Fragrance can be added to many cosmetic products. Natural fragrances from Fragrance Oils Direct are made from naturally occurring ingredients and are becoming increasingly popular.
Origins
Fragrances have been a part of human culture since ancient times. Fragrances are an integral part of many cultures. They evoke memories, enhance rites, and signify status. They are a complex mixture of aromatic raw materials derived mainly from flowers, herbs and spices, tree bark, woods, animal products and resins.
Egyptians have been credited as being among the earliest perfumers. They used fragrances during religious ceremonies and burial rites. The Egyptians also used the fragrances to adorn their bodies and for sexual purposes. The Crusades helped to expand the perfume industry in Europe and the knowledge base. The explorers of the Renaissance such as Columbus, Magellan and Vasco de Gama opened up new frontiers and introduced new scents to Europe through their maritime expeditions.
By the end the eighteenth-century, perfume had reached a peak. During this period known as the Belle Epoque, perfume was seen as a symbol of high class and fashion. Different perfumes are used for different classes. Aristocracy or wealthy elites preferred rose, coumarin iris and amber scents.
The introduction of synthetic materials like coumarin, heliotropin and aldehydes marked a new era in perfumery history. These chemicals were created through chemistry to recreate natural scents like rose, lily, and lavender. This also allowed the creation of modern fragrances that were lighter and more subtle.
The 1970s saw a shift in perfume styles against a backdrop of feminism and neo-romanticism. Women wanted to appear sophisticated, proactive and natural. They also wanted to wear a fragrance that would reflect their personality, ideas and attitudes. Fragrances, such as colognes, patchouli, and vetiver, became popular.
Types
Fragrance is an aromatic mixture of oils, fixatives and solvents that are used to give the scent to objects, foods, living spaces, animals and people. It is typically liquid. There are different types of colognes and perfumes that differ in their fragrance oil concentration. Higher concentrations of fragrance oil produce stronger and longer lasting scents.
There are several basic fragrance families that can help people narrow down their choices. These include floral, woody, oriental, and musky smells. Spice notes like cinnamon and ginger can also be found in some fragrances, adding a warm, inviting scent. These fragrances are usually unisex and can be worn by both men and women.
Floral fragrances are primarily centered around the scent of one or more flowers. It can be a single floral scent, such as roses or lilies. Or, it can be a combination of different flowers, such as bouquet accord. This type of fragrance is popular among women and is considered feminine.
Spicy perfumes have the scent of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. This type is said to be suitable for casual occasions, such as lunches and brunches. Both men and woman can wear it.
Exotic perfumes are scented with fruits such as apples, berries, peaches, mangos, and peaches. These types of fragrances are said to be ideal for dates and romantic occasions, as they have a fresh, sweet smell that can be attractive to others.
Musky perfumes contain a combination of earthy, animalistic base notes such as amber, musk and vetiver. This type of perfume is supposedly very alluring and sensual, and it can be worn by both men and women.
Woody fragrances are based primarily on the smell of cedar. They also include sandalwood and vetiver. This type is considered to be sophisticated and masculine, and can be worn both by men and women.
Uses
The use of scents has been around for centuries. People have used scents from flowers and herbs, fresh air, rain and other natural sources for centuries to improve their mood and image. People have also developed many products including perfumes, colognes and other scents to keep body smells at bay. Perfume can have a psychological effect, as well as its aesthetic value. It can keep the brain alert, and improve memory recall.
Many personal care products and cleaning products contain fragrance ingredients. If you look at the label, chances are that it contains a mixture of more than 3,500 different fragrance chemicals.
Perfumes are often made from oily substances, which are extracted through two processes: maceration and enfleurage. In maceration, the materials are soaked in solvent oils that act as carriers and capture heavier plant molecules. In enfleurage, the materials are drawn into fats and oils, which then are pressed to extract the oily fragrance components. The oil is then blended with other oils to create a desired fragrance. Perfumes and colognes can be alcohol-based or water-based. They can contain extra compounds, such vitamins and mineral, that are added as nutritional benefits.
People can wear perfumes to help them feel energized, confident and attractive. They can also be worn to mask body odors and leave behind a pleasant scent after showering or bathing. You can apply perfumes and colognes on your clothing, hair, or accessories to give them a pleasant scent.
Some of the most popular fragrances are made from natural substances such as jasmine, citrus, pine, or lily. Other popular scents include those that are based on spices, woods and vanilla. Some manufacturers create a line of perfumes that is marketed as being masculine or feminine. The difference between these fragrances is based upon current cultural and advertising trends.
You can find fragrances in other products besides perfumes. These include soaps and shampoos as well as air fresheners and hand lotions.