What are the spirits. General rules for applying and the best places for this. Features of using different types of perfumes: solid, oil, alcohol. Applying perfume is a technique that any perfume owner should master. Correctly applied perfumes can not only fully reveal the composition, but also give confidence, create intrigue, and attract the attention of the opposite sex. Conversely, non-compliance with the rules for using fragrances can make even the most expensive and sophisticated perfumes repulsive.
The main types of perfumes
The modern world of perfumery continues to improve, expanding the boundaries of aromas. The imagination of perfumers is not exhausted so that every lady can find for herself the ideal version of the “second skin”. With such a riot of the fragrant kingdom, there are not so many types of perfumes.
Let's list the main types of perfumes:
- Solid perfume … The progenitors of all perfumes come from ancient times, when perfumers still did not know how to associate scents with the use of ethers or alcohols. For the basis of such perfumes, vegetable oils with a solid consistency (coconut, shea, jojoba) in tandem with wax and aromatic oils were used (and are used). They can be of different shapes and sizes, have an absolutely natural composition and are very convenient in terms of transportation. Such perfumes are easy to make with your own hands. On an industrial scale, solid perfumes are practically not created today, but such a beauty industry tycoon as Estee Lauder still considers this type of product to be his "chip".
- Oil perfume … Aromatic compositions based on aroma oils. A real oil perfume is created by a master by hand, purely individually, based on the client's preferences. And you can find such a master only in the East - where this type of spirit was born. The hand-made version has not only a unique aroma, but also the ability to "blossom" on the body of its owner throughout the day. Plus, with the help of a properly formulated composition, you can even solve some medical problems, for example, allergies. And in combination with pheromones, properly selected and applied oil perfumes can seriously excite representatives of the opposite sex. Oil-based perfumes can also be made on their own, but getting a good result will be much more difficult than in the case of creating solid ones.
- Spirit perfume … The most modern type of perfumery, where ethyl alcohol or its mixture with concentrates of lungwort and valerian (Masculon) is used as a base. After applying such a perfume, its alcoholic component gradually evaporates, leaving the aromatic composition to unfold. The persistence of the product directly depends on the concentration of alcohol: the less it is, the more persistent the perfume will be and the more pronounced its aroma.
Alcohol-based products, in turn, are also divided into several types. The classification was based on the concentration of alcohol in the perfume composition:
- Perfume (Parfum) … The most persistent fighter in the army of aromas, since it contains a high concentration of a perfume composition (from 15 to 22%), dissolved in a 90% alcohol solution. To create them, expensive plant and flower essences are used, and the share of aromatic oils can be 40% and more. This determines not only the long-term durability of perfumes (from 5 hours), but also their significant cost. Therefore, the real Parfum (or Parfume in the English version) is produced in "small" bottles (up to 15 ml) with an exclusive design.
- Eau de Parfum … A lighter version of perfume, but also more popular. In it, the proportion of an odorous composition is in the range of 15-25%, and the proportion of aromatic concentrate in relation to alcohol is 12-13%. Based on this, the durability of real eau de parfum can be up to 5 hours. Therefore, it is often called a "daytime" perfume. The volumes of Eau de Parfum are small, the bottle can be without or with a spray.
- Eau de Toilette … It takes the 3rd place in durability after perfumes and eau de parfum. This is due to the lower content of aromatic concentrate (from 8 to 20%) in 85% alcohol solution. Eau de Toilette is considered the optimal "office" option and is also ideal for hot summer days. Since the durability of such a perfume usually does not exceed 2-3 hours, which makes it necessary to periodically refresh it during the day, fragrances are produced in large volumes - from 30 to 100 ml and in the form of sprays.
- Cologne (Eau de Cologne) … A light version of the perfume with a scent extract of 3-5%. To create this type of perfume, a less concentrated alcohol solution is used - 70-80%. Most often, cologne is a men's perfume with a light aromatic composition.
- Refreshing (sports) water (L'Eau Fraiche, Eau de Sport) … Superlight version of perfume with a minimum content of perfume composition (up to 3%), dissolved in 70-80% alcohol. The longevity of such a perfume is also minimal, and the aroma itself has mainly fresh light notes, most often citrus fruits.
There is a conditional classification of the fragrances themselves. They are woody (sandalwood, musk, myrtle), chypre (sage, patchouli, lavender), amber, aldehyde, floral oriental (flowers with amber, sandalwood or musk), leather (juniper, birch bark), oriental, fougere (geranium, lavender, oak moss). There are also floral, spicy, marine, green, fruity and citrus notes of the composition.
