15 Facts You Should Know About Perfume

1. Word perfume and ‘per fumum’

Etymology of the word "perfume"The word "perfume" originates from the Latin term "per fumum," which literally translates to "through smoke." The art of manufacturing and wearing perfume has been refined by the Romans and Arabs for over 2,500 years. Emperor Nero is known to have hosted lavish feasts, during which rose and jasmine oil was poured into fountains and diffused into the air. The Arabian practice of bakhoor, which involves the burning of incense and precious woods to perfume clothing and the environment, is still prominent today.

2. What was the first perfume?

While the first perfume is not definitively known, historical records indicate that the world's first recorded chemist and perfume maker was a woman named Tapputi. She lived in Babylonian Mesopotamia around 1200 BCE and is considered a pioneering figure in the field of perfumery. Tapputi is believed to have developed and documented methods for extracting scents, establishing the foundation for modern perfume making. The earliest documented "factory" dedicated to the production of perfumed oils dates back 4000 years on the island of Cyprus.The Egyptians pioneered the integration of perfume into their culture 3000 years ago, inventing specialized vessels to hold their precious scented oils and balms.

3. Is there a possibility that perfume can act as an aphrodisiac?

Perfume has been shown to enhance a wearer's sense of self-confidence and attractiveness. Certain perfumes are formulated with ingredients that are recognized for their aphrodisiac properties, capable of prompting immediate attraction and intuitive sensual responses. Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla, and Ginger are frequently cited as ingredients with recognized aphrodisiac properties. Cleopatra is known to have utilized jasmine in this way, using its power to seduce Mark Antony.

4. Perfume undergoes changes throughout the day. Why does this occur?

Have you ever considered the reason behind this phenomenon? This phenomenon is attributed to the interaction of the top, heart, and base notes in a fragrance. The evolution of a fragrance's scent is influenced by the chemistry of the skin and the raw materials used in its composition. A perfume's composition involves a blend of top, heart, and base notes. The top notes are the most delicate and typically have a short duration of perception. The heart notes, which are often herbal, floral, or spicy, tend to persist longer than the top notes, while the base notes are the most durable, remaining with you throughout the day. Base notes are typically composed of wood, amber, and musk.

5. Is there an expiration date for perfume?

The composition of a perfume may undergo changes over time. For this reason, it is recommended that customers use their perfume within three to five years. Once the bottle is opened and exposed to air, whether through opening the bottle or using the atomizer, the perfume should be used within the first three years. As a fragrance ages, its scent may evolve, potentially changing from its original composition. For instance, Eau de Toilette may lose its initial alcohol scent after a few years. The higher the perfume concentration, the longer the fragrance will last, both in the bottle and on the skin. Heavier perfumes, often with oriental base notes, tend to have the longest longevity.

6. How should perfume be stored?

There are several factors to consider when storing perfume. Environmental factors such as humidity, sunlight, and temperature can contribute to the deterioration of perfume over time. To ensure the longevity of your perfume, store it upright in a dark, humidity-free environment. Avoid storing it in places such as bathrooms or cars, as they tend to be more humid and subject to temperature fluctuations.

7. What is the difference between Eau de Parfum and Parfum?

There are different categories in perfumery for perfume types with certain concentrations. The concentration of a fragrance refers to the amount of pure perfume oil in the product. Eau de Toilette typically contains approximately 10% perfume concentration, while Eau de Parfum has a concentration of about 15%. Perfumes classified as Parfum typically have a concentration level of over 20%. Higher concentrations result in prolonged fragrance retention, with Parfums maintaining their potency on the skin for a significantly longer duration compared to Eau de Parfums. A Parfum typically lasts 8-12 hours, while an Eau de Parfum generally lasts approximately 6 hours.

8. Is perfume an effective mood enhancer?

Perfume has been shown to have a positive effect on mood, promoting relaxation, enhancing feelings of well-being, and boosting self-confidence. Furthermore, perfume has been shown to evoke specific associations, contributing to its multifaceted role in personal presentation. The ability to recall a scent can be particularly memorable, as it aids in recalling things you wish to remember. Citrus perfumes are reputed to invigorate and revitalize the wearer.

9. What are the factors that contribute to the variation in the fragrance of perfume on the skin?

Individuals have distinct skin pH levels and lifestyles, which can influence the perception of fragrance. This can influence how a perfume's scent is perceived on your skin compared to someone else's or on a scented card. If there is a noticeable change in the scent of your perfume, it does not necessarily indicate that the fragrance has deteriorated or that the composition of the perfume has been altered. It is more likely that there has been a change in your lifestyle.

10. What is the distinction between a splash bottle and an atomizer?

Most perfumes are atomisers, which are essentially spray pumps. In contrast, splash bottles lack a spray pump and typically do not include an applicator on the bottle top. Splash bottles are typically used for aftershaves. Additionally, pure perfume oils are sometimes presented in crystal bottles that lack a spray pump but feature an applicator, enabling users to apply the perfume to the skin by dabbing.

11. The application of perfume is a subject of interest for many individuals.

Perfume is activated by body heat; therefore, it should be applied to the skin at the main pulse points—the inside of the wrist, the neck, behind the ear, the elbows, and behind the knees. It is important to avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can alter the molecular composition of the fragrance, resulting in a change in its scent. Additionally, the application of perfume in one's hair can enhance its longevity and diffusion, ensuring consistent scent release as the hair moves. It is important to avoid direct spraying of perfume on the hair, as the alcohol content may cause drying of the hair. Instead, we recommend applying the perfume to your brush first, and then using it to style your hair.

12. Are perfumes considered vegan?

Many perfumes contain ingredients derived from animal sources. It is advisable to verify this information prior to purchase to ensure that the perfume is entirely vegan. Currently, there is no official signage on packaging to indicate this information. Clive Christian Perfumes are not tested on animals, and the majority of our perfumes are certified suitable for vegans. However, it should be noted that some of our perfumes contain natural beeswax and honey absolute, which is ethically sourced from the south of France as a byproduct of the honey industry.

13. What are unisex perfumes?

In general, all perfumes are considered unisex. There are no established guidelines dictating that a sweet, floral scent is exclusively for women or that a deep, woody fragrance is reserved for men. The decision of how to incorporate fragrances into one's personal collection is at the discretion of the wearer. It is important to note that there are many women who wear fragrances that are classified as masculine, and there is nothing wrong with that.

14. Avoiding prolonged exposure

Given the vast array of fragrance options, it is advisable to take a moment to relax and allow your nose to recuperate between continuous fragrance tests. This is because prolonged exposure to fragrance can diminish the body's sensitivity to the olfactory sense, potentially leading to a "malfunctioning" of the nose, meaning it will find it challenging to differentiate between different fragrances.

15. Non-organic materials

In the past, perfumes were made from simple “scent” materials, which can be said to be one to one with the original aroma of the raw materials. Nowadays, most perfumes use not only the main ingredients, but also many additional ingredients that are not made from real ingredients. Due to the mass production of perfumes, synthetic scents have replaced organic ingredients.