The World Of Perfumes. Here's What You Need To Know
The world of perfumes is vast, complex, and full of history! People have used fragrances for thousands and thousands of years. Here's what you need to know about the use and choice of perfume.
The word "perfume", used today, comes from the Latin "per fumus" and means "through smoke". The history of perfume is almost as old as that of mankind, with evidence of the existence of perfume dating back to ancient times.
Some people have a very strong sense of smell and scents have the power to arouse emotions. Therefore, the use and choice of perfume is a very personal decision.
Both women and men confirm that scents can change the way they feel and are a good way to express themselves. And, just like people, perfume has its own personality.
Perfume has a history dating back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of perfume dates back to Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Cyprus. The kings of France used perfume excessively to hide their lack of hygiene, and the ladies of England's high society used beautiful scents to seduce.
The ancient Egyptians were the first to incorporate perfume into their culture, followed by the ancient Chinese, Hindus, Israelites, Carthaginians, Arabs, Greeks, and Romans.
The oldest perfumes ever found were discovered by archaeologists in Cyprus and the relics were nearly 4,000 years old. A cuneiform tablet from Mesopotamia, more than 3,000 years old, identifies a woman named Tapputi as the first recorded perfume maker.
Between 1940 and 1950, tastes were changing. Women began to prefer light, floral, and very feminine flavors, in keeping with post-war ideals. While between the 1960s and 1970s the trend shifted towards more sophisticated, woody, incense, and musk flavors - the essence of the Orient.
In the 1980s, striking and voluptuous fragrance aromas were preferred, but this changed completely in the 1990s when fragrances with fresh, clean scents appear. At that point, it was hard to tell the difference between male and female fragrances!
In the 2000s, manufacturers started using the aromas of different fruits in their perfumes. Often the perfumes smelled so delicious that you didn't know what to do with them: eat the bottle or use what was in the bottle!
Today, the range of scents available is astonishing and it is certainly impossible not to find one, or more, that satisfies your requirements: light and fresh, sweet and floral, exotic and luxurious, for a special evening or a romantic occasion, etc.
Eau de Toilette (toilet water) contains between 5 and 15% aromatic compounds, which means it has a slightly stronger scent, but it is also sold in a 'perfume' version, with a much stronger scent. Perfume is used in small amounts and applied discreetly around the throat or on the wrist.
The word "perfume", used today, comes from the Latin "per fumus" and means "through smoke". The history of perfume is almost as old as that of mankind, with evidence of the existence of perfume dating back to ancient times.
Some people have a very strong sense of smell and scents have the power to arouse emotions. Therefore, the use and choice of perfume is a very personal decision.
Both women and men confirm that scents can change the way they feel and are a good way to express themselves. And, just like people, perfume has its own personality.
The History Of Perfumes
The world of perfume is fascinating! Throughout history, fragrance - like style and clothing - has been influenced by fashion trends.Perfume has a history dating back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of perfume dates back to Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Cyprus. The kings of France used perfume excessively to hide their lack of hygiene, and the ladies of England's high society used beautiful scents to seduce.
The ancient Egyptians were the first to incorporate perfume into their culture, followed by the ancient Chinese, Hindus, Israelites, Carthaginians, Arabs, Greeks, and Romans.
The oldest perfumes ever found were discovered by archaeologists in Cyprus and the relics were nearly 4,000 years old. A cuneiform tablet from Mesopotamia, more than 3,000 years old, identifies a woman named Tapputi as the first recorded perfume maker.
Perfumes in Modern Times
The introduction of synthetic compounds in the 1930s made perfumes go beyond what animal and plant products could offer, exploring new and exciting realms of flavors that had not existed before.Between 1940 and 1950, tastes were changing. Women began to prefer light, floral, and very feminine flavors, in keeping with post-war ideals. While between the 1960s and 1970s the trend shifted towards more sophisticated, woody, incense, and musk flavors - the essence of the Orient.
In the 1980s, striking and voluptuous fragrance aromas were preferred, but this changed completely in the 1990s when fragrances with fresh, clean scents appear. At that point, it was hard to tell the difference between male and female fragrances!
In the 2000s, manufacturers started using the aromas of different fruits in their perfumes. Often the perfumes smelled so delicious that you didn't know what to do with them: eat the bottle or use what was in the bottle!
Today, the range of scents available is astonishing and it is certainly impossible not to find one, or more, that satisfies your requirements: light and fresh, sweet and floral, exotic and luxurious, for a special evening or a romantic occasion, etc.
Here Is What You Need To Know About Perfume Labels
Eau de Cologne (cologne) contains 3-5% aromatic compounds, which means it is very light. It is a light and cheaper version - a good choice for young people who love to spray it around their bodies several times a day.Eau de Toilette (toilet water) contains between 5 and 15% aromatic compounds, which means it has a slightly stronger scent, but it is also sold in a 'perfume' version, with a much stronger scent. Perfume is used in small amounts and applied discreetly around the throat or on the wrist.
