Antonio Mcgowan
The word perfume comes from the Latin per fumum, which means through smoke. The art of making and wearing perfume was refined by the Romans and Arabs over 2500 years ago. Today, perfumes are complex compositions of top, heart, and base notes, with the base notes typically lasting the longest. The concentration of oil in a perfume determines its classification and price, with higher concentrations classified as parfum and lasting longer on the skin. The scent of a perfume can also be influenced by an individual's skin pH and lifestyle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etymology | The word "perfume" comes from the Latin "per fumum" or "perfumare", which means "through smoke" |
| History | The art of making perfumes began in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley civilization, and possibly Ancient China. It was further refined by the Romans and Muslims. |
| First Known Perfume | The world's first recorded chemist and perfume maker was a woman named Tapputi, who lived in Mesopotamia around 1200 BCE. |
| Fragrance Notes | Perfumes are composed of top, heart, and base notes, with base notes lasting the longest. |
| Concentration | Perfumes have a high fragrance concentration (more than 20% oil), followed by Eau de Parfum (15%), Eau de Toilette (5-15%), and Eau de Cologne (3-8%). |
| Longevity | Higher concentration leads to longer-lasting fragrance. Parfum can last 8-12 hours, while Eau de Parfum lasts about 6 hours. |
| Application | Perfume is typically applied behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, under the armpits, and at pulse points like wrists, elbows, and knees. |
| Effects | Perfume can evoke memories, boost mood, improve confidence, and energize or refresh the wearer. |
| Individual Variation | Perfume may smell different on each person due to differences in skin pH and lifestyle factors. |
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What You'll Learn
- Etymology: 'Perfume' comes from the Latin 'per fumum', meaning 'through smoke'
- History: The art of making perfumes began in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley Civilisation
- Ingredients: Perfumes are made from oils taken from flowers or plants, or synthetic substances
- Types: Different types of perfumes include eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and cologne
- Application: Perfume is typically applied to pulse points, such as the wrists and neck
Etymology: 'Perfume' comes from the Latin 'per fumum', meaning 'through smoke'
The word "perfume" comes from the Latin "per fumum", which means "through smoke". The Romans gave perfumery its name, but they were not its inventors. The art of making perfumes, or perfumery, began in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley civilisation, and possibly Ancient China. It was further refined by the Romans, the Persians, and the Arabs.
The earliest known chemist and perfume maker was a woman named Tapputi, mentioned in a Cuneiform tablet from Mesopotamia, dating back to the second millennium BC. She distilled flowers, oils, and calamus with other aromatics, then filtered and distilled them several times.
The ancient Egyptians used perfumes for religious and beautification purposes. Egyptian priests were the first perfumers, using aromatic resins to sweeten the smell of sacrificial offerings. They believed that burning incense connected them to the gods. The rich elites in Egypt adorned themselves with aromas made from scented oils to denote their status.
The Romans in 100 AD were using about 2,800 tons of frankincense and 550 tons of myrrh a year. During the reign of Emperor Nero, he wanted the fountains to trickle with rosewater.
Today, the word "perfume" is used to describe scented mixtures, and "perfumery" refers to the art of making perfumes. Perfume is a substance that emits a pleasant odour, often a fluid preparation of natural essences from plants or synthetic materials.
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History: The art of making perfumes began in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley Civilisation
The word "perfume" is derived from the Latin "perfumare," which means "to smoke through." The art of crafting perfumes, or perfumery, is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley Civilization, with potential roots in Ancient China as well.
One of the earliest known chemists, and the first recorded female chemist, was a woman named Tapputi, who lived in Mesopotamia around the 2nd millennium BCE. She is mentioned in a cuneiform tablet, which describes her methods of distilling flowers, oils, calamus, and other aromatics, filtering them, and then repeating the process. This early experimentation laid the foundation for modern perfume-making.
In the ancient world, perfume and perfumery were also prevalent in the Indus Civilization (3300 BCE - 1300 BCE). Archaeologists in 2003 uncovered what is believed to be the oldest surviving perfumes in Pyrgos, Cyprus, dating back over 4,000 years. This discovery included an ancient perfumery, a large factory with various equipment for creating fragrances.
The Romans and Muslims further refined the art of perfumery, with Emperor Nero being known for his lavish feasts where rose and jasmine oils were poured into fountains and wafted through the air. The Arabian practice of Bakhoor, burning incense and precious wood to perfume clothing and spaces, is another example of the historical use of perfumes.
Over time, the process of extracting oils from flowers through distillation became more common, thanks to the Persian chemist Ibn Sina (Avicenna). This discovery led to the creation of rose water, a more delicate fragrance that quickly gained popularity. The raw ingredients and distillation techniques influenced Western perfumery and scientific advancements, particularly in chemistry.
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Ingredients: Perfumes are made from oils taken from flowers or plants, or synthetic substances
The word "perfume" is derived from the Latin "perfumare", meaning "to smoke through". The art of making perfumes, or perfumery, began in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley civilisation, and possibly Ancient China. Perfumes are made from oils taken from flowers or plants, or synthetic substances.
