerned with animal rights should take care to purchase fragrances that are not extremely expensive, since cheaper fragrances never have ingredients derived from animals in them.
Musky fragrances may be either subtle or strong; light, sweet musks are often enjoyed by shy, retiring types, while more outgoing individuals like a woodsy, earthy, or at least “louder” version of the arresting aroma. Such perfumes are chosen as favorites by so many different types of people that it is impossible to come to even generalized conclusions about their appearance or personality traits. In other words, when in doubt, try an animalic scent!
Interestingly, many women find the smell of animal scents sexually arousing; while most men cannot even detect it. In fact, the musk molecule is so large and unwieldy that not all women can smell all types of musk either. Of course, science can only comment on what is or is not consciously smelled; there’s no telling exactly what’s going on down at the subconscious level.
Perhaps for that very reason, notes of musk are used in practically all perfumes; and have traditionally been one of the basic building blocks of any quality fragrance. Ancient tribes used to wear leather, animal skins, and furs to absorb some of the power, courage, and intense nature of the wild beasts they hunted; possibly the same atavistic psychological drives are buried deep within the modern-day lingering affection for animalic odors.
Musk Perfumes and Other Animalic Fragrances
- Serge Lutens Muscs Koublai Khan: Castoreum, civet, and synthetic musk; fierce as a snarling feral cat, it somehow manages to both appeal and appall.
- Theo Fennell Scent: Musk plus saffron, with a wood and Oriental-influenced drydown. Nice unisex fragrance.
- Guerlain Jicky: Vanilla and herbs, but with strong undercurrent of civet; except for the elimination of phototoxic nitro musks, Jicky’s formula has remained reliably constant since 1889.
- House of Fragrance Daman Ultimate Sport: Smooth Vanilla Orchid, with White Musk and Black Pepper, a free thinker and confident man who is unafraid to take risks and push boundaries.
- Guerlain L’Instant Magic Elixir: Described as “radiant musk” in Perfumes: the A-Z Guide.
- Jovan Musk for Women: light and cozy with floral notes; a likable and perennial drugstore favorite.
Sources
- AriaMech, “How to smell good without the use of perfume,” everything2.com.
- Fischer-Mirkin, Toby, Dress Code: Understanding the Hidden Meanings of Women’s Clothes, Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 1995.
- “ Fragrances & Your Scent Personality,” squidoo.com.
- Gabriel, Julie, The Green Beauty Guide, Deerfield Beach, FL, Health Communications, Inc., 2008.
- Turin, Luca and Sanchez, Tania, Perfumes: the A-Z Guide, New York: Penguin Books, 2008, 2009.
- “What Personality Does Your Perfume Reveal?,” beyondjane.com, 2010.
Descriptive quotes taken from Turin and Sanchez, pp. 315, 483.