Important! Alcohol-based perfumes today hold the palm in popularity, therefore they are produced by absolutely all perfume companies. For the same reason, they hold the record for the number of fakes.
General application rules
How the chosen scent will "sound" on you depends on two main factors: the quality of the perfume and its use. At the same time, it is their correct application that makes the fragrant cloud around you unobtrusive, inviting and unique in its own way.
Regardless of which type of perfume you have chosen for yourself, remember the general rules for using perfume:
- Different scent groups do not mix … When using several types of perfumery products (for example, perfume and deodorant or body lotion), choose products from one line or at least one group of fragrances. Ideally, perfumes shouldn't have competitors on your body. Therefore, either do not use deodorants and lotions, or use unscented products. Otherwise, after mixing different flavors, a "hellish" mixture may form.
- Each scent has its own time … In order for the smell to be pleasant not only to you, but also to people around you, you need to choose the right time to use it. So, in the daytime, in the summer and at work, it is better to "wear" light versions of perfumes. With the onset of cold weather, as well as for special evening occasions, you can choose "artillery" heavier - perfumes with a rich, trail smell.
- Good scent likes clean skin … It is the washed body that is able to create, with the perfume composition of your choice, that unique aroma that will make you turn around. This should be borne in mind also when you change your perfume during the day - apply the evening version only after a shower or bath. Mixing two scents on your skin, or even one with sweat, can also draw attention to you, but with a minus sign.
- Even a super aroma has its own measure … The statement that all the best should be in moderation is also relevant for perfumes. Especially for perfumes with a heavy, rich aroma and good longevity. The main thing to remember: if you do not hear the smell of your perfume, this does not mean that the people around you do not hear it. Therefore, do not overuse the amount of "sprinkles" of your favorite perfume during the day.
- Clothes are not the best scent keeper … Most experts do not recommend applying perfume anywhere other than the skin. But nevertheless, if you “sin” by the opportunity to share the scent with clothes, remember that fur, wool, linen, and cotton keep your favorite scent best. Moreover, on a fur coat or fur collar, it can last up to a year. This should also be taken into account if you like to periodically change perfumes. By the way, perfume can leave not only a smell, but also visible traces on light and thin fabrics.
- Store your favorite scents correctly … The interaction of the perfume with the sun and air does not in the best way affect the persistence and "sound" of the aromatic composition. Therefore, keep your perfume closed, in a box and away from light and heat.
- Do not rub perfume on your skin … Mechanical rubbing of perfume into the surface of the skin destroys the molecules of the perfume composition. Therefore, apply the fragrance with a spray bottle or with your finger, but with a point and gentle touch.
Where to apply perfume
Another component of an alluring scent is knowing where to apply perfume. Correctly applied perfume creates ideal conditions for the blooming of an aromatic bouquet.
So, let's consider what magical places on our body will help our favorite scent to reveal its full potential:
- Neck area behind ears and wrists … The most famous "targets" for applying perfume compositions. It is in these zones that the vessels pass as close as possible to the surface of the skin, therefore all conditions are created here for the aroma to reveal all its notes (pulsation, warm skin temperature).
- Hair … The structure of the hair can absorb and retain odors as well as the skin. Therefore, you can apply your favorite perfumes on them. But here you need to be careful with alcoholic perfumes, which can dry curls due to the alcohol content. Therefore, if you want to scent not only the skin, but also the strands, use special products with your favorite composition. If not, spray the perfume not on the hair itself, but on the brush before brushing or styling. Wet curls are believed to hold scent better, especially those with an oily texture.
- Back of the neck … This is the area where the scent will last as long as possible, gently whispering to others about itself. He will be especially effective in places with a large crowd of people (especially men) - in a full elevator, subway car or public transport, etc.
- Elbow bend … Professional perfumers find this area more suitable for a perfect scent than the neck or wrist. At the same time, they recommend applying perfume not to dry, but to skin moistened with lotion. The only thing to consider: the lotion should be from the same series as the perfume, or universal, but odorless.
- Knee bend … A little-known area for the "habitation" of fragrances, but very effective in terms of perception by others. Especially individuals of the opposite sex. The same laws of physics work here as in the neck and wrist area. Closely located vessels help to "release" the scent faster, and the rising air currents pick it up and imperceptibly spread it around.
