Katrina Rosales
When it comes to smelling fragrances, there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. The wrong way is to pick up a tester bottle, remove the cap and sniff the atomizer. This only gives you a glimpse of the top notes of the fragrance, such as citrus or fruity notes, and doesn't allow you to experience the heart or base notes. It also doesn't allow you to discover how the scent blends with your own body chemistry. The right way is to use scent strips, which are simple, clean, and allow you to smell several fragrances without touching them. You can also spray the scent on your wrist, wait 20 seconds for it to settle, and then bring your wrist to your nose and inhale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Odor molecules travel to | The olfactory bulb in the brain |
| Odor molecules trigger | A cascade of neural activity |
| Different fragrances can | Activate the brain in different ways |
| Different fragrances can | Alter our moods, emotions, and behaviour |
| The chemicals in our bodies | Affect how we perceive scent |
| Skin type, pH levels, and body temperature | Affect absorption levels |
| Individual body chemistry | Causes a fragrance to smell different from one person to another |
| Oil composition, temperature, sweat levels, and diet | Affect how we respond to perfumes |
| Perfume is engineered to have | A three-part smell |
| Top notes | Smelled within the first 15 minutes of applying |
| Heart notes | Appear after 3 to 4 hours |
| Base notes | Stick stubbornly to the skin |
What You'll Learn
How fragrances can affect your health
Fragrances can have a significant impact on our health, and not always a positive one. According to research by the University of Melbourne, one in three people report health problems when exposed to fragranced products. These issues include asthma attacks, hay fever, headaches, migraines, dizziness, breathing problems, rashes, congestion, nausea and seizures.
The impact of fragrances on our health is due to the chemical compounds they contain. For example, the enchanting fragrance of violets comes from ionones, which invade and numb the nasal passages. Jasmine blooms contain indoles, which are also found in human excrement.
Some fragrances can be overwhelming, and it is important not to overdo it when applying perfume or eau de parfum. A tiny spritz of your favourite scent is often enough.
Fragrances can also evoke powerful memories and emotions. The sweet, heady scent of honeysuckle, for instance, is a sure sign that spring has returned and can bring back pleasant memories.
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The chemistry behind fragrances
Smelling fragrances is a complex process that involves the interaction of scent molecules with our olfactory receptors. These receptors are located in the nasal cavity and are responsible for detecting different odours. When we inhale a fragrance, the volatile molecules present in the scent bind to the olfactory receptors, triggering a neural response that allows us to perceive and interpret the smell.
The art of perfumery involves carefully combining these compounds to create unique and pleasing fragrances. Perfumers consider factors such as the intensity, longevity, and harmony of the scent when crafting a fragrance. They may use a variety of techniques, including distillation, extraction, and blending, to isolate and combine the desired aromatic compounds.
Different fragrances can evoke a range of emotions and memories. For example, the scent of vanilla is often associated with warmth and comfort, while citrus fragrances can evoke feelings of freshness and energy. The power of scent is deeply intertwined with our memories, and a particular fragrance can instantly transport us back to a specific moment or place.
Understanding the chemistry behind fragrances allows perfumers to create scents that not only smell appealing but also have the desired intensity, longevity, and emotional impact. While some fragrances may be universally pleasing, individual preferences and associations also play a role in how we perceive and respond to different scents.
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How fragrances can bring back memories
Smelling fragrances can have a powerful effect on the brain, bringing back memories and transporting us to another world. This is because the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for our sense of smell, is located close to the areas of the brain that process emotions and store memories.
When we smell a fragrance, the olfactory bulb sends signals to these areas of the brain, triggering emotions and memories associated with that scent. This is why certain fragrances can evoke such strong emotional responses and bring back vivid memories.
For example, the sweet and intoxicating scent of honeysuckle is often associated with the arrival of spring and can bring back pleasant memories of warmer days. Vanilla, with its soft and sensual aroma, can paint a relaxing mental image when inhaled. Similarly, the scent of lemons can enhance our senses with its bright colour and refreshing fragrance.
On the other hand, some fragrances can have negative associations and trigger unpleasant memories or physical reactions. For instance, about one in three people report health problems when exposed to fragranced products, including asthma attacks, headaches, and nausea.
Whether it evokes pleasant or unpleasant memories, the sense of smell is a powerful tool that can transport us back in time and influence our emotions in a way that no other sense can.
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How much fragrance to use
When it comes to fragrances, less is more. Too much fragrance can be overpowering and even cause health problems for some people, such as asthma attacks, hay fever, headaches, migraines, dizziness, breathing problems, rashes, congestion, nausea and seizures.
A tiny spritz of your favourite fragrance is usually enough. If you're wearing an eau de parfum or huile de parfum, you might want to add a second spritz, but be careful not to overdo it.
If you're using a fragrance to freshen up a space, such as an air freshener or a candle, follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Be mindful that some people may be sensitive to strong fragrances, so it's best to err on the side of caution and use a lighter touch.
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Popular fragrances
For men, popular fragrances include colognes and aftershaves from brands like Dior, Armani, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Some of the top-selling men's fragrances include Dior Homme Intense, Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely, and Le Male Le Parfum by Jean Paul Gaultier. These fragrances offer a range of scents, from fresh and aquatic to woody and spicy.
In addition to these classic brands, there are also niche and independent perfumers that have gained popularity for their unique and artistic fragrances. These perfumers often focus on natural ingredients and complex compositions, creating fragrances that stand out from the mainstream. Some popular niche perfumers include Parfums Genty, Balocchi, and Maison Martin Margiela. Their fragrances offer a more personalised and individual scent experience, appealing to those who seek something unique and special.
Fragrance preferences vary widely, and what may be popular with one person may not be with another. However, some fragrances have achieved widespread acclaim and become classics in the world of perfumery. These iconic scents have stood the test of time and continue to be loved by many, becoming signature scents for generations.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to smell fragrances is to use a scent strip. Without touching your nose, wave the strip under your nose, close your eyes and inhale.
The best way to test a fragrance is to see how it smells on your skin. Spray the scent on your wrist and then let it drop to your side. Wait 20 seconds for the scent to settle on your skin. When it has dried slightly, bring your wrist to your nose and inhale.
The top notes of a fragrance are the initial, sharp scents, such as citrus or fruity notes. The heart and base notes are the deeper, more complex scents that develop over time.
It is important to smell the fragrance on a scent strip first because it gives you a glimpse of the perfume without the scent being altered by your body chemistry.
To train your nose to smell fragrances better, it is important to smell the most basic things around you. For example, if you are at the park, pick up some earth and smell what it is like when it is moist or dry.