The process of extracting oils from flowers through distillation was introduced by the Persian chemist Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna. He first experimented with roses, creating a delicate rose water that immediately became popular. This process is still the most commonly used today. Before this discovery, liquid perfumes were mixtures of oil and crushed herbs or petals, which made a strong blend.
There are six methods by which oils are extracted from plants: steam distillation, boiling, solvent extraction, enfleurage, maceration, and expression. In steam distillation, steam passing through the plant material turns the essential oil into gas, which is then passed through tubes, cooled, and liquefied. In the boiling process, oils can be extracted by boiling flower petals in water. In solvent extraction, flowers are placed in large rotating tanks and benzene or petroleum ether is poured over them to extract the essential oils.
In archaic times, perfume makers did not have the ability to manufacture synthetic smells. Ancient civilisations infused body lotions and water with aromatic flowers and different types of wood. They burned incense made of spices, like cinnamon and myrrh, and extracted oil from plants.
Today, synthetic chemicals are used to emulate scents that do not occur in nature or do not produce essential oils. The very first synthetic perfume was made from nitric acid and benzene and called nitrobenzene. It had aromatic top notes of almond and was often used in scented soaps. In 1868, an Englishman named William Perkin created a fragrance that smelled like freshly mown hay by synthesising coumarin, derived from the South American tonka bean.
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Types: Different types of perfumes include eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and cologne
The word "perfume" is derived from the Latin "perfumare", meaning "to smoke through". Perfumes are typically made from natural essences, such as plant extracts, or synthetic compounds, and are designed to emit a pleasant odour.
Perfumes have a high fragrance concentration, typically exceeding 20% oil concentration. This means that they are noticeable and long-lasting, but they are also the most expensive type of fragrance. Perfumes are also available as perfume oils, which are diluted in oil rather than alcohol and are suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Eau de parfum (EDP) is a very common type of fragrance, typically containing 15-20% perfume oil. It is slightly lighter than a parfum but still offers good longevity, generally lasting four to six hours. EDPs are well-balanced between top, middle, and base notes, making them suitable for both day and evening wear.
Eau de toilette (EDT) is another popular type of fragrance, with a concentration of 5-15% (most fall around the 7-12% mark). It is lighter than an eau de parfum and usually lasts about two to four hours on the skin. The term "eau de toilette" comes from the French "faire sa toilette", which means "getting ready".
Eau de cologne (EDC) has the lowest concentration of perfume oil, typically around 2-5%, and is a great option for light, refreshing wear, especially in warmer months. It tends to focus on citrus and aromatic notes. Due to the lower concentration, it doesn't last as long as an eau de parfum or eau de toilette, with a wear time of about one to two hours.
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Application: Perfume is typically applied to pulse points, such as the wrists and neck
The word "perfume" is derived from the Latin word "perfumare", which means "to smoke through". The art of making perfumes, or perfumery, is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley civilisation, and possibly Ancient China. The application of perfume is an important aspect of its use and effect.
Perfume is typically applied to pulse points, such as the wrists and neck. These areas of the body generate heat, which helps to diffuse the fragrance and enhance its projection. The inner wrists and sides of the neck are common pulse points for perfume application, as the warmth of the blood passing through these areas amplifies the scent.
Other pulse points that are suitable for perfume application include the insides of elbows and knees, behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and under the armpits. Applying perfume to these areas allows the fragrance to rise and creates a subtle scent trail. The modern perfume industry encourages layering fragrance so that it is released in different intensities throughout the day.
The concentration of perfume also plays a role in its application. Perfumes with higher concentrations, such as those classified as "parfum", have a stronger scent and last longer on the skin. These perfumes typically have an oil concentration of more than 20%. On the other hand, eau de parfum has an oil concentration of about 15%, while eau de toilette contains around 10% oil.
The type of perfume and its concentration can impact the application method. For example, pure perfume oils are often applied using crystal bottles with a dabber, allowing the user to dab and apply the perfume directly to the skin. Atomisers, on the other hand, are spray pumps commonly used for most perfumes.
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Frequently asked questions
The word "perfume" comes from the Latin word "per fumum", which translates to "through smoke". The art of making and wearing perfume was refined by the Romans and Arabs around 2500 years ago.
There are various types of perfumes, including Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau Fraiche, and cologne. The main difference between these types is the concentration of aromatic compounds or oils, which affects the price and longevity of the fragrance.
Perfume can be a stimulant that boosts your mood, makes you feel confident, and evokes certain memories or associations. For example, citrus perfumes can make you feel energised and refreshed.
It is recommended to use perfume within 3-5 years of opening the bottle. The fragrance may change over time due to the oxidation process, and the older it gets, the more different it may smell.
The scent of perfume can vary depending on individual skin chemistry and lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, or drinking habits. These factors can cause the perfume to smell different on your skin compared to someone else or a scented card.