- Navel … For many, "terra incognita" refers to the application of perfume. At the same time, the conditions for the flourishing of the perfume composition are no less favorable here than in the other named areas of the body. Plus, a note of piquancy and intimacy is added to this. By the way, this is the way Steven Tyler, the leader of the Aerosmith group, who loves and receives the attention of women, uses it.
It is interesting that today you can preserve the fragrance on yourself even with the help of jewelry. For example, the by Kilian brand produces a whole series of earrings, pendants, pendants, inside which a ceramic ball is placed. It is he, sprinkled with your favorite perfume, who will be responsible for the aroma emanating from you.
Features of using perfume
The art of how to apply perfume correctly has its own nuances. First of all, they depend on what type of perfume is used. Therefore, in addition to the rules already described, we recommend taking into account the following.
How to apply alcohol perfume
It would seem that the popularity of alcohol-based perfumes and the availability of information about their use should exclude most of the "punctures" from their owners. At the same time, not all lovers of this type of perfume apply them correctly.
Consider how to use alcoholic perfume:
- When buying alcoholic perfumes, be aware of the possibility of counterfeits. And the point here is not only in the originality of the composition and the persistence of the aroma. Using a substandard perfume with unknown ingredients can negatively affect your health (from headaches to severe skin reactions).
- Do not forget about the rule of a clean body, including if you decide to use a different perfume during the day.
- Do not use heavy fragrances in spring, hot summer, in confined spaces and at work. In such conditions, they become even more tangible and persistent. Even if you think the smell is quite tolerable, not everyone around you can share your opinion. Save it for colder winter days or cooler evenings.
- Don't confuse scents with each other. If you like to frequently change perfumery "decorations", make it a rule not to put them on your clothes. This will reduce the risk of odors "stacking up" as some fabrics can retain them for a long time even after washing.
How to apply oil perfume
The composition and consistency of the oil-based perfume make it special not only in terms of aroma, but also in terms of application.
These features are manifested in the following:
- Oily perfume is applied exclusively to clean skin, but not to clothing. This selectivity is due to the oily composition of the perfume, which will surely leave stains on the fabric.
- The specificity of the oil aroma is that it simply does not accept other odors. Therefore, for bathing, use soaps and gels that are odorless or with a weak neutral scent. The same applies to skin care products - creams, lotions, serums.
- Oily perfume can be applied to all of the above areas of the body, except for the area behind the ears. Here, the skin is rich in fatty glands, contact with which can significantly transform the scent of perfume for the worse.
- Real oil-based perfumes do not have a spray, but are applied to the skin using a special dispensing stick or finger.
- With your favorite perfume, you can scent your shampoo or body cream by adding a couple of drops.
- Oily perfumes do not tolerate foreign odors - be it sweat, another perfume or cosmetic product, medicines or tobacco smoke. Essential oils very easily interact with other substances and odors, so an alliance with the above components at the outlet can give a result that is far from pleasant for the sense of smell. Do not forget that this also happens when you drink alcohol, some of which is excreted from the body and through the sweat glands.
How to apply solid perfume
Solid perfumes can vary in consistency, from creamy to as hard as a candle. Therefore, the storage for them is not limited to the factory bottle. It can be a customized jar or jewelry (ring, pendant, medallion), an exclusive jewelry box or pencil perfume.
The specificity of such a perfume does not end there, therefore, there are also nuances of use here:
- The points of application of the solid perfume are the zones of pulsation already listed above. It is not recommended to apply them on hair (and it is not convenient).
- The dosage of dry perfume must be chosen carefully, since in most cases it has pronounced oriental compositions. Especially if his homeland is India or the United Arab Emirates.
- You can apply perfume in different ways: depending on where it is stored and in what consistency it is. Paste-like ones can be "typed" directly with the pads of the fingers, solid ones - with the help of a cotton swab or a toothpick (and already from them - on the finger).
- When applying perfume in the form of a pencil or a stick, you can avoid mediation with your finger, and immediately rub it gently on clean skin. This should be done in circular massage movements.
Interestingly, your favorite scent of solid perfume can be "shared" with your laundry by placing a box with a piece of perfume in a closet or on a shelf. In the same way, you can fill a room or car interior with it.
How to apply perfume correctly - watch the video:
The correct application of perfume is in many ways akin to the correct wearing of clothes and the correct make-up - even in an expensive perfume, you can “look” bad or vulgar. Therefore, observe the measure, adhere to the above rules - and your scent will be a faithful ally in everything.
