‘Perfume’ which is derived from the Latin ‘per fumus’, translates into ‘through smoke’. It is literally through fumes, that the full impact of personal fragrance is felt. (Photo: Thinkstock Images)
Coco Chanel once said, “no elegance is possible without perfume. It is the unseen, ultimate accessory”. And we couldn’t agree more. After all, perfumes are underrated and so is the idea of a signature perfume that serves as a personal scent memory to be cherished by friends and loved ones. ‘Perfume’, whoch comes from the Latin ‘perfumare’, translates into ‘through smoke’.
But getting to the point where you have found the scent for yourself can difficult, thanks to the complications involved. But the best way to zero in on a scent that you feel described yourself best is to: find one that you like. It sounds simple. But as they say in life, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
So here’s what you need to keep in mind while buying your signature perfume.
Various notes in a perfume
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The life cycle of a fragrance is three-timed (think of it as a disappearing pyramid of notes), starting with the top, moving onto the heart, and finally settling with the base notes. (Photo: Thinkstock Images)
The top notes
The top notes (also known as opening or head notes) are the lightest and the first to be recognised and also the first to fade. When you choose a scent, it’s the top note that allures.
The heart notes
The well-rounded middle notes or the core of the scent come in once the top notes fade away and also influence the base notes.
The base notes
These form the final fragrance which lingers and lasts, blending with the core or heart notes to create a full-bodied effect.
Make your perfume last longer with these tricks.
When applied to warm areas of your body such as the neck, inner elbows and behind your knees, lasts longer as the heat aids in diffusing the scent across the entire body. (Photo: Thinkstock Images)
Spray directly after shower: This helps the skin absorb the fragrance better and it lasts longer.
Find the warm spots: Apply it to the neck and inner elbows to make the fragrance last longer as the warmth helps diffuse it.
Avoid rubbing your wrist after spraying perfume: Remember, friction makes the top notes fade quickly.
Maximise staying power with oil: To make it last, layer with essential oils before applying perfume.
Apply Vaseline on your pulse-points: This ointment allows your fragrance to remain longer on your skin.
